Ranking top three most feared bowlers in Test history

Test cricket has a different flavour that diehard cricket fans cannot resist. Even though we have shorter formats of the game right now that showcase power hitting to the fullest, it is still no match to the mind games on offer during an intense 5-Day Test. Unlike the shorter formats where the game centers more on batters, Tests give bowlers their due respect. As such, the game’s longest version has seen some bowlers develop into feared figures on the pitch. 

Here are the three most feared bowlers in Test Cricket history. 

3. Dennis Lillee, Australia

Dennis Lillee, regarded by many as “the complete fast bowler,” served as the pivot of Australia’s pace attack for over a decade. He attracted a scary status worldwide, thanks to a combination of skill, showmanship, a copybook action, and pure hard work. 

He was the kind of player captains could count on to bowl “one more over” at the end of a lengthy stint and the kind who frequently made breakthroughs when success seemed improbable. Lillee paid back their faith in him with interest.  With 355 dismissals from just 70 games, Lillee surpassed Lance Gibbs‘ previous record of 309 Test wickets, confirming his place among the all-time greats. He has maintained a high profile since his retirement through his dedication to training future generations of fast bowlers.

2. Malcolm Marshall, West Indies

Malcolm Marshall was one of the greatest pacers of all time. He passed away from cancer on November 4, 1999, at the age of 41. Marshall was the best batsman among the West Indian pacer and came closer than any other recent West Indian to being an all-rounder of the calibre of Garry Sobers. Marshall stood out even in the formidable line-up of West Indies, whose speed and ferocity dominated world cricket for the last quarter of the 20th century.  He also allied sheer pace to consistent excellence for longer than anyone else and was relentlessly professional and determined. Even though batters feared him to their core, he was incredibly well-liked by his peers. With a career wicket tally of 376 runs, Marshall will always be remembered among the scariest pacers with the cherry.

1. Dale Steyn, South Africa

Dale Steyn is the most feared South African fast bowler with his frightening eyes, pulsing veins, and his cold yet iconic chainsaw celebration. He may be the best player in the history of the nation, thanks to his rapid pace, ability to swing the ball both ways, and accuracy. 

Steyn had a lean, wiry build, a blazing run-up that ended with an aerodynamic motion, and a ripper of an outswinger when he was at his best, making him the most feared bowler with the cherry. With 439 career Test wickets and the best bowling figures of 7/51, Steyn has a place in the all-time pace bowling greats in the game’s longest format.