These fast bowlers are the ones who dominated the 90s. They troubled batsmen with pace, seam, swing, and skill. Any batsman during those times will admit that facing either of these 3 was a nightmare. Who was a better bowler from Wasim Akram, Allan Donald, and Javagal.
Let’s take a look at each of them individually before deciding who is the best:
#3 Javagal Srinath:
Javagal Srinath was the lone warrior for India in the 90s. He picked 236 wickets in 67 Tests at an average of 30.5. Srinath’s ODI numbers read much better (315 wickets @28.1 in 229 games). Srinath often just had Anil Kumble to partner in the 90’s. But Kumble too had a bleak record in overseas during the ’90s. Srinath had to shoulder much of the burden on unresponsive Indian tracks. He was good and at times even dangerous but lack of support really put him down. His stats aren’t outstanding but the fact remains that since Srinath didn’t have a fast-bowling partner at the other end. All his efforts never really translated into great numbers.
#2 Allan Donald:
Allan Donald was known as the ‘White Lightning’. His action was a fans’ delight. Donald was unplayable on his day. He often targeted the best batsmen of the opposition. His battles against Michael Atherton were legendary. Donald was a genuine quick bowler who left not just physical scars but mental ones as well on the batsmen. He picked 330 wickets in 72 Tests @22.2. Donald’s numbers in ODI were even more insane. He picked 272 wickets in 164 games @21.8. There wasn’t a better sight in cricket than watch Donald bowl. But sadly the cricket world remembers him for the infamous run-out in the 1999 World Cup semi-finals.
#1 Wasim Akram:
The ’Sultan of Swing’ Wasim Akram was a magician. He was probably (and even now) the only left-arm fast bowler who swung the ball both ways with both new and the old ball. Akram taught the world the art of reverse swing. His skill, his pace, his deception separated him not just from the above two in question. But Akram was way ahead of anyone in the pack at that time. He picked 502 ODI wickets (@23.5) and 414 Test wickets (@23.6). Akram was by far the better bowler as compared to the other two.
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