Top 21 West Indian Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest West Indies Fast Bowlers of All Time (Updated 2024)

by Nitesh Mathur | Dec 16, 2023 | Article Index, West Indies, World XIs - With Twists

The list of West Indian fast bowlers continues to grow—Matthew Forde burst onto the scene with his 3-fer on debut against England and the likes of Jayden Seales continue to impress.

Cricket has been blessed with wonderful West Indian fast bowlers, particularly in the golden era between 70s & the 90s. Join us as we explore the historic menace of West Indian fast bowlers–Who are the greatest? The unluckiest? Who took the most wickets?

Let’s dive straight in.

Table of Contents

• Which West Indian Fast Bowlers Have Taken the Most Wickets Across Wickets?
• Top 21 List of West Indian Fast Bowlers (Ranked)
• West Indian Fast Bowlers in Each World Cup
• Final Thoughts
• Frequently Asked Questions

By the Numbers: Which West Indian Fast Bowlers Have Taken the Most Wickets Across Formats?

West Indies cricket has a beautiful legacy of fearsome fast bowlers.

Courtney Walsh (746), Curtly Ambrose (630), Malcolm Marshall (533), Joel Garner (405), and Kemar Roach (400) are the Top 5 wicket-takers in West Indies cricket history across formats.

Here is the complete list of the most wickets by West Indian fast bowlers or medium pacers – all formats combined (Test/ODI/T20I).

Most Wickets by West Indies Fast Bowlers

Others: Kyle Mayers (48), Jomel Warrican (46), Obed McCoy (46), Herman Griffith (44), Jayden Seales (43), Manny Martindale (37), George Francis (23)

Also Read:

• Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023)
• Top 43 Pakistan Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest Pakistani Fast Bowlers of All Time (Updated 2023)
• Top 55 All-Rounders in Cricket History List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest All-Rounders of All Time (Updated 2023)
• Top 17 Greatest Wicketkeepers in Cricket History (Men’s): Which Keepers Have the Most Dismissals Across Formats?
• 155 Greatest Cricketers of All Time (Men’s): Who Is the King of Cricket? (Updated 2023)
• Top 5 Greatest Cricket Teams Ever To Be Assembled

Top 21 List of Greatest West Indian Fast Bowlers (Ranked)

We considered several aspects while ranking these pacers: (1) Number of Wickets, (2) Longevity, (3) Anecdotes of opposition players, (4) Impact in Test Matches, (5) Impact in World Cups (both ODI/T20I), and (6) Pace/Talent/Swing.

Fast bowling videos linked for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to relieve some of these magical moments!

Future Stars: Alzarri Joseph, Oshane Thomas, Obed McCoy, Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde, Chemar Holder

Honorable Mentions: Sir Garfield Sobers (Not included in the list because he bowled both medium pace & left arm spin), Wayne Daniel, Manny Martindale, George Francis, Learie Constantine, Herman Griffith, Reon King, Franklyn Rose, Phil Simmons, Winston Davis, Mervyn Dillon, Roy Gilchrist, Sylvester Clarke, Tony Gray, Andre Russell, Daren Sammy

21. Fidel Edwards – 245 Wickets

• Years Played: 2003-2021
• Matches: 55 (Test), 50 (ODI), 26 (T20I)
• Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 165/60/20
• Best Figures in Innings: 7/87 (Test), 6/22 (ODI), 3/23 (T20I)
• 4w/5w hauls: 3/12 (Test), 0/2 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Fidel Edwards Most Fiery Spell Vs Rahul Dravid – Amazing Battle

20. Jerome Taylor – 291 Wickets

• Years Played: 2003-2018
• Matches: 46 (Test), 90 (ODI), 30 (T20I)
• Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 130/128/33
• Best Figures in Innings: 6/47 (Test), 5/48 (ODI), 3/6 (T20I)
• 4w/5w hauls: 5/4 (Test), 3/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Jamaica

Watch: Jerome Taylor Hat Trick vs Australia 2006 Champions Trophy

19. Tino Best – 97 Wickets

• Years Played: 2003-2014
• Matches: 25 (Test), 26 (ODI), 6 (T20I)
• Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 57/34/6
• Best Figures in Innings: 6/40 (Test), 4/35 (ODI), 3/18 (T20I)
• 4w/5w hauls: 2/2 (Test), 2/0 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Tino Best giving 125 %

18. Shannon Gabriel – 202 Wickets

• Years Played: 2012-
• Matches: 59 (Test), 25 (ODI), 2 (T20I)
• Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 166/33/3
• Best Figures in Innings: 8/62 (Test), 3/17 (ODI), 3/44 (T20I)
• 4w/5w hauls: 5/6 (Test)

Nationality: Trinidad (Domestic Team – Trinidad & Tobago)

Watch: Gabriel enters WINDIES record books: best figures EVER on Windies Soil | Windies Finest

17. Ravi Rampaul – 197

• Years Played: 2003-2021
• Matches: 18 (Test), 92 (ODI), 27 (T20I)
• Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 49/117/31
• Best Figures in Innings: 4/48 (Test), 5/49 (ODI), 3/16 (T20I)
• 4w/5w hauls: 1/0 (Test), 8/2 (ODI)

Nationality: Trinidad (Domestic Team – Trinidad & Tobago)

Watch: Ravi Rampaul spectacular delivery

16. Vanburn Holder – 128 Wickets

• Years Played: 1969-1979
• Matches: 40 (Test), 12 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 109/19
• Best Figures in Innings: 6/28 (Test), 5/50 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 6/3 (Test), 0/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Vanburn holder bowling

15. Winston Benjamin – 161 Wickets

• Years Played: 1986-1995
• Matches: 21 (Test), 85 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 61/100
• Best Figures in Innings: 4/46 (Test), 5/22 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 2/0 (Test), 0/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Antigua (Domestic Team – Leeward Islands)

Watch: WINSTON BENJAMIN | 3/12 @ Lancaster Park | 3rd ODI | WEST INDIES tour of NEW ZEALAND 1995

14. Patrick Patterson – 183 Wickets

• Years Played: 1986-1993
• Matches: 28 (Test), 59 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 93/90
• Best Figures in Innings: 5/24 (Test), 6/29 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 4/5 (Test), 1/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Jamaica

Watch: From the Vault: Patrick Patterson’s MCG playground

13. Jason Holder – 375 Wickets

• Years Played: 2013-
• Matches: 64 (Test), 138 (ODI), 58 (T20I)
• Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 157/159/60
• Best Figures in Innings: 6/42 (Test), 5/27 (ODI), 5/27
• 4w/5w hauls: 4/8 (Test), 5/2 (ODI), 2/1 (T20I)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Jason Holder 4/7 Magical Spell

12. Charlie Griffith – 94 Wickets

• Years Played: 1960-1969
• Matches: 28 (Test)
• Wickets: 94
• Best Figures in Innings: 6/36
• 4w/5w hauls: 2/5

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Charlie Griffith Brutal bowling

11. Dwayne Bravo – 263 Wickets

• Years Played: 2004-2021
• Matches: 40 (Test), 164 (ODI), 91 (T20I)
• Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 86/199/78
• Best Figures in Innings: 6/55 (Test), 6/43 (ODI), 4/19 (T20I)
• 4w/5w hauls: 6/2 (Test), 6/1 (ODI), 3/0 (T20I)

Nationality: Trinidad (Domestic Team – Trinidad & Tobago)

Watch: Dwayne Bravo’s BEST Wickets | All Time Leading T20 Wicket Taker

10. Ian Bishop – 279 Wickets

• Years Played: 1988-1998
• Matches: 43 (Test), 84 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 161/118
• Best Figures in Innings: 6/40 (Test), 5/25 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 6/6 (Test), 7/2 (ODI)

Nationality: Trinidad (Domestic Team – Trinidad & Tobago)

Watch: Ian Bishop unleashes hell on Robin Smith – PACE LIKE FIRE

9. Kemar Roach – 400 Wickets

• Years Played: 2008-
• Matches: 79 (Test), 95 (ODI), 11 (T20I)
• Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 265/125/10
• Best Figures in Innings: 6/48 (Test), 6/27 (ODI), 2/25 (T20I)
• 4w/5w hauls: 14/11 (Test), 3/3 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Kemar Roach – One of the best fast bowlers in the world | Best Wickets

8. Colin Croft – 155 Wickets

• Years Played: 1977-1982
• Matches: 27 (Test), 19 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 125/30
• Best Figures in Innings: 8/29 (Test), 6/15 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 7/3 (Test), 0/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Guyana

Watch: Colin Croft Jaffer to Kim Hughes 1979 West Indies In Australia

7. Wes Hall – 192 Wickets

• Years Played: 1958-1969
• Matches: 48 (Test)
• Wickets: 192
• Best Figures in Innings: 7/69
• 4w/5w hauls: 11/9

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Wes Hall bowling in England 1963

6. Andy Roberts – 289 Wickets

• Years Played: 1974-1983
• Matches: 47 (Test), 56 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 202/87
• Best Figures in Innings: 7/54 (Test), 5/22 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 8/11 (Test), 2/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Antigua (Domestic Team – Leeward Islands)

Watch: Meet the ICC Hall of Famers: Andy Roberts | ‘Not only was he quick, he was skilfull’

5. Joel Garner – 405 Wickets

• Years Played: 1977-1987
• Matches: 58 (Test), 98 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 259/146
• Best Figures in Innings: 6/56 (Test), 5/31 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 18/7 (Test), 2/3 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: Mix Tape: The best of Big Bird

4. Michael Holding – 391 Wickets

• Years Played: 1975-1987
• Matches: 60 (Test), 102 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 249/142
• Best Figures in Innings: 8/92 (Test), 5/26 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 11/13 (Test), 5/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Jamaica

Watch: Very fast bowling – Michael Holding at Brisbane 1979

3. Curtly Ambrose – 630 Wickets

• Years Played: 1988-2000
• Matches: 98 (Test), 176 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 405/225
• Best Figures in Innings: 8/45 (Test), 5/17 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 21/22 (Test), 6/4 (ODI)

Nationality: Antigua (Domestic Team – Leeward Islands)

Watch: From the Vault: Insane spell of 7-1 as Ambrose wreaks havoc

2. Malcolm Marshall – 533 Wickets

• Years Played: 1978-1992
• Matches: 81 (Test), 136 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 376/157
• Best Figures in Innings: 7/22 (Test), 4/18 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 19/22 (Test), 6/0 (ODI)

Nationality: Barbados

Watch: The Greatest Quick of All Time? Marshall Blows England Away in Classic! | Eng v WI 1984 | Lord’s

1. Courtney Walsh – 746 Wickets

• Years Played: 1984-2001
• Matches: 132 (Test), 205 (ODI)
• Wickets (Test/ODI): 519/227
• Best Figures in Innings: 7/37 (Test), 5/1 (ODI)
• 4w/5w hauls: 32/22 (Test), 6/1 (ODI)

Nationality: Jamaica

Watch: First Ever Bowler to take 500 Wickets: Walsh vs Kallis, Ambrose & Walsh Combine For Incredible 15 Wickets at Lord’s! | England v West Indies 2000, Courtney Walsh 5/1 Vs Sri Lanka

West Indies Fast Bowlers in Each World Cup

ODI World Cup

• 1975 ODI WC: Andy Roberts, Vanburn Holder, Keith Boyce, Collis King
• 1979 ODI WC: Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Faoud Bacchus
• 1983 ODI WC: Wayne Daniel, Winston Davis, Joel Garner, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts
• 1987 ODI WC: Eldine Baptiste, Winston Benjamin, Patrick Patterson, Phil Simmons, Courtney Walsh
• 1992 ODI WC: Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall, Patrick Patterson, Phil Simmons, Winston Benjamin, Anderson Cummins
• 1996 ODI WC: Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Phil Simmons, Ian Bishop, Ottis Gibson, Cameron Cuffy
• 1999 ODI WC: Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Phil Simmons, Mervyn Dillon, Reon King
• 2003 ODI WC: Pedro Collins, Corey Collymore, Vasbert Drakes, Mervyn Dillon, Jermaine Lawson, Nixon McLean
• 2007 ODI WC: Jerome Taylor, Ian Bradshaw, Dwayne Bravo, Corey Collymore, Kieron Pollard, Daren Powell, Dwayne Smith
• 2011 ODI WC: Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Daren Sammy, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo* (Withdrawn)
• 2015 ODI WC: Jason Holder, Jerome Taylor, Sheldon Cottrell, Kemar Roach, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Smith
• 2019 ODI WC: Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Shannon Gabriel, Sheldon Cottrell, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell

T20 World Cup

• 2007 T20 WC: Dwayne Bravo, Pedro Collins, Fidel Edwards, Daren Powell, Ravi Rampaul, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Smith
• 2009 T20 WC: Jerome Taylor, Lionel Baker, Dave Bernard Jr., Dwayne Bravo, Fidel Edwards, Kieron Pollard, Daren Sammy
• 2010 T20 WC: Jerome Taylor, Ravi Rampaul, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Wavell Hinds, Kieron Pollard
• 2012 T20 WC: Ravi Rampaul, Daren Sammy, Fidel Edwards, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Smith
• 2014 T20 WC: Dwayne Bravo, Daren Sammy, Sheldon Cottrell, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Krishmar Santokie, Dwayne Smith
• 2016 T20 WC: Jerome Taylor, Jason Holder, Daren Sammy, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell
• 2021 T20 WC: Jason Holder, Ravi Rampaul, Oshane Thomas, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sheldon Cottrell* (Reserve), Obed McCoy* (Withdrawn)
• 2022 T20 WC: Sheldon Cottrell, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith, Rovman Powell

Final Thoughts

When West Indies cricket does well, the world becomes a happy place.

Every cricket fan loves watching highlights of the pace bowlers from the 80s or the T20 World Cup teams of the 2010s. From the fierce five (Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Michael Holding) to the duo of Ambrose-Walsh to the current era of Roach-Gabriel-Holder, it has been wonderful to watch.

I hope future generations of West Indian fast bowlers continue the legacy of the giants that came before them.

Also Read:

• Top 25 South African Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide)
• Top 43 Pakistan Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide)
• Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023)
• Top 5 Greatest Cricket Teams Ever To Be Assembled

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Greatest West Indian Fast Bowlers

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