Best Bowler: The 21st century has seen an extraordinary evolution in the game of cricket. The art of bowling has transformed, with various bowlers from around the world leaving their indelible mark on the game. Since 2000, we’ve seen an incredible array of fast bowlers, spinners, and all-rounders who have taken the art of bowling to new heights. In this article, we will explore the best bowlers post-2000, analyzing their performances and accomplishments across formats to determine who stands out as the finest bowler of the modern era.
Criteria for the Best Bowler
To determine who the best bowler is, we need to consider several factors:
- Consistency Across Formats: Test, ODI, and T20 performances.
- Impact in Crucial Matches: Delivering match-winning performances in high-pressure situations.
- Longevity: How long the bowler maintained elite standards.
- Skill Set: The variety in a bowler’s arsenal (pace, swing, spin, etc.) and adaptability to different conditions.
- Statistical Performance: Wickets taken, averages, strike rates, and economy rates.
Leading Bowlers Post-2000
The following table provides an overview of the most successful and impactful bowlers since the year 2000:
| Bowler | Country | Format | Total Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Bowling Figures | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | Test, ODI, T20I | 1,347 (all formats) | 22.72 | 9/51 (Test) | 1992-2010 |
| Shane Warne | Australia | Test, ODI | 1,001 (all formats) | 25.41 | 8/71 (Test) | 1992-2007 |
| Dale Steyn | South Africa | Test, ODI, T20I | 699 (all formats) | 22.95 | 7/51 (Test) | 2004-2019 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | Test, ODI | 1,000+ (all formats) | 32.65 | 7/24 (Test) | 1996-2014 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | India | Test, ODI | 712 (all formats) | 24.56 | 7/103 (Test) | 2010-Present |
| Mitchell Johnson | Australia | Test, ODI | 559 (all formats) | 28.40 | 8/61 (Test) | 2005-2015 |
| Jimmy Anderson | England | Test, ODI | 1,181 (all formats) | 26.29 | 7/43 (Test) | 2003-Present |
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | ODI, T20I | 574 (all formats) | 28.40 | 6/35 (ODI) | 2004-2019 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan | Test, ODI | 496 (all formats) | 29.83 | 6/10 (Test) | 1995-2004 |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | T20I, ODI, Test | 400+ (all formats) | 20.47 | 5/3 (ODI) | 2015-Present |
The Dominance of Muttiah Muralitharan
Muralitharan holds the record for the most wickets in both Test and One-Day Internationals, with a staggering 1,347 wickets across formats. His ability to consistently perform across all formats, combined with his longevity (spanning nearly two decades), makes him a strong contender for the title of the best bowler after 2000.
Key Stats:
- Total Wickets: 1,347
- Best Bowling: 9/51 (Test)
- Bowling Average: 22.72
- Test Wickets: 800+
Muralitharan’s versatility and ability to adapt to different conditions (both spin-friendly and pace-heavy pitches) were key in cementing his place at the top of world cricket. His bowling action, despite being controversial, was highly effective in deceiving batsmen, making him a constant threat throughout his career.
The Rise of Dale Steyn
South Africa’s Dale Steyn emerged as a premier fast bowler in the post-2000 era, known for his sheer pace, movement, and ability to break partnerships. He is widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers of all time, especially in Test cricket.
Dale Steyn played a major role in South Africa’s dominance during the 2000s and 2010s. His remarkable ability to bowl with both precision and aggression earned him consistent success across all formats, making him one of the most feared bowlers of his generation.
Key Stats:
- Total Wickets: 699
- Best Bowling: 7/51 (Test)
- Bowling Average: 22.95
- Test Wickets: 439+
Shane Warne’s Legacy
Although Shane Warne retired in 2007, his impact on world cricket extended well into the 2000s. The Australian leg-spinner, known for his mastery of the ball and unparalleled control over spin, was a crucial figure for Australia during their golden era. His precision, wit, and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments made him one of the best bowlers after 2000.
Key Stats:
- Total Wickets: 1,001
- Best Bowling: 8/71 (Test)
- Bowling Average: 25.41
- Test Wickets: 708
Warne’s bowling was a blend of creativity, guile, and supreme confidence. He could turn the ball sharply on any surface, and his intelligence in setting up batsmen made him an incredibly potent weapon.
The Modern-Day Maestros
Since the 2010s, we’ve witnessed the rise of a new generation of bowlers who have carved out a place for themselves in cricketing history. Among them, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mitchell Johnson, and Jimmy Anderson have been consistently performing at the highest level.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Key Stats:
- Total Wickets: 712
- Best Bowling: 7/103 (Test)
- Bowling Average: 24.56
- Test Wickets: 413+
His adaptability across all formats, particularly in Test matches, has made him indispensable to India. Ashwin’s ability to outthink batsmen and his accuracy in execution put him on par with the greats of the game.
Jimmy Anderson
James Anderson, the English fast bowler, has become the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket history. With his exceptional swing bowling, particularly in English conditions, Anderson has consistently been a key player for England.
Key Stats:
- Total Wickets: 1,181
- Best Bowling: 7/43 (Test)
- Bowling Average: 26.29
- Test Wickets: 600+
His ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl long spells in all conditions has made him one of the most respected bowlers in modern cricket.
Who is the Best Bowler?
- Muttiah Muralitharan – The highest wicket-taker across formats, his skill and consistency make him the best.
- Dale Steyn – A lethal fast bowler who dominated in all conditions, especially in Test cricket.
- Shane Warne – Arguably the greatest leg-spinner, who mesmerized the cricketing world.
- Jimmy Anderson – The best fast bowler in the modern era, with a career spanning over 15 years.
- Ravichandran Ashwin – A modern-day genius with multiple records in Test cricket.
In conclusion, while there have been numerous legendary bowlers post-2000, Muttiah Muralitharan stands out as the greatest bowler of the modern era, not just for his records but also for the sheer impact he had across all formats of the game.
