5 cricketing nations with the best pace bowling attacks in Test history

Modified May 02, 2023 19:49 IST

South Africa v England - 3rd Test: Day 5 — Michael Holding was part of the West Indies' feared bowling attack

#4 South Africa

The Proteas have been second to none in churning out quality fast bowlers. Neil Adcock was the first fast bowling star from South Africa. Adcock was the first South African quick bowler to take 100 Test wickets. Peter Pollock was their frontline seamer all through the 60’s.

Post their readmission to international cricket in 1991, Allan Donald was the fastest bowler in the world. Nicknamed “White Lighting”, Allan bowled his out-swingers with good pace to trouble the best batsman in the world. He bowled with a wonderful action which was pleasing to the eye. He became South Africa’s main strike weapon in rattling down oppositions on seaming tracks around the world.

Fanie De Villiers bowled with a low slinging action which came naturally to him owing to his expertise at javelin. De Villiers was known as a clever exponent of the slower ball and a master at deception with his change of pace. Early in his career, Donald was also partnered by Richard Snell, Brett Schultz, Craig Matthews and Meyrick Pringle. All-rounder Brian McMillan played his role well as a support bowler with his gentle medium pace.

In the late 90s, Shaun Pollock perfectly complimented Donald’s pace with an immaculate line and length. Pollock came in very close to the crease and bowled a tight line to cramp down the batsman. His relentless accuracy made him Proteas leading wicket taker in Test cricket. Meanwhile, all-rounder Lance Klusener was pretty quick early in his career but eventually became more of a military medium bowler.

In the 2000’s, Makhaya Ntini was the untiring workhorse of the Proteas pace battery. He had great stamina to bowl long spells in Test matches. A spirited character, Ntini always bowled his heart out while representing South Africa.

All-rounder Jacques Kallis was a great first change bowler who lent depth to the Proteas pace attack for almost two decades. The broad-shouldered Kallis swung the ball at decent speeds.

In the last decade, Dale Steyn has arguably been one of the best seam bowler in Test cricket. Steyn is a complete pace bowler with an impressive arsenal in his wide bowling repertoire. The pace ace has the ability to bowl consistent spells and get the bowl to seam by hitting the deck hard. Steyn has formed a successful partnership with Morne Morkel who uses his bounce with pace to great effect in setting up scalps.

Meanwhile, swing bowler Veron Philander has been a potent weapon for the Proteas in their own backyard.

Kagiso Rabada is the most promising of the young South African fast bowlers. Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, and Kyle Abbott have been effective in the one-day format.

Notable Mentions: Andre Nel, Steve Elworthy, Roger Telemachus, Charles Langeveldt, Nantie Hayward, Andrew Hall, Ryan McLaren, Chris Morris

South African Bowlers with 100 or more Test Wickets

Bowler

Matches

Wickets

Shaun Pollock

108

421

Dale Steyn

406

Makhaya Ntini

101