top cricket bowlers of all time

16 Test matches; 54 wickets; 29.79 average; 5 56 BBI; 52.2 strike rate At one stage seen as Allan Donalds successor for South Africa, Nantie Hayward could be a little wayward but still managed to pick up wickets during his short time on the international circuit. With genuine pace, he had incredible potential for greatness but was criticised for seeming unwilling to take on advice from his coaches, as highlighted by Peter Robinson of ESPN Cricinfo. A strike rate of 52.2 hints at what might have been.

43 Test matches; 161 wickets; 24.27 average; 8 57 BBI; 52.2 strike rate Ian Bishop was an enormously promising fast bowler who suffered from more than his fair share of injury problems. It was unfortunate, as the West Indian showed in his limited time in the Test match arena that he was a match for any batsman. With the team in transition in the late 1990s, Bishop gave them plenty of reasons to cheer, although his time at the top was cruelly cut short.

70 Test matches; 355 wickets; 23.92 average; 7 83 BBI; 52 strike rate Coming in at No. 28 comes Dennis Lillee, one of the greatest Australian seam bowlers of all time. Having been a fast bowler with searing pace, Lillee then reduced his speed after injury and used consistency and accuracy instead. He retired as the worlds leading wicket taker in Tests, having been one of the greatest bowlers in the game.

124 Test matches; 563 wickets; 21.64 average; 8 24 BBI; 51.9 strike rate Another great Australian seamer comes into this list at No. 27 as Glenn McGraths years of consistency are rewarded. Managing to maintain a high level of fitness, he was unerringly accurate in his line and length throughout his career. He also had a habit of taking key wickets at vital times, especially the oppositions most dangerous players.

28 Test matches; 93 wickets; 30.90 average; 5 24 BBI; 51.9 strike rate Generally regarded as one of the fastest West Indian seamers of all time, Patrick Patterson was a terrifying proposition for a few short years. He made life very uncomfortable indeed for opposition batsmen in a relatively short space of time, and he was rewarded with a good strike rate just over 50. Unfortunately, he was prone to losing his rhythm, something that brought about his downfall at times.

58 Test matches; 229 wickets; 28.39 average; 6 42 BBI; 51.6 strike rate Englands charismatic paceman Darren Gough follows at No. 25 after a career affected by injuries but one that was pretty successful. A big hearted performer, Gough was often Englands most consistent bowler during the 1990s and early 2000s, and he was a key part of some of their biggest successes. Even more tellingly, he had the ability to take wickets overseas in conditions that were not always helpful, meaning his strike rate is very healthy.

30 Test matches; 101 wickets; 33.15 average; 5 50 BBI; 51.5 strike rate Another to possess a slingshot bowling action, Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga remains a tough bowler to face in limited overs cricket. Sadly, his body could not stand up to the rigours of the five day version, and he retired from Tests having played just 30 games. In the course of those matches, however, he showed himself to be capable of making the red ball move a great deal as he took wickets regularly.

26 Test matches; 100 wickets; 27.04 average; 6 48 BBI; 51.2 strike rate Still going strong in Test cricket, West Indies seamer Kemar Roach may well move up this list in the coming years if he can keep his place in the team. He may not be the tallest, but he has good pace and the ability to make the ball skid on tremendously. If he can remain consistent in a team that always seems to be in transition, he should remain a potent force.

60 Test matches; 249 wickets; 23.68 average; 8 92 BBI; 50.9 strike rate Known as

86 Test matches; 431 wickets; 22.29 average; 9 52 BBI; 50.8 strike rate The first cricketer to be knighted while still playing the game, Richard Hadlee was New Zealands premier fast bowler for almost two decades. Having begun his career as a very quick bowler, Hadlee shortened his run up and became a seamer who used swing and seam movement to his advantage. His ability to bowl well on any surface even those lacking any pace or bounce whatsoever served him well and ensured his strike rate remained low.