Greatest Test bowlers    Test bowling performances

The following main factors are considered to rate Test bowlers.

1. Average
2. Wickets/Innings
3. Strike Rate
4. Economy Rate
5. 5 wickets/innings ratio
6. 10 wickets/innings ratio
7. Number of wickets
8. Era (Before or after 1914)

To a lesser extent, the number of matches played is also considered.

In addition, bonuses are awarded for achieving milestones such as 300, 400 or 500 wickets.

Penalties are introduced to make the ratings index more consistent and accurate. Bowlers who have bowled in less than 40 innings and those who had less than 125 wickets are penalized accordingly. This is to ensure that the bowler proves himself for around 3-4 years to attain his full rating.

Bowlers who plied their trade before 1914 - when pitches offered extravagant movement, are penalized points.

Only retired players are included in the ratings lists that are sorted by era.

Click here for the Greatest Test bowlers based on actual figures.