1. Stats - 8 - I think there must be a certain overall record that a fast bowler must maintain to be considered among the elite. Past that it becomes almost irrelevant for me. I am not going to say bowler a>bowler b because he is 1 point better in average and SR.
2. Action - 7 - I really do not place much importance on this. Some bowlers actions help them have a longer career/helps fool batsmen, what have you. But if you have just a plain action and take wickets then it's not much of a talking point. However, it does seem that the best have had very good actions: Lindwall/Lillee/Holding, etc.
3. Speed - 7 - Speed is important but it does not define success. When all else is lost it can be handy to be able to blast balls at batsmen but it does not define what is best.
4. Accuracy - 8 - Is one of the most important aspects to bowling. For it makes the form of a bowler less relevant. If a bowler can keep it in the right areas he will at the least be asking questions of the batsmen. At best, he can put it where he wants and strategically doop the batsman into taking a shot.
5. Variety - 9 - At test level, you simply cannot survive without variety. Players at this level become accustomed fast and you will end up having a short career if you have few weapons in your arsenal.
6. Skill Level - 8 - The ability to bowl different kinds of deliveries is usually a trait of the very best. Not only does it help in variation of deliveries, but it will help in the variation of pitches.
7. Stamina - 8 - A fast bowler without stamina is like a Ferrari without much fuel. Fast bowlers need to be able to bowl long spells if needed and if you can have the kind of energy to bowl your last ball like your first then you are a very dangerous and unforgiving bowler.
8. Aggression - 9 - Aggression can be the difference between the batsmen getting a hold of the match and slowly taking your team apart or your bowlers always keeping them on the back-foot. Whilst it is okay for a bowler to be defensive when the batsmen are going strong, the ability to trouble even this batsman with more than just accuracy is a match-winning trait for mine.
9. Peer Rating - 9- it really depends how unianimous this rating is. For guys like Lillee, I think it proves more than whatever their career record leaves wanting. When you have so many people, including your contemporaries, hail you the best, I think it's beyond Statsguru.
10. Other - 9 - I think this is also another trait that sets apart the best. You have a bowler that will take wickets when the pitch doesn't aid them or the situation is dire - things of this nature - then you have a very special fast bowler.
