Greatest Pakistan Test XI of all time

#2 Bowlers

Fazal Mahmood is the forebearer of Pakistan's illustrious and enviable pace legacy

Wasim Akram's illuminating legacy in the game can be discerned from the massive gulf separating him and the next best left-arm fast bowler. With his silken action and natural ability to generate mesmerising swing, he flummoxed countless accomplished batsmen and left the audience in surreal enchantment. The iconic fast bowler picked 414 wickets from 104 Tests at a tremendous average of 23.62 with as many as 25 five-wicket hauls. In addition to his exploits with the ball, he also plundered 2898 runs at an aggressive scoring-rate.

Unbeknownst to the present-day generation, Pakistan owe their enviable pace bowling legacy to the deeds of Fazal Mahmood. By delivering several unforgettable victories during the 1950s, the exalted seamer almost singlehandedly ensured that the then newly formed country went toe to toe with the pre-existing powers. In what was a truly glittering career, he played 34 Tests and collected 139 wickets at an average of 24.70 with 13 five-wicket hauls.

Considering the fact that he has played only 28 Tests thus far, Yasir Shah's inclusion ahead of the revered spinners of yore may raise plenty of eyebrows. While the likes of Abdul Qadir and Mushtaq Ahmed were undeniably masters of their art, the 31-year-old's stifling accuracy can propel him to an even higher pedestal. The dependable leg-spinner, who has been extremely instrumental to every Pakistan victory in recent times, has garnered 165 wickets at an average of 29.44 and strike-rate of 56.2 with 13 five-wicket hauls. In the coming years, plenty more will be added to the tally.

The sight of Waqar Younis steaming in and reversing the ball at scorching pace was one to truly behold. During the initial phase of his career, there was no quicker bowler than him in the global arena. In tandem with Wasim, he tore batting lineups to shreds through well-directed pace. 87 Tests fetched him 373 wickets at an average of 23.56 and stunning strike-rate of 43.4 with 22 five-wicket hauls.