Unfortunately like batsman there is no Don Bradman in bowling department. So who is the best bowler will always be debatable. In past there have been thompson, lillie, malcom marshall, holding, robers. hadlee, and so on.

But what I have seen, I have to rate like this


1. Curtley Ambrose
--- Ambrose wasn't deadly quick but I have been ambrose breaking nose of David boon to arm of Jayasurya. He used to get that awkward bounce that can terrorize the batsman. Despite his looks and bowling he was always a gentleman. I have seen allan Donald, wasim Akram , Mcgrath getting smacked around the park but you rarely see ambrose getting hit for fours and sixes. Probably the most miser bowler in the modern time he used to take wicket at every 21 runs a lot better than mcgrath, wasim or waqar. Nobody can of course forget 1 run victory in test in Adelheid in 1992 ,  and taking 7 wickets by giving just 1 run in 32 ball spell in perth, or for that matter bowling out england for 46 runs. 

But most incredible one,
South Afirca were 122-2 in the end of the day needing 200 to win the test. Overnight southafrican players started partying, opened champagne, celebrated as if they won. Next day South Africa was bowled out for 148.

2. Glenn McGrath
There isnt too much exiting about mcgrath because he was like a computer programme. Programme to bowl at right area.  His duel with Brian lara will always linger in the mind of cricket fans.  Mc Grath dual with sachin was mostly stalemate no one getting upperhand. But his dual with Lara was never a stalemate that made the most fascinating contest in the cricket. Either Mc Grath got lara out cheaply or lara piled huge runs. Mc Grath of course have upper hand against Michael Athorton the English Captain.

3. Wasim Akram/Alan Donald
Ask Sachin Tendulkar/Brian Lara and they will say wasim was the most difficult bowler to face. His reverse swing was incredible. With Waqar he made a deadly duo for 2 years. However, this duo was not as effective as Walsh and Ambrose in the long run as waqar faded away.

Named as white lightening, alan donald was nothing short of flash. Who can of course forget 1992 world cup, or his dual with Michael Athorton in one test in which atherton somehow survived.  But it was most exciting contest i have seen and still gives shiver down my spine when i watch it in youtube.


http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JojnoSO4MDc


Spin there isnt much of a contest as Murali and warne leads the way..



Best current fast bowlers-

1. Dale Steyn
2. Brett Lee
3. Makhaya Ntini / Ryan Sidebottom