5 most devastating fast-bowling spells in Test cricket

#4 England run into a raging Mitchell Johnson, Adelaide, 2013

Mitchell Johnson

The 2013-14 Ashes in Australia was a series that was defined by Mitchell Johnson and his intimidating bowling that broke England. He took 37 wickets in the series and it was his terrifying spell during England's first innings at Adelaide that outlined his performance that year. It was a throwback to the era of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson when batsmen went back to the pavilion shell-shocked.

Johnson's bowling was designed to intimidate and his use of the bouncer in that spell (and throughout the series) made for exhilarating viewing. Even the tailenders weren't spared and many of them simply gave up.

After taking Alastair Cook's wicket with an outstanding delivery early on, Johnson returned after lunch to finish off England's middle and lower orders. He took 5 wickets in the space of 3 overs, including 3 in one over and 2 in another.

Johnson finished with 7-40 as England collapsed to 172 all out. It remains one of the greatest spells of fast bowling that has ever been witnessed in Test cricket.