Top 10 fastest bowlers of 2018 in the Test format

Modified Jan 16, 2019 17:11 IST

Bumrah was India's highest wicket-taker in 2018

#6 Lahiru Kumara (Sri Lanka) - Average speed: 137.6 kmph

Lahiru Kumara might not be the highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in 2018 but he was their best pacer. In just six matches, he has 26 wickets to his name, a record much better than the other Sri Lankan pacer Suranga Lakmal's (31 wickets in 12 matches.)

Of the 1241 deliveries that he bowled in 2018, 3.50% were above 145 kmph and 67 % were in the range of 135-145 kmph. His best performance with the ball was against the West Indies at Port of Spain in which he picked up 7 wickets. In spite of him picking up four and three wickets in the first and second innings, Sri Lanka lost the match as the batsmen let down the team.

Innings: 11, Overs: 206.5, Wickets: 26, Average: 28.57, Fastest: 149 kmph

#5 Pat Cummins (Australia) - Average speed: 138.4 kmph

Australia's best fast bowler in 2018, Pat Cummins picked up 44 wickets and was the fourth highest wicket-taker of the year. In addition to the bowling, Cummins has also made many useful contributions with the bat lower down the order. The speedster was consistent with his pace and accuracy and was duly rewarded with wickets.

He bowled his heart out even when his team was down. 83 % of his deliveries during the year were faster than 135 kmph with the fastest one clocking 150 kmph. His best spell was against India at the MCG. India took a huge lead in the first innings but that did not stop Cummins from giving his best. As a result of his initial spell, India finished their second innings at 107-8.

Innings: 16, Overs: 314.1, Wickets: 44, Average: 19.97, Fastest: 150 kmph

#4 Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) - Average speed: 138.8 kmph

Kagiso Rabada, the No.1 Test bowler in the world right now, topped the wicket-taking charts by picking up 52 wickets in 2018. While his fastest delivery of the year recorded 151 kmph, 80.50 % of his deliveries were faster than the 135 kmph mark.

Rabada was one of the most consistent bowlers in 2018 averaging just 20.07. His best performance of the year came against Australia at Port Elizabeth. With his five-wicket haul, he helped South Africa restrict Australia to 243 in the first innings. In the second innings, he went a step further and picked up 6 wickets and was duly awarded the man of the match.

Innings: 20, Overs: 331.1, Wickets: 52, Average: 20.07, Fastest: 151 kmph