top cricket bowlers of all time

104 Test matches; 414 wickets; 23.62 average; 7 119 BBI; 54.6 strike rate Left armer Wasim Akram follows at No. 40 after a stellar career in which he was a dominant force for Pakistan for well over a decade. Capable of generating enormous swing with the new or old ball, he did so at tremendous pace and was constantly experimenting with new ways to make his deliveries move. He will almost certainly be remembered as one of the best left arm seam bowlers of all time, if not the best.

98 Test matches; 405 wickets; 20.99 average; 8 45 BBI; 54.5 strike rate Another tremendous bowler follows at No. 39, as West Indian Curtly Ambrose takes his place in this list. Incredibly consistent on any surface, Ambrose exploited the

44 Test matches; 208 wickets; 29.02 average; 8 108 BBI; 54 strike rate An Australian leg spinner, Stuart MacGill spent his career in the shadow of another notable leg spinner from the same country, Shane Warne. However, in his rare opportunities on the field, MacGill showed he was a superb replacement who may have been first choice under different circumstances. Prolific in state cricket, he was unfortunate to spend much of his time behind Warne, especially as he generated incredible turn on even the most placid pitches. A strike rate of 54 is incredibly healthy for a man long regarded as a reserve.

88 Test matches; 362 wickets; 22.81 average; 8 58 BBI; 53.7 strike rate One of Pakistans greatest ever all rounders, Imran Khan was a joyous bowler to watch with the enormous leap at the end of his delivery stride. Based on figures alone, he was the best all rounder in the world during the 1980s as he helped lead Pakistan to the top of international cricket. Not only that, he did not find his performances suffered due to the strains of captaincy, even as injuries took their toll toward the end of his career.

62 Test matches; 218 wickets; 29.40 average; 7 27 BBI; 53.6 strike rate Chris Cairns was an excellent all rounder who struggled a little with injury throughout his career. When he was on song, his bowling and batting were both of a high standard, and with the ball he would seemingly always find a way to chip in with wickets. It is unfortunate that he had fitness battles throughout his career, as his strike rate would almost certainly have been much higher.

101 Test matches; 390 wickets; 28.82 average; 7 37 BBI; 53.4 strike rate A South African superstar, Makhaya Ntini was a key component of the Proteas bowling attack as they became a world power. Perhaps not as quick as others, he instead was reliant on an incredible consistency and work ethic that stood him in good stead even on the most lifeless pitches. His career may have come to a sad end but having played 100 Test matches and taken almost 400 wickets, his place in South Africas cricketing history is secure.

90 Test matches; 325 wickets; 25.20 average; 8 43 BBI; 53.4 strike rate At No. 34 comes former England captain Bob Willis, a seam bowler who bowled with incredible pace despite a number of injury issues. Most famous for his 8 43 against Australia in 1981 at Headingley, Willis willed himself to a long career that saw him pass 300 wickets and cause problems for all batsmen.

76 Test matches; 310 wickets; 30.81 average; 5 30 BBI; 53.3 strike rate At one stage one of the fastest bowlers in the world, Brett Lee of Australia used that pace to great effect in his Test career. Many found themselves simply unable to cope with his searing speed, especially when coupled with a bouncer capable of unsettling anyone. In addition, Lee also managed to swing the ball at times, making him a lethal bowler to face with the new or older ball. He may have been overshadowed a little by his team mates, but he was definitely successful.

14 Test matches; 64 wickets; 26.06 average; 5 59 BBI; 53.1 strike rate A very fast bowler, Len Pascoe promised much and began to deliver on that potential in 14 Tests for Australia. Unfortunately, he chose to defect to World Series Cricket in a decision that affected his international career. However, while on the field for Australia, he struck fear into opposition batsmen.

51 Test matches; 200 wickets; 28.00 average; 6 46 BBI; 52.6 strike rate One of Australias original speed demons in the games modern era, Jeff Thomson had an action like a slingshot and propelled the ball forward at a terrifying rate. He and Dennis Lillee tormented England in their traumatic Ashes tour of 1974 75, with Thomson rewarded with 33 wickets in a dominant display. Unfortunately, his unorthodox action put immense strain on his body and he came down with injuries regularly, but he was definitely a brilliant seam bowler.