Malcolm Marshall: The Greatest Fast Bowler in History?

Malcolm Denzil Marshall of Barbados is a strong contender for the title of the greatest fast bowler in cricket history. He took 376 Test wickets in 81 matches at an average of 20.94 — the best average among pace bowlers to take more than 150 Test wickets. Unlike most of his West Indian counterparts who relied on height and bounce, Marshall generated speed, swing, and movement from a relatively short frame of 5ft 11in.

Unique Bowling Style

Marshall's lower height compared to Ambrose, Garner, or Holding meant he generated his pace through explosive hip rotation and exceptional wrist position at delivery. He bowled both outswing and inswing, could cut the ball off the seam at pace, and possessed a vicious bouncer that was particularly hard to hook due to his slanted angle. Against all types of batters, on all surfaces, Marshall was effective.

Bowling with a Broken Thumb

Against England at Headingley in 1984, Marshall broke his left thumb while batting. Unable to hold a bat, he came out last to bat with his arm in plaster — needing to protect Larry Gomes who needed one more run for a century. Marshall did so; Gomes got his hundred. Marshall then went out to bowl — holding the ball with his remaining fingers — and took 7/53, one of cricket's most remarkable bowling performances under physical duress.

Legacy

Marshall died in 1999 aged 41 from colon cancer. He was voted one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Twentieth Century in 2000. Hampshire — his county team — retired his No. 5 shirt. He is remembered as proof that intelligence and skill matter as much as height and pace in fast bowling.