Former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt recently shared his thoughts on the most complete fast bowler among the legendary trio of Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis.
Each of these bowlers is revered as one of the greatest in the history of cricket, having struck fear into the hearts of even the most accomplished batters around the world during their careers.
With their devastating speed, exceptional skill, and remarkable accuracy, they have left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing the art of fast bowling in its finest form.
During a recent appearance on a local podcast, Salman Butt, who has played alongside all three bowlers, was asked to name the most complete bowler among them. The former captain highlighted that each bowler possesses unique qualities, making direct comparisons difficult.
“Look, Shoaib Bhai wasn’t just fast; he was a wonderful bowler with exceptional mental sharpness. He was always threatening and had all the skills,” Salman remarked.
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“Wasim Bhai and Waqar Bhai were not only express fast bowlers, but they could swing the ball, seam it, and execute deadly reverse swing. They had the ability to shatter toes and split helmets, such complete bowlers are unmatched.”
Salman Butt emphasized that these bowlers possess exceptional skills and talents that set them apart, making it impossible to draw comparisons with any bowler who represented Pakistan after them.
“You cannot compare anyone who came later with the category these three fall into. Especially Wasim and Waqar, the way they sustained their performances over such a long period is remarkable. The era in which they played and carried themselves is without parallel,” he added.
The former captain also highlighted the fitness levels of Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis, sharing examples of how they maintained high bowling speeds even as they neared the end of their illustrious careers.
“Wasim Bhai played his last World Cup in 2003 in South Africa and was still bowling at speeds of 137-138 km/h at the age of 40, something today’s bowlers struggle with. Waqar was no different in terms of his enduring brilliance,” he stated.
“Shoaib Bhai, despite his injuries, was bowling over 150 km/h in the 2011 World Cup in India at the age of 38-39. Such feats are rarely seen these days.”
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