Fast Bowlers' ICC Test Rankings: Top Ten Stars Absent Bumrah and Akram

In the world of cricket, reaching the 900-point mark in the International Cricket Council (ICC) player rating system is a significant achievement, signifying exceptional form and performance. Since the system's introduction in 1987, 18 fast bowlers have managed to achieve this milestone.

One such bowler is Pat Cummins, currently joint-fourth-highest-rated fast bowler of all time. Cummins first breached the 900-point mark after the Lord's Test during the 2019 Ashes, where he took 3-61 and 3-35.

Vernon Philander, a South African cricketer, also finds himself among this elite group. Philander's peak rating is 912 points, a feat he achieved in a high-scoring game against India at Johannesburg in 2013. His top ranking came in this match, where he took 4-61 in the first innings and 3-68 in the second.

Another notable name is Curtly Ambrose, who breached the 900-point mark for the first time 39 matches into his career, after the Perth Test against Australia in 1993. Ambrose's ascent on the ICC ratings began after his 19th Test, where he took 8-45 and a match-haul of 10-127 against England.

It's worth mentioning that Ambrose's career didn't start well, with averages of 40 and 26.87 in his first 18 Tests. However, he managed to turn his fortunes around and became one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the game.

The highest rating ever recorded is 961, achieved by Don Bradman. Among bowlers, the top spot belongs to Sydney Barnes, with a rating of 931. Malcolm Marshall reached his peak rating of 910 after taking 5-102 across two innings of the Leeds Test against England in July 1988.

Interestingly, six bowlers, including Waqar Younis, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, Richard Hadlee, Malcolm Marshall, and Ian Botham, are tied at a peak rating of 909 points. Botham's peak rating came after the Wankhede Test against India in 1980, where he took 13 wickets across the two innings (and scored a hundred).

The cricket player who had his career between 1901 and 1914 and achieved the highest ICC Bowling Rating of 932 points is not mentioned in the provided search results.

Philander was ranked No.2 from his 10th Test onwards till his 18th Test. In South Africa, he picked up 146 wickets at an average of 19.08. His consistent performances earned him a place among the greats of the game.

Each of these bowlers has contributed significantly to the sport, showcasing the power, skill, and determination required to excel in Test cricket. Their achievements serve as a testament to the competitive nature of the game and the high standards expected of its players.