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ICC Rankings: 10 Test Bowlers With Highest Rating Points In History

Jatin∙ Updated: Dec 25 2024, 4:35 PM

Jasprit Bumrah achieved a career-best 904 rating points [Source: AP Photos]Jasprit Bumrah achieved a career-best 904 rating points [Source: AP Photos]

Jasprit Bumrah, or as fans love to call him, “Boom Boom Bumrah,” has added yet another feather to his cap. The Indian pacer has hit a career-high 904 rating points in the ICC Test bowling rankings.

With this number, Bumrah has now tied with Ravichandran Ashwin for the highest rating points ever achieved by an Indian bowler in Test cricket. The last time an Indian bowler managed this feat was Ashwin in 2016.

With 62 wickets in 2024 (yeah, you read that right: 62!), Bumrah has been on fire. His nine-wicket haul at the Gabba in the last Test match against Australia was incredible. If there was ever a doubt about who’s running the show with the red ball, Bumrah has silenced all the critics.

On that note, let’s take a look at best-ever Test bowling ICC Player Rankings

1. Muttiah Muralitharan

Rating: 920 (2007)

When you think of spin bowling, Murali’s the first name that pops into your head. With 800 Test wickets, the Sri Lankan legend spun webs that batters couldn’t escape. His off-spin was sorcery. Especially on subcontinental pitches, he was the boogeyman batters dreaded facing.

2. Glenn McGrath

Rating: 914 (2001)

McGrath didn’t bowl rockets, but he knew how to land the ball exactly where it hurt. With his flawless accuracy, the Aussie pacer dismantled batting line-ups for fun. He ended up with 563 Test wickets and a reputation as one of the deadliest bowlers ever. Facing McGrath? Good luck, mate.

3. Pat Cummins

Rating: 914 (2019)

Pat Cummins is everything you want in a fast bowler. He’s quick, he swings the ball, and he can run through batting orders like a hot knife through butter. With over 280 Test wickets and counting, Cummins is the guy you’d bet your money on when the chips are down. Notably, he does all this while leading the side.

4. Vernon Philander

Rating: 912 (2013)

Philander wasn’t about raw pace, but his ability to move the ball like it was on a string made him lethal. With 224 wickets at a sensational average of 22.32, he was the guy who made batters walk back shaking their heads, wondering what just happened. Seam, swing, and smarts, Philander had it all.

5. Curtly Ambrose

Rating: 912 (1991)

At 6’7”, Ambrose was a mountain charging at the batter with a cricket ball. He made the ball bounce like it had a trampoline under it, leaving batters clueless. With 405 Test wickets, the West Indian giant was the definition of intimidation.

6. Malcolm Marshall

Rating: 910 (1988)

Marshall was fast, furious, and frightening. He could swing it both ways and bowl devastating bouncers. With 376 Test wickets, the West Indies legend terrorized batters across the world. He wasn’t just a bowler; he was a nightmare for anyone holding a bat.

7. Shaun Pollock

Rating: 909 (1999)

Pollock wasn’t flashy, but he was damn effective. The South African all-rounder took 421 Test wickets and delivered spells that were nothing short of masterclasses in swing bowling. Batters couldn’t figure him out, and that’s exactly how he liked it.

8. Dale Steyn

Rating: 909 (2014)

Steyn wasn’t just fast; he was lightning. Add reverse swing to that pace, and you’ve got yourself a deadly combo. With 439 Test wickets, Steyn could single-handedly destroy teams. His intensity on the field was unmatched, and his ability to produce magic moments made him a fan favourite.

9. Shane Warne

Rating: 905 (1994)

Warne was not just a spinner, he was an entertainer. With 708 wickets, the Aussie legend could turn a cricket ball more than anyone else. His deliveries were works of art. Warne made leg-spin cool, and the cricket world will forever be grateful.

10. Ravichandran Ashwin

Rating: 904 (2016)

Ravichandran Ashwin, who called time on his international career recently, was India’s go-to man on spin-friendly tracks. With 537 Test wickets, he was a master of variations and a nightmare for batters. His ability to adapt to different conditions and constantly evolve his game set him apart.

10. Jasprit Bumrah

Rating: 904 (2024)

And now, we come back to Jasprit Bumrah, the man of the moment. His unqiue action, fast pace, and impeccable accuracy make him one of the most lethal bowlers in the world. With 194 wickets, Bumrah has shown that he’s not just about promise; he’s about delivering when it matters the most. He’s the guy every batter fears, and for good reason.

Disclaimer: This list includes only players from after 1987 as ICC player rankings were officially introduced that year. Legends from earlier eras are not considered in this list.