Ranking three most successful left-arm fast bowlers in Test cricket

Left-arm fast bowlers are rare in international cricket as compared to right-farmers, but having a world-class left-arm pacer is an absolute boon for any team as they can destroy any batting line-up when they are in absolute form. The left-handers are skilled at swinging deliveries and also can add diversity to their attack. That’s the main reason why we’ve seen right-handed batters struggle over the years while left-arm quick bowlers swing the ball into them.

We have seen some of the best left-arm fast bowlers dominate the game, irrespective of the format and irrespective of the tournament. Moreover, there are some lefties who have become a nightmare for opponents with their devastating bouncers and swinging deliveries.

Here are the top three most successful left-arm fast bowlers in Test cricket:

1. Wasim Akram

The King of swing bowling Wasim Akram is widely regarded as the greatest left-arm bowler in the history of the game. With his reverse swing, seam, bouncer and deadly yorkers, the former Pakistan speedster has dominated the opposition in both Test cricket and ODIs for years. He currently holds the world record for most wickets (881) in List-A cricket. The 56-year-old, who took 414 wickets in 104 Test matches, has also led his national side.

 

2. Alan Davidson

The former Australian left-arm bowler Alan Davidson is one of the few bowlers to have taken more than 100 Test wickets at an average of more than 20. Davidson played in the 1950s and 1960s and is regarded as one of the best left-arm pacers in the history of cricket. He used to fool the batter with a strong-late swing and a good bouncer and was best in the business with the new ball.

 

3. Mitchell Johnson

Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson’s quick-fire has not only been confined to the longer format of the game but also the shorter formats. One of the best left-arm pacers of his time, Johnson was the fastest bowler to take 150 Test wickets. He has always been a crowd favourite as his rapid pace and aggression spiced up the competition. Johnson has taken 313 wickets in his 73 Test match appearances at an average of 28.41.