Ranking 5 best swing bowlers in the world currently

Cricket, like most other forms of sport, is loved to bits because of the entertainment that it generates for fans and viewers. The entertainment though, is only possible because of the incredibly high degree of skill that players possess. Fans love to see the best players face off against each other as their skills truly stand out.

One important skill in cricket is swing. Swing is a bowler’s weapon as no batter likes to bat when the ball is moving and zipping around. Over the years, we have witnessed some amazing bowlers who have mastered the art of swing and even today, there are a few who continue to amaze us with the skill.

Here’s a look at the Top 5 swing bowlers currently:

5. Tim Southee

For a long time now, Tim Southee, New Zealand’s current Test captain, has troubled batters by swinging the ball both ways. It is no secret that he is not the fastest bowler going around but he has more than made up for it through his relentless swing, especially with the new ball. To add to it, he is extremely accurate and precise in terms of line and length and that adds a different layer of threat to his game. His experience of bowling alongside Boult has honed his understanding of swing bowling in partnerships.  Southee's ability to swing the old ball effectively adds another dimension to his skill set.

4. Mohammed Siraj

Over the last couple of years, Mohammed Siraj has burst onto the international scene with his aggressive brand of swing bowling. His ability to generate good pace and swing the new ball has been a revelation for the Indian team in ODIs and Tests.  While he has thrived in England and South Africa, Siraj has also done well in conditions which haven’t been as responsive as he would have liked.

3. James Anderson

A true legend of the game, England’s James Anderson continues to defy age with his exceptional swing bowling. His control and seam position which have delighted admirers of the art are still unmatched, allowing him to extract swing even in conditions that don’t assist. When it comes to helpful conditions, he is lethal and that is precisely why he is still a part of the English side.

2. Trent Boult

Although he doesn’t play international cricket regularly now, Trent Boult continues to make waves in other tournaments around the world. He is currently one of the best proponents of swing bowling and over the last couple of years, his magic has become even better to watch. In last year’s IPL, we saw that he ended up getting a wicket in the first over more often than not, proving just how deadly he is with the new ball. Boult also does a great job with landing the ball on the seam which aids swing.

1. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc, the tall left-arm pacer from Australia possesses the great combination of high pace and swing which makes him extremely tough to face. His balls move sharply and that too at high speeds which makes him an absolute nightmare for batters. That he can swing the ball both ways makes him even more dangerous. Having been a crucial part of the Australian setup for a long time, he continues to be an all-format menace, much to the agony of opposition teams.