All fast bowlers of this generation aspire to be like Dale Steyn, says Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist, the former Australian wicket-keeper batsman has revealed the names of who he thinks are the best fast bowlers in the world. He has put Dale Steyn on top of the pile and said that fellow countryman Mitchell Starc is also in the top-bracket.

The durability and consistency showed by Steyn have been unmatched in the game, according to the former Aussie batsman. According to him, Dale Steyn should be a benchmark for fast bowlers and hailed the Proteas speedster's "longevity" in the game.

Speaking to cricket.com.au, Gilchrist said: “(Starc) is definitely in that bracket. If he’s not top, then he’s definitely in the top few (fast bowlers in the world). Dale Steyn is just coming back from injury but he’s the class act that all fast bowlers of this generation aspire to be like.

“They aspire to have the results he’s had and the longevity he’s had. I think the greatest test of any champion is longevity. That’s the sign of a champion; that you’re around long enough to be classified as that. Dale’s done that.”

Gilchrist said that English fast bowling pair Stuart Broad and James Anderson are also in the top echelon. Anderson has 463 Test dismissals to his name and is England's leading wicket-taker. Stuart Broad has 358 dismissals in Test cricket while Steyn sits in between the two with 416 wickets.

“Stuart’s Broad’s a guy who just continues to impress me. And his bowling partner Jimmy Anderson, who our (playing) group just caught at the start of his career. I don’t think we held him in as high a regard as what he clearly is now; England’s highest-ever wicket-taker.”

The Australian attacking batsman was dismissed by Anderson in his final Test match against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) but only faced the Brit in three matches during the 2006-07 Ashes.

He also spoke about the upcoming fast bowlers from his nation and said that many are headed in the right direction and will soon feature in the top echelon.

“(There are) a whole lot of names on the Australian list who are really coming through and pushing their case.” Australia will miss the services of Starc, who suffered an injury, as reported earlier, as they take on South Africa in the upcoming Test series.