Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has placed Jasprit Bumrah among his 10 greatest Test bowlers, giving the Indian pace spearhead a stunning No. 3 position. Broad’s ranking puts Bumrah ahead of several legendary names who dominated Test cricket across different eras. Broad’s list was based on the bowlers who had the biggest influence on his own cricket career. Former England teammate James Anderson occupies the top spot, while Australian great Glenn McGrath is ranked second.
Bumrah’s third position has generated plenty of discussion, particularly because the Indian pacer is still in the middle of his Test career. The list features some of the most celebrated fast bowlers in cricket history.
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10. Mitchell Johnson – Australia
Former Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson starts Broad’s list at No. 10. He finished his Test career with 313 wickets from 73 matches at an average of 28.40. Johnson also claimed 12 five-wicket hauls and was renowned for his express pace and aggressive approach.
9. Richard Hadlee – New Zealand
New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee is ranked ninth. The former all-rounder took 431 wickets in 86 Tests at an exceptional average of 22.29. Hadlee remains one of the greatest cricketers produced by New Zealand and was a dominant force with the ball.
8. Pat Cummins – Australia
Current Australia captain Pat Cummins occupies the eighth position. Cummins has taken 322 wickets in 74 Tests at an average below 22, underlining his consistency and effectiveness at the highest level.
7. Wasim Akram – Pakistan
Pakistan icon Wasim Akram is seventh on Broad’s list. One of the finest left-arm fast bowlers ever, Akram claimed 414 wickets in 104 Tests at an average of 23.62. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him a nightmare for batters.
6. Dale Steyn – South Africa
Dale Steyn, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous fast bowlers of his generation, is ranked sixth. He collected 439 wickets in 93 Tests at an average of 22.95, including 26 five-wicket hauls.
5. Curtly Ambrose – West Indies
West Indies great Curtly Ambrose is fifth. Standing 6-foot-7, Ambrose combined frightening pace with remarkable accuracy and an intimidating presence. He finished with 405 Test wickets at an outstanding average of 20.99.
4. Shaun Pollock – South Africa
South African legend Shaun Pollock takes fourth place. Pollock claimed 421 Test wickets at an average of 23.11 and built his reputation around accuracy, discipline, control and relentless consistency.
3. Jasprit Bumrah – India
Bumrah’s No. 3 ranking is arguably the biggest talking point. Despite still having plenty of cricket ahead of him, the Indian pacer has already taken 234 wickets in 52 Tests at an extraordinary average of 19.79. Bumrah’s unusual run-up and unique action have made him one of the hardest bowlers to read. He can swing the ball both ways, generate bounce, attack the stumps, extract seam movement and maintain serious pace.
Broad has been particularly impressed by Bumrah’s record despite the pacer regularly playing Test cricket in India, where conditions do not always favour fast bowling.
“He’s still in the middle of his career and doing phenomenal things. But it’s hard for me to think that I’ll see a better bowler than him,” Broad said on the Sky Sports YouTube channel. He also highlighted Bumrah’s complete skill set, saying the Indian pacer has an incredible outswinger, inswinger, bounce, pace and ability to move the ball off the seam. “Bumrah is the complete package, and he’s done it his own way. He has not followed the textbook or been moulded into something. He is the natural flow of a bowler,” Broad added.
2. Glenn McGrath – Australia
Glenn McGrath is ranked second. The Australian legend finished with 563 wickets in 124 Tests at an average of 21.64. His pinpoint accuracy and ability to repeatedly hit the right areas made him one of the most difficult bowlers of his generation.
1. James Anderson – England
Broad reserved the top spot for his former England teammate James Anderson. Anderson ended his remarkable Test career with 704 wickets at an average of 26.45, establishing himself as one of international cricket’s greatest-ever fast bowlers.
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Broad’s ranking ultimately reflects just how highly he rates Bumrah. With his career still ongoing, the Indian speedster has already earned recognition from one of England’s greatest-ever Test bowlers and could potentially climb even higher before his career comes to an end.
