5 All Format Bowlers Of International Cricket: The requirement for flexibility has never been more acute in international cricket than it is today. With crowded international schedules and frequent format changes, very few fast bowlers have been able to demonstrate the necessary adaptability to be successful in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Achieving 100 wickets in all three formats is a distinction in itself.
5 All Format Bowlers of All Time
Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Lasith Malinga is the sort of fast bowler who redefined the art in the limited-overs format with his signature sling action and the ability to bowl yorkers. Although he took 101 wickets in Tests, it looks modest compared to the impact he had in the shorter format.
Tests: 101 wickets
ODIs: 338 wickets
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T20Is: 107 wickets
The capacity to break batting line-ups with a single spell of bowling made Malinga a legend in the T20 world globally. His unforgettable hat trick in the World Cup of 2007 still ranks among the greatest moments of cricket.
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Shakib Al Hasan is Bangladesh’s backbone cricketer for over a decade. In terms of bowling variations and consistency irrespective of conditions, he is one of the greatest spin bowling all-rounders in world cricket.
Tests: 121 wickets
ODIs: 135 wickets
T20Is: 126 wickets
Apart from bowling, the batting wonders of Shakib enabled the player to achieve the world No. 1 all-rounder ranking on various formats.
Tim Southee (New Zealand)
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A longevity exponent and adaptable cricketer, Tim Southee has been the backbone of the New Zealand bowling line-up for several years. Sharing the new ball duty with the experienced Trent Boult, Southee has had no issues transitioning between the formats.
Tests: 391 wickets
ODIs: 221 wickets
T20Is: 164 wickets
His swing, bouncers, and smart cricketing acumen made him formidable in all departments of play, and this is why he is one of the best in all formats.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
Despite being only in his early twenties, Shaheen Shah Afridi has already made a name for himself as one of the scariest bowlers across all formats. His left-arm pace, height of bounce, and early breakthroughs make him the most sought-after bowler in the current era of cricket.
Tests: 121 wickets
ODIs: 135 wickets
T20Is: 126 wickets
Afridi’s rapid rise across formats showcases his potential to dominate international cricket for years to come.
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Jasprit Bumrah’s journey from a distinctive action to becoming the best fast bowler for India has been nothing short of miraculous. His latest achievement of reaching 100 wickets in T20Is is a feat that few cricketers have achieved.
Tests: 234 wickets
ODIs: 149 wickets
T20Is: 101 wickets
A master of precision, late swing, and Yorkers, Bumrah is a force to be reckoned with in both the powerplay and death overs. The achievement of 100 wickets across formats secures a place in history as one of the well-rounded bowlers in world cricket.
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