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Who are the best Pakistani quicks ever? McGrath, Gillespie & Fleming have their say

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Overview

This excerpt is from the Fast Bowling Cartel Patreon, where panelists debate and rank the top five Pakistani fast bowlers. Their arguments draw on a blend of statistics (Tests, ODIs, T20s), impact, pace and reverse-swing ability, and personal playing memories.

Top Five (as discussed)

#5 — Umar Gul

  • Praised for his T20 effectiveness, especially his ability to deliver fast yorkers.
  • Cited for taking 85 wickets in 60 T20s (average around 16.97).
  • Also recognized for strong overall records:
    • Tests: 163 wickets
    • ODIs: 179 wickets
  • Context noted: he played many Tests on easier batting surfaces.

#4 — Shoaib Akhtar

  • Highlighted for genuine pace and aggression.
  • Strong estimated strike rates mentioned:
    • Tests: strike rate ~45
    • ODIs: strike rate ~31
  • Panelists emphasize his “box office” style—how his speed could dominate opponents.

#3 — Wasim Akram / Waqar Younis (varies by speaker)

  • Multiple speakers place either Waqar Younis or Wasim Akram at #3, depending on criteria.
  • Waqar Younis:
    • Celebrated for reverse swing and extreme control
    • Frequently referenced for elite wicket-taking across formats (especially Tests and ODIs)
  • Imran Khan (also strongly advocated by one speaker as a top pick):
    • Arguments focus on his all-round greatness and leadership

#2 — Wasim Akram or Imran Khan (varies by speaker)

  • Wasim Akram is framed as the standout all-rounder:
    • Reverse swing
    • New-ball skill
    • Cutters
    • Pace variations
    • Memories of consistently troubling batters
  • In another ranking, Imran Khan moves up to #2:
    • Cited for leadership and complete impact—bowling plus batting/captaincy

#1 — Wasim Akram / Imran Khan (varies by speaker)

  • One speaker places Wasim Akram at #1, arguing he had everything:
    • Pace
    • Swing (ways)
    • X-factor
    • Mastery linked to a short run-up
  • Another speaker chooses Imran Khan as #1, arguing:
    • World Series Cricket influence on technique (especially swing elements)
    • Destructive threat with both new ball and old ball
    • His mentorship of Wasim Akram, with Wasim reportedly guided on-line/length and tactics

Special Mentions / Additional Discussion

  • Muhammad Abbas
    • Singled out as a notable inclusion despite more recent prominence.
    • Discussion emphasizes Tests wickets and strike rate.
  • Sarfraz Nawaz
    • Credited by one speaker as the “godfather”/inventor of reverse swing.
    • Supported by an example of a historic 7/1 spell and strong Test bowling figures.
  • Fazal Mahmood
    • Discussed as an earlier-generation fast bowler who excelled on matting pitches in Pakistan.
    • Noted for wickets taken in difficult conditions.

Panelists’ Memories and Anecdotes

  • The conversation includes how batters struggled against certain bowlers due to:
    • Late swing
    • Reverse-swing unpredictability
    • Extreme pace and angles
  • Comparisons are made across eras, including references to World Series Cricket and classic pace duels (e.g., matchups involving Show/Wasim and other legendary battles).

Final Note

The panelists close by noting how rare 100 mph bowlers have become today. They question where those types of bowlers are in modern cricket despite advances in sports science.

Presenters / Sources

  • Dizzy (panelist)
  • Pitch (panelist)
  • Flem (panelist)
  • Fast Bowling Cartel Patreon (source of the excerpt)

Original video