Choosing the best fast bowlers in cricket history? That’s a challenge — and a joy — that I, David Lloyd, recently took on.
At first, I rattled off my list of 15 names in less than two minutes.
Then I paused… and started second-guessing myself.
Big names like Courtney Walsh, Stuart Broad, Richard Hadlee, and Bob Willis didn’t even make the cut — not because they weren’t great, but because this list is based purely on my personal experience.
These are the bowlers I’ve either played against or watched closely over the years, and who, in my view, left an unforgettable mark.
No. 15 – Sylvester Clarke (West Indies)
You might not expect Clarke here, considering he only played 11 Tests — but trust me, he was electric. For Surrey, he was a force of nature.
His pace came out of nowhere, and he bowled in batting boots, which was odd but unforgettable.
He wasn’t big on fielding or pleasantries — he just wanted to get batsmen out and get off the field. Quiet off it, a nightmare on it.
No. 14 – Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)
The “Rawalpindi Express” was speed personified, with a bit of playboy energy.
When he was fit and firing, he could scare any batsman.
Shoaib’s reputation for hitting 100mph made headlines, even if Fred Trueman might have had a word or two about that.
In his prime, he caused sleepless nights for batters around the world.
No. 13 – Allan Donald (South Africa)
“White Lightning” was pure menace with the ball.
He didn’t talk much… until you gave him a red or white ball.
His battles with Michael Atherton were legendary.
Off the field, Donald was a great bloke who enjoyed a pint — and once famously said he was aiming for 1,000 pints in a season at Warwickshire!
No. 12 – Michael Holding (West Indies)
Smooth, silent, and savage. “Whispering Death” wasn’t just fast — he was beautiful to watch.
A former sprinter, his run-up was like a dancer gliding across a stage.
A true gentleman and a fierce defender of Test cricket.
No. 11 – Curtly Ambrose (West Indies)
Precision was Curtly’s game. He lived on the off stump and made batsmen play every ball.
Alongside Courtney Walsh, he formed one of the most intimidating fast bowling duos in the game’s history.
He didn’t say much — but when he turned it on, you knew it.
No. 10 – Dale Steyn (South Africa)
With those wild eyes and mid-90s speed, Steyn wasn’t just fast — he was terrifying.
He could swing it at high pace and looked like a horror movie villain when charging in.
His record speaks for itself. Oh, and yes, Kagiso Rabada was close — just missed out.
No. 9 – Waqar Younis (Pakistan)
The master of reverse swing. Waqar’s late, dipping yorkers were pure filth.
That slingy action made the ball zip in and crush toes.
Together with Wasim Akram, they were every batsman’s worst nightmare. A double act you didn’t want to face.
No. 8 – Andy Roberts (West Indies)
Before Holding, Garner or Marshall, there was Andy Roberts — the original fast bowling craftsman of the Caribbean.
He could hide the shiny side of the ball, flipping it mid-action to swing the other way.
A genius trickster and a respected elder statesman in West Indies pace history.
No. 7 – Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Relentless. Accurate. Mean. McGrath hit the same length over and over, and the bounce made him lethal.
He wasn’t a huge mover of the ball, but you just couldn’t settle against him. Off the field? One of the nicest guys around. On the field? Pure aggression.
No. 6 – Jimmy Anderson (England)
Is Jimmy fast? Fast enough. He’s not about intimidation — it’s about subtle mastery.
That perfect length, late swing, and deceptive pace have brought him over 700 Test wickets. And he’s still going.
You get the feeling he could bowl into his 60s!
No. 5 – Jasprit Bumrah (India)
A modern marvel. His quirky run-up hides the fact that he regularly bowls 90mph with serious movement.
And he’s doing it on flatter pitches most of the time.
Already a giant in the game, and still going strong. Also — just a top, humble guy.
No. 4 – Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
A left-arm legend. When I coached him at Lancashire, I saw firsthand how he could move the ball both ways with ease.
Wasim had presence, skill, and swagger. He was known as “King” in the dressing room — and rightly so.
No. 3 – Malcolm Marshall (West Indies)
This man was an artist. Unlike many who relied on brute force, Marshall used angles, variation, and smarts.
He could crank it up or take it down a gear depending on the pitch. A complete cricketer who could bat, bowl, and think his way through any innings.
No. 2 – Dennis Lillee (Australia)
With a smooth action and serious heat, Lillee led one of the greatest fast bowling attacks ever. Injuries couldn’t stop him.
He bounced back stronger every time. And when India wanted to find quick bowlers, guess who they called? That says it all.
No. 1 – Fred Trueman (England)
Fred is my top pick — and not just for nostalgia. He was a trailblazer.
First to take 300 Test wickets, and he did it when cricket was brutal and batsmen had fewer protections.
Missed 60 Tests because he “spoke his mind” — which makes him even more my type of guy. Fast, fiery, and fiercely Yorkshire.