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New Zealand‘s Tim Southee has been one of the most impactful fast bowlers in international cricket, renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver match-winning performances across formats. With over a decade of international experience, Southee has played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s rise as a competitive force on the global stage. His consistency, skill, and leadership have earned him the status of a legend, as he continues to be a key figure in the Black Caps’ bowling lineup.
Tim Southee names his favorite bowler from the current era
Notably, in modern-day cricket, the landscape of fast bowling has evolved with bowlers displaying a blend of raw pace, skillful variations, and tactical acumen. Bowlers like Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, and Shaheen Afridi have become synonymous with excellence, consistently challenging the best batters across formats.
The emphasis on adaptability has become key, with bowlers excelling not just in traditional Test cricket but also mastering the shorter formats, where precise yorkers, slower balls, and intelligent field placements have become essential. In this competitive era, maintaining consistency and staying injury-free are critical for bowlers aiming to leave a lasting impact on the game.
Amidst this pool of talent, Southee’s pick for the best modern-day bowler is India’s Jasprit Bumrah. The New Zealander praised Bumrah for his exceptional resilience, particularly his ability to recover from a significant injury and return even stronger.
Bumrah’s effectiveness across all formats, coupled with his unique bowling action and precision, has earned him widespread acclaim. According to Southee, Bumrah’s consistent brilliance in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is sets him apart, making him a standout performer and a force to be reckoned with in contemporary cricket.
“To be able to firstly bounce back from the major injury and come back, he’s even better than what he was beforehand…He seems to have been able to do that with ease as well…He’s probably more experienced, understands his game a bit more,” said Southee at CEAT Cricket Rating Award on Wednesday.
“We are just seeing a great version (of Bumrah) across all three formats. He’s brilliant across all three at the moment. I don’t think there’s anyone that he’s better in (better than him), he is tremendous across all three (formats),” Southee added.
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The impact on the global stage
Bumrah has been a game-changer in world cricket, redefining fast bowling with his unconventional action, blistering pace, and remarkable accuracy. His impact on the global stage has been immense, as he consistently troubles batters with his lethal yorkers and clever variations. Bumrah’s rise has transformed India’s bowling attack, providing them with a reliable match-winner across formats.
His performances in high-pressure situations, particularly in ICC tournaments, have been crucial to India’s success. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Bumrah played a pivotal role, delivering key spells that helped India clinch the title, showcasing his invaluable contribution to the team’s triumph.
