Cricket, in its purest form, has often been said to be a battle between bat and ball. But within this combat, the most thrilling aspect remains the sight of a bowler dismantling the opposition. This thrilling spectacle becomes even more dramatic in Test matches held away from home. Here, we dive into the top five bowlers with the best strike rate in away Test matches.
1. Dale Steyn: The Pace Machine
Leading the pack with a strike rate of 45.5 is South Africa’s, Dale Steyn. Known for his lethal pace and impeccable line and length, Steyn was a nightmare for opposition batsmen. His ability to swing the ball at high speed made him particularly dangerous in away matches. From 2004 to 2019, Steyn showcased his skills around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
2. Waqar Younis: Pakistan’s Swing King
Next, with a strike rate of 47.1, is Pakistan’s Waqar Younis. The “Sultan of Swing”, as he was often called, was known for his toe-crushing yorkers and lethal inswing. Younis, along with Wasim Akram, formed a formidable bowling pair that terrorized batsmen globally. He exploited pitch conditions, regardless of the country, crafting a legendary career that spanned from 1989 to 2003.
3. Glenn McGrath: Australia’s Precision Master
Third on the list is Australia’s Glenn McGrath. Tied with Richard Hadlee with a strike rate of 48.9, McGrath was a master of control and precision. He could consistently deliver the ball in the ‘corridor of uncertainty’, making life difficult for batsmen. His performances in away matches from 1993 to 2007 were a testament to his skill, patience, and ability to adapt to varying conditions in test.
4. Richard Hadlee: New Zealand’s Trailblazer
Also boasting a strike rate of 48.9, New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee was a trailblazer for his nation’s cricket. Hadlee was the first Kiwi to reach 400 Test wickets, setting a benchmark for future generations. His controlled approach and ability to swing the ball both ways made him a potent weapon in away games. Hadlee’s career, running from 1973 to 1990, left an everlasting impact on the cricket world.
5. Allan Donald: South Africa’s White Lightning
Rounding up the top five is another South African, Allan Donald, with a strike rate of 49.3. Known as “White Lightning”, Donald was renowned for his express pace and aggressive bowling. He led South Africa’s bowling attack in the post-apartheid era and made significant strides in away Test from 1992 to 2002.
In conclusion, these five bowlers have etched their names in the annals of cricketing history. Dale Steyn, Waqar Younis, Glenn McGrath, Richard Hadlee, and Allan Donald – all dominated in foreign conditions, unsettling the best of batsmen. Their excellent strike rates in away whites reflect their skill, adaptability, and sheer bowling brilliance. They exemplify the true essence of the phrase “home is where the heart is, but the real test is away”. Through their performances, they have enhanced the richness of cricket’s most revered format – the Test matches.
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Best bowling Strike Rate in Away Tests
(Min 150 wickets)45.5 – Dale Steyn
47.1 – Waqar Younis
48.9 – Glenn McGrath
48.9 – Richard Hadlee
49.3 – Allan Donald#HappyBirthdayDaleSteyn— Cricbaba (@thecricbaba) June 27, 2023
