Top 5 Greatest Test Cricket bowlers of all time

The debate about who the five greatest Test bowlers of all time can be an unending one. That's because greatness is not determined by sheer statistics alone. In fact, to be called a great, a bowler needs to have demonstrated the ability to be dominant over great batting line-ups in all types of conditions, put up consistent performances over a long period of time, and possess that x-factor that terrifies batsmen every time he marks his run-up to bowl.

All of this subjective evaluation simply puts a bowler's career record in perspective. It eliminates the need to conclude that a bowler with an average of 22.5 is necessarily greater than one with an average of 23.

So, there is a pool of players who merit being called among the greatest. One can debate which one is greater than the other but very few can argue against their place in the halls of greatness. Let's now look at the five greatest Test bowlers of all time and analyze the reasons why they deserve to be on such a high pedestal.

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#5 Richard Hadlee

Richard Hadlee

Hadlee is synonymous with New Zealand's rise to relevancy as a competitive cricketing nation. While his early years were relatively unremarkable, his single-handed exploits in dismantling formidable batting line-ups of top teams helped establish his credentials as a one man-wrecker.

Remarkably, he was dominant over opponents despite being part of a fairly unimpressive bowling line-up. His incredible performance against Australia in back to back home and away series wins is one such highlight that remains etched in every New Zealand fan's mind.

His 9 for 52 remains the best bowling figures on Australian soil. He topped that performance by adding six more wickets in the second innings. It's not a stretch to suggest that Australia have never been rocked like Hadlee rocked them on home soil.

In addition, Hadlee engineered an even more unlikely win against India in India in the Mumbai Test. Hadlee was the first bowler to surpass the 400 wickets mark in history. His career average of just over 22 is a testament to this great fast bowler's achievements. Without a doubt, Richard Hadlee is one of the greatest Test bowlers of all time and merits the #5 spot on our list of the greatest bowlers of all time.

#4 Muttiah Muralitharan

Chairman's XI v Sri Lanka - Day 2

In an eventful eighteen year career, Murali's story is one of resilience. His dominance over opposing batsmen was almost magical. In fact, his exploits were so incredible that a threatened section of the cricketing fraternity began throwing aspersions on his achievements by questioning the legitimacy of his bowling action.

He was controversially reported for having an illegal action and was taunted and harassed by detractors for being a "chucker." But, nothing broke this remarkable little giant's resolve. His laser-like focus remained intact and his march toward greatness continued.

His 800 career Test wickets at an average of 22.7 remains a record to this day. No one gave this remarkable man from a tiny island a chance to be a world beater. He beat all the odds and emerged as the greatest spin bowler of all time and merits the #4 spot on our list.

#3 Glen McGrath

Photo Call Ahead Of Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

Glen McGrath was not that fiery fast bowler whose pace rattled opposing batsmen. He wasn't a wily, artful spinner that mesmerized batsmen either. He was simply a medium-fast bowler whose bowling speed clocked around the 135 kph mark.

Yet, he was the epitome of discipline. His ability to find a weakness in the opposing batsman's mental prowess and then to systematically exploit that weakness with his accurate bowling was what he was renowned for. McGrath proved that the most effective bowler is one that has the ability to consistently bowl the right length and line in any condition.

McGrath's strategy almost always included bowling just outside the off-stump in the corridor of uncertainty. He tested the patience of great batsmen and his epic battles against Tendulkar are well documented.

His career record of 563 wickets at an average of just over 21 is even more remarkable when you consider that he was simply a medium-fast bowler with no other tools except accuracy and swing. Glen McGrath's knack for picking up wickets and harassing batsmen is legendary. For that, he retains the #3 spot in our list.

#2 Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram

Akram was a prodigy of Imran Khan. So, the expectations from him were always high. Of course, it helps that he was another brilliant talent that emerged from a nation renowned for producing world-class pacers.

Remarkably, his average in the sub-continent is better than his career average. In a career that spanned over 19 years, Akram picked up 414 wickets at an average of 23.6. Akram was a master of both conventional and reverse swing. All-time greats like Tendulkar, Gooch, and Laxman are among Akram's greatest admirers and are on record declaring him as the most difficult bowler they faced.

Along with Waqar Yunus, Akram formed the most lethal opening bowling combinations. His ability to exploit the conditions both with the new and old ball made him so special. To emerge as the best bowler from a country that has produced greats like Imran Khan, Waqar Yunus, and Shoaib Akhtar speaks volumes of Akram's exploits with the ball. There is no debate about the greatness of this leftie. In our list, he is at #2 among the greatest Test bowlers of all time.

#1 Malcolm Marshall

The Greatest of All Time!

Like Akram, Marshall was an all-surface bowler. At 5'10" few expected him to be the pre-eminent fast bowler of all time. But he proved his detractors wrong. Marshall was known to bowl ferociously and his bouncers were legendary.

As part of the renowned West Indies quartet including Joel Garner, Andy Roberts, and Michael Holding, Marshall was the fastest and most successful. He was the only fast bowler who even rattled Sunil Gavaskar. Marshall's special performance on the dead Kanpur pitch to bag India's top five batsmen cheaply is a special effort that brought his incredible abilities to the attention of cricket watchers.

His exceptional Test bowling average of 20.94 is the best of anyone who's claimed more than 200 wickets. He could be remembered for any number of performances but what he stands out for is his overall dominance, over opposing batsmen, that he maintained throughout his playing career. For that reason, he is unquestionably our choice for the greatest Test bowler of all time!