Top 5 fiercest fast bowlers in world cricket at the moment

3. Morne Morkel

Morne Morkel

Often, Morkel’s contribution goes unnoticed with the main show being run by either Steyn or Vernon Philander at the other end. But, without any doubt, Morkel is also a pretty nasty customer to face. Due to his height, he generates uncomfortable bounce from the most docile of pitches.

What Morkel does is that he compliments Steyn wonderfully. He’s got the physique to generate the bounce, and that can be unsettling for the best of batsmen. On more than one occasion, it has been Morkel who’s taken that one important wicket taht opened the floodgates for Steyn to destroy the opposition.

177 wickets in 51 tests and 121 wickets in 71 ODIs. Not bad for someone whose main role has been to support Steyn, is it?

4. Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad

Like Johnson, another one who has gone through ups and downs in his career. None more so, than in the summer of 2011 when his place in the side was under severe threat for the visit of India. But, the selectors stuck with him, and he rewarded them with a Man Of The Series performance in a 4-0 drubbing of the Men In Blue.

Broad has always been the man for the big occasion. In 2009, in the decisive 5th Ashes test at The Oval, Australia were cruising along at 100 odd for the loss of one wicket in reply to England’s 332. Broad delivered a devastating spell of 5-37 to ensure Australia were bowled out for 160, and that went a long way in ensuring that England regained the Ashes

5. Mohammad Irfan

Mohammad Irfan

Maybe the most unpopular choice on this list. But, when you are a fast bowler, and over 7 feet tall, you do strike some fear in batsmen’s heads. Irfan has had a great start to his international career, albeit at the age of 30, and he’s answered questions about whether he can handle the workload by delivering 30+ overs in test innings in the heat of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

When you’re that tall, you’ll obviously generate a lot of bounce, but Irfan also has the ability to swing the ball and has great control over his line and length. He also possesses a mean yorker, one that is really hard to play purely because it comes from such a height that it becomes difficult to pick.

If Irfan can keep fit and ensure he can withstand the rigours of test cricket, he might well be another of those from the factory of fearsome fast bowlers produced in Pakistan.