It seems that a fast bowler goes through an evolution as well, until they reach the final stage — a place occupied by the likes of James Anderson and Zaheer Khan. It is here that bowlers learn that to beat a batsman, you must first learn how to think like one. And not only do you understand batsmen, you have the skill and control to execute the arcs of your plans.
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Listen to the way commentators talk when Khan or Anderson run to the crease. They talk about each ball as if it’s part of a specific plan; it’s all evidence of a master plan — and watching it unfold over the course of a few overs is watching a master at his craft. He controls everything in his domain and the batsmen have little hope to do more than survive
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I think these types of bowlers are much more respected than those like Dale Steyn. Don’t get me wrong; Steyn is a great bowler with a similar level of control. But he relies on sheer pace, and he hasn’t been through the trial and tribulation Anderson or Khan have. Steyn is all about innate talent; Anderson and Khan are about bowling within very strict limitations. Wasim Akram may have been the first true fast bowler guru who understood mortality and ascended to nirvana; he shortened his run-up, figured out how to hold a ball, and then knew exactly where it would land and what it would do. All those who follow are reincarnations.
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