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In the world of cricket, fast bowlers who can dominate in Australian conditions are revered for their skill, adaptability and great pace. Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming recently shared his thoughts on who he considers the five best overseas fast bowlers to tour Australia. His picks highlight both historic greats and contemporary stars, reflecting the evolution of pace bowling on one of cricket’s most challenging stages.
Damien Fleming’s Top 5 Australian Tour Fast Bowlers of All Time
5. Malcolm Marshall – The complete fast bowler
Gillespie’s fifth pick in terms of Australia’s best fast bowlers was none other than West Indian legend Marshall. With pace combined 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 with precision, his outswingers and his command of the reverse swing, all of which made him a nightmare for Australian batsmen.
“No.5 Malcolm Marshall. 10 Tests, 45 wickets. Dominated 1984-85. Played in 1988-89 series. Accurate and absolute gun Malcom Marshall. Fleming said in a video shared on X.
4. Michael Holding – Whispered Death
“Whispering Death” was the nickname given to Holding for his quiet run followed by a devastating beat. His tour in 1975-76 saw him take 24 wickets, helping the West Indies clinch the series. Fleming highlights Holding’s elegant action and the way he was able to 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 the series being raw after that 17 a ball average. 1979, 80, 81, 82 where it 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, great pace, great accuracy, fearsome bouncer, also outswinger, so number 4 Mikey Holding.” Fleming said.
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3. Curtly Ambrose – The Silent Killer
Ambrose’s tour of Australia in 1992-93 is legendary, where he took 33 wickets in five Tests, including an impressive 7 for 1 in one innings. His height, combined with raw pace and menacing presence, made him one of the most fearsome bowlers to face. Fleming highlights Ambrose’s spell at the WACA, where he dismantled the Australian batting line-up with ease.
“No. 3 another West Indian. The great Curtly Ambrose, 78 wickets from 20 more, three tours, fearsome Aussie batsmen intimidated. A great height like Joel Garner. Very rarely was a half-volley made, very rarely was it cut or stretched. He overthrew the first Australian orders. For me, he was the one that the Aussies felt like they never had a poor delivery. So he kept the pressure on the whole time,” Fleming explained.
2. Richard Hadlee – The Kiwi legend
Known for his impeccable line and length, Hadlee had a memorable tour in 1985-86, where he earned the nickname ‘Punter’s Nightmare’. His ability to move the ball both ways made him a formidable opponent. Fleming recalls Hadlee’s 15 wickets in the series, with his performance in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne standing out as a testament to his ability.
“No. 2, I Sir Richard Hadlee. 70 wickets at 16. 1980, 81, 85, 86, 87, 88 it was here that he bowled the famous last on which Mike Whitney blocked but Sir Richard Hadlee, the master of swing and seam, 33 wickets in that series of 1985/86. I loved his run when he shortened it so well. Always a threat, the outside edge and inside edge of the right-handed and left-handed batsman is an underrated gorilla. Just one of the biggest,” Fleming revealed.
1. jasprit bumrah – The modern wonder
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 Australian pitches.
“And No. 1, the best tour bowler to come to Australia, Jasprit Bumrah. He averages 17 with the ball. Even a Ricky Ponting would struggle to match Jasprit Bumrah. The hyperextension, the wrist flex, the ability to bowl and inswingers against left-handed and right-handed batsmen. Jasprit Bumrah, Australia’s number 1 fast bowler for the last 45 years.” Fleming added.
