In the world of cricket, fast bowlers who can dominate in Australian conditions are revered for their skill, adaptability, and sheer pace. Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming has recently shared his insights into who he considers the top five overseas fast bowlers to have toured Australia. His choices highlight both historical greats and contemporary stars, reflecting the evolution of pace bowling in one of cricket’s toughest arenas.
Damien Fleming’s top 5 touring fast bowlers of all-time in Australia
5. Malcolm Marshall – The complete fast bowler
Gillespie fifth pick in terms of the finest fast bowlers in Australia was none other than the West Indies legend Marshall. Combined 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 precision, his outswingers, and his mastery over reverse swing, all of which made him a nightmare for Australian batters.
“No.5 Malcolm Marshall. 10 Tests, 45 wickets. Dominated 1984-85. Did play the 1988-89 series. Accurate, absolte gun Malcom Marshall,” said Fleming in a video shared on X.
4. Michael Holding – Whispering Death
“Whispering Death” was the moniker given to Holding for his quiet run-up followed by devastating pace. His tour in 1975-76 saw him take 24 wickets, helping West Indies clinch the series. Fleming notes Holding’s elegant action and the way he could bowl long spells without losing speed, making him a standout in Australian conditions.
“It’s another West Indian, that’s Michael Holding. 1975/76, I didn’t see that series it was raw after that average 17 in the ball. 1979, 80, 81, 82 where he was probably with Dennis Lillee the best fast bowlers in those series and in 1984, 85, he complemented Garner (Joel Garner), Marshall and a young Courtney Walsh, whispering death they called him, beautiful long run-up, great rhythm great accuracy, fearsome bouncer, outswinger as well, so No.4 Mikey Holding,” said Fleming.
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3. Curtly Ambrose – The silent assassin
Ambrose’s tour of Australia in 1992-93 is legendary, where he took 33 wickets in five Tests, including a stunning 7 for 1 in one innings. His height, combined with raw pace and a menacing presence, made him one of the scariest bowlers to face. Fleming highlights Ambrose’s spell at the WACA, where he dismantled the Australian batting lineup with ease.
“No.3 another West Indian. The great Curtly Ambrose, 78 wickets of 20 over, three tours, fearsome intimidated Australian batters. A great height like Joel Garner. Very rarely bowled a half volley, very rarely got cut or pulled. He demolished Australian top-orders. For me, he was the one that the Australians just felt like they just never got a poor delivery. So he kept the pressure up throughout,” explained Fleming.
2. Richard Hadlee – The Kiwi Legend
Hadlee, known for his impeccable line and length, had a memorable tour in 1985-86, where he earned the nickname “Punter’s Nightmare.” His ability to swing the ball both ways made him a formidable opponent. Fleming reminisces about Hadlee’s 15 wickets in the series, with his performance in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne standing out as a testament to his skill.
“No. 2, I’m going 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 out but Sir Richard Hadlee, the master of swing and seam 33 wickets in that 1985/86 series. I just loved his run-up when he shortened it so well. Always threatening, the outside edge and inside edge of right and left-handed batter an underrated bouncer. Just one of the greatest,” revealed Fleming.
1. Jasprit Bumrah – The Modern Marvel
Bumrah has taken the cricketing world by storm with his unconventional action and deadly accuracy. His performances in Australia during the 2024-25 series were nothing short of 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 on the bouncy Australian pitches.
“And No.1, greatest touring fast bowler to come to Australia Jasprit Bumrah. Averaging 17 with the ball. Even a Ricky Ponting would struggle to face Jasprit Bumrah. The hyper extension, the wrist flexion, the ability to bowl outswingers and inswingers against left hand and right hand batters. The bouncer that surprises and the loopy slow ball. So for me Jasprit Bumrah the No. 1 touring fast bowler to Australia in my time last 45 years,” added Fleming.