5 fast bowling spells that rattled the opposition batting line-up
Sometimes, in cricket, it only takes a single great performance to rattle the opposition. Let alone a performance of a lifetime, sometimes it takes only one spell, that one bowling spell, that not only causes the opposition to flounder and collapse, it also changes the perception of the bowler in the eyes of the fans.
And that is exactly what Trent Boult achieved on day one of the first Test between New Zealand and England.
So intense and ferocious was Boult's spell that by the end of the 13th over, England were reduced to 23-7, with Boult figures reading 7-3-9-5 till that point.
Ending with six wickets in his pocket, Boult and Southee reduced England to just 58, courtesy a 31-run partnership for the last wicket.
This was not the first time in the history of cricket when an opening bowling spell completely destroyed the batting order. As a tribute to Boult, we take a look at five such bowling spells from the past 15 years.
#5 Dale Steyn (8.1-6-8-6 vs Pakistan in 2011)
This was Dale Steyn at his very best. After posting a moderate total of 253 in the first inning of the first Test against Pakistan in Johannesburg, The Proteas bowling presented probably their best performance, and it was proudly led by the best bowler of this generation.
Ably supported by Vernon Philander and Jacques Kallis, Steyn ripped through the Pakistani batting line up and left them into shambles.
Bowling with intent and fire, Steyn reduced the Pakistan team to 12-3 in just six overs, with his figures reading 3-2-4-3.
With Pakistan already in shock after the early collapse, Philander and Kallis took two wickets each to reduce Pakistan to 39-7.
Steyn finished the tail in just two overs, with Pakistan folding for just 47 on the scoreboard and the South African pacer ending with figures of 8.1-6-8-6.