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In the cricket world, fast bowlers who can dominate in Australian conditions are revered for their skill, adaptability and pace. Former Australian fast bowler Damian Fleming He recently shared his thoughts on who he considers the five best foreign fast bowlers to have toured Australia. His picks highlight both historical greats and contemporary stars, reflecting the evolution of pace bowling on one of cricket’s toughest fields.
Damien Fleming’s Top 5 Touring Fast Bowlers of All Time in Australia
5. Malcolm Marshall: The complete fast bowler
Gillespie’s fifth pick in terms of Australia’s best fast bowlers was none other than West Indies legend Marshall. Combining pace with tactical acumen, Marshall is arguably the greatest fast bowler of all time. During the 1981-82 series, he took 33 wickets at an astonishing average of 18.84. Fleming admired Marshall’s ability to bowl bouncers with accuracy, his outswingers and his mastery of the reverse swing, all of which made him a nightmare for Australian batsmen.
“Malcolm Marshall number 5. 10 Tests, 45 wickets. Dominoes 1984-85. He played the 1988-89 series. Accurate and absolute pistol Malcom Marshall”, Fleming said in a video shared on X.
4. Michael Holding – Whispering Death
“Whispering Death” was the nickname given to Holding for his silent run followed by a devastating beat. His tour in 1975-76 saw him take 24 wickets, helping the West Indies clinch the series. Fleming highlights Holding’s graceful action and the way he could bowl long spells without losing speed, making him a standout in Australian conditions.
“He is another Antillean, he is Michael Holding. 1975/76, I didn’t watch that series, it was raw after that average of 17 on the ball. 1979, 80, 81, 82 where he was probably with Dennis Lillee the best fast bowlers of those series and in 1984, 85, he complemented Garner (Joel Garner), Marshall and a young Courtney Walsh, whispering death they called him, beautiful long career, great pace, great precision, fearsome bouncer, also outswinger, so number 4 Mikey Holding”, Fleming said.
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3. Curtly Ambrose – The Silent Killer
Ambrose’s tour of Australia in 1992-93 is legendary, where he took 33 wickets in five Tests, including an impressive 7 for 1 in an innings. His height, combined with raw pace and menacing presence, made him one of the scariest bowlers to face. Fleming highlights Ambrose’s time in the WACA, where he dismantled the Australian batting line-up with ease.
“Number 3, another Antillean. The great Curtly Ambrose, 78 wickets off 20 overs, three runs, fearsome, intimidated the Australian batsmen. A great height like Joel Garner. Very rarely did he hit a half volley, very rarely did he get a cut or a pull. Destroyed Australia’s most important orders. For me, he was the one Australians felt had never had a bad birth. So he kept the pressure up at all times.” Fleming explained.
2. Richard Hadlee – The Kiwi Legend
Hadlee, known for his impeccable line and length, had a memorable tour in 1985-86, earning the nickname “Punter’s Nightmare.” His ability to move the ball both ways made him a formidable opponent. Fleming remembers Hadlee’s 15 wickets in the series, and his performance in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne stands out as testament to his ability.
“No. 2, I’m going to be Sir Richard Hadlee. 70 wickets at 16. 1980, 81, 85, 86, 87, 88 he was here when he bowled that famous last over which Mike Whitney blocked but Sir Richard Hadlee, the master of the swing and seam 33 wickets in that 1985/86 series. I loved his drive when he shortened it so well, the outside edge and the. right-handed and left-handed hitter inside edge are an underrated gorilla. Simply one of the greatest.” Fleming revealed.
1. Jasprit Bumrah – The Modern Wonder
Bumrah has taken the cricket world by storm with his unconventional action and deadly accuracy. His performances in Australia during the 2024-25 series were phenomenal, where he claimed 32 wickets. Fleming praised Bumrah’s ability to reverse swing the ball at high speed, making him a real threat even off the bounce of Australian pitches.
“And number one, the best touring fast bowler to come to Australia, Jasprit Bumrah. Averaging 17 with the ball. Even a Ricky Ponting would find it difficult to take on Jasprit Bumrah. Hyperextension, wrist flexion, the ability to throw outswingers and inswingers against left and right handed hitters. The surprising gorilla and the slow and crazy ball. So for me, Jasprit Bumrah, the number one touring fast bowler in Australia for my last 45 years.” Fleming added.
