Top 5 Most Destructive Fast Bowling Spells in Test Cricket

Test format is the epitome of cricket and only the ones who are mentally tough are able to showcase their skill in this format. Although, modern generation argues that things happen very slowly in test cricket, but that is the real beauty of  it. Many a times it has happened that a team has won two sessions of the day, but one good spell from a bowler ruins their hard work. Here is the list of top 5 most destructive fast bowling spells of test cricket.

1. Stuart Broad 8/15 against Australia, Nottingham, 2015

Ashes has always remained a high tension and anticipated series for cricket lovers all across the globe. The 2015 Ashes was no different. England was missing their ace frontline seamer James Anderson, and this provided Broad an opportunity to showcase his talent and craft at the highest level. Broad stood up to the challenge, and what followed was one of the remarkable displays of seam bowling. Broad took out Chris Rogers with a classic out swinger. What followed was a Broad-storm as Australians were simply unable to play him. Broad ended up wrapping Kangaroos for only 60 in mere 18.3 overs. He took eight wickets, England went on to win the match but interestingly despite taking eight wickets in the first innings. Broad could only get one more in the second innings. However, this could not stop him from claiming Player of the Match award.

2. Mitchell Johnson 7/40 against England, Adelaide, 2013

The 2013 Ashes will always be remembered as the series of Mitchell Johnson. Imposing mustache coupled with ferocious bowling must have given nightmares to the English batting line-up. Johnson ended up picking 37 wickets in the series.  There were at least three spells of Johnson that deserve a mention, however the spell after lunch at Adelaide is remembered for its intensity and raw intimidation.

Johnson’s idea was simple, bounce them out, and the plan was executed to perfection. He took five wickets in three overs, knocking out English batters one after the other. He ended up picking 7 wickets in the innings and was named Player of the match for his heroics with the ball.

3. Curtly Ambrose 6/24 against England, Port of Spain, 1994

Those who witnessed this spell live consider it the greatest fast bowling spell of all time. Sir Curtly Ambrose literally annihilated the English side. England were chasing 194 in the fourth innings, and they had scored 328 in the first innings and hence fancied their chances. Little did they know that Ambrose would about to unleash hell on them. Ambrose made a complete mockery of English batting and bundled them out for 46, only one English batter could reach double figures. He ended up with six wickets.

4. Shoaib Akhtar 5/21 against Australia, Colombo, 2002

Every Pakistani wants to forget this series, as there is nothing worth remembering apart from this great spell of Shoaib Akhtar. In my humble opinion it was not a spell, these were just 10 balls in which Akhtar dismissed Australia’s top notch batters. He dismissed Ricky Ponting first, which was a bit lucky, but the next ball he clean bowled Mark Waugh. Steve Waugh somehow managed to survive the hat-trick ball, but was given LBW the ball after that. However, the best delivery of the spell was the one that got out Adam Gilchrist. Akhtar came wide of the crease and throttled a yorker that uprooted Gilly’s leg stump. Akhtar ended up with 5 wickets but Pakistan ended up losing the match.

5. Curtly Ambrose 7/25 against Australia, Perth, 1993

At one moment Australia were sailing smoothly with 85-2, but then Ambrose was brought back into the attack, and he produced a spell which will be remembered for ages. He picked up seven wickets in the spell and gave away only one run. He bamboozled Australians on their home trough.

Which spell is your favorite, let us know in the comments.