South African: South Africa has produced some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in the history of cricket, from the legendary Dale Steyn to the towering Makhaya Ntini. The physical attributes of fast bowlers are often discussed, with height being a significant factor in determining their ability to extract bounce and generate pace. In the context of South African fast bowling, height has played a crucial role in the success of many bowlers, and some of them have stood out for their imposing stature.
Among these, the title of the tallest South African fast bowler belongs to a very specific individual—Morne Morkel, who at 6’8″ (203 cm), stands head and shoulders above most other South African bowlers. However, the question of who holds the title of the tallest fast bowler in South African history warrants a deeper exploration, as many towering pacemen have left their mark on the game.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the height of South African fast bowlers, explore the impact of height on fast bowling, and compare the top towering pacemen in South Africa’s cricketing history, including Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, and others.
The Importance of Height in Fast Bowling
Height is an important factor for fast bowlers for a number of reasons:
- Bounce: Taller bowlers generate more bounce due to the additional height of their deliveries, making them difficult to face, especially on pitches that offer extra bounce.
- Pace: Tall bowlers, due to their longer strides and ability to generate more momentum, often bowl at higher speeds compared to shorter bowlers.
- Intimidation Factor: The sheer size of a tall bowler can make them intimidating to batsmen. The visual impact of a bowler coming in at high speed from a towering height is a psychological advantage.
- Angle of Delivery: Taller bowlers often have the ability to generate more steep and sharp angles, challenging batsmen to adjust to their deliveries.
With these points in mind, it’s easy to see why South Africa, known for its pace-friendly conditions, has produced a number of tall fast bowlers over the years.
The Tallest South African Fast Bowlers
South Africa has produced a few fast bowlers who stand head and shoulders above the rest. Here is a list of the tallest fast bowlers in South African cricket history:
| Bowler | Height (cm) | Height (ft) | Career Span | Key Stats (Wickets) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morne Morkel | 203 cm | 6’8″ | 2006–2018 | 309 wickets (Test & ODI) |
| Chris Morris | 196 cm | 6’5″ | 2012–2020 | 276 wickets (Test & ODI) |
| Kagiso Rabada | 192 cm | 6’4″ | 2015–Present | 400+ wickets (Test & ODI) |
| Dale Steyn | 191 cm | 6’3″ | 2004–2020 | 699 wickets (Test & ODI) |
| Allan Donald | 191 cm | 6’3″ | 1992–2003 | 530+ wickets (Test & ODI) |
1. Morne Morkel: South Africa’s Tallest Fast Bowler
Morne Morkel, at an imposing height of 6’8″ (203 cm), is the tallest fast bowler South Africa has ever produced. Morkel made his international debut in 2006 and went on to become a mainstay of South Africa’s bowling attack for over a decade. His tall frame allowed him to extract extra bounce from most pitches, making him a constant threat in all conditions.
Key Career Highlights:
- Debut: 2006 (ODI) and 2006 (Test)
- Wickets: 309 wickets across formats (Test & ODI)
- Best Bowling: 6/23 in an ODI (against Australia)
- Morkel was a key figure in South Africa’s pace attack, particularly in the 2010s, where his height, pace, and bounce played a crucial role in the team’s success.
- He announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018 after an outstanding career.
Why Morne Morkel’s Height Was a Factor: Morkel’s towering presence on the field meant that he could consistently bowl deliveries that bounced sharply, especially in conditions like those in South Africa and Australia. His height made him an intimidating force for batsmen, and his ability to bowl at high pace made him a dangerous option in any format.
2. Chris Morris: The Powerful All-Rounder
At 6’5″ (196 cm), Chris Morris is another tall South African pacer who has enjoyed a successful career for both South Africa and in domestic T20 leagues. Though not as tall as Morkel, Morris’ imposing height and all-round ability made him a key asset for South Africa, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
Key Career Highlights:
- Debut: 2012 (ODI) and 2012 (Test)
- Wickets: 276 wickets across formats (Test & ODI)
- Best Bowling: 5/51 in a Test (against England)
- Morris’ height, combined with his strong physique, allowed him to generate steep bounce and pace in his deliveries. He was also known for his ability to hit big sixes, making him a crucial all-rounder in South Africa’s setup.
- His career has been somewhat overshadowed by injuries, but his height and ability to bowl at high speeds when fit made him a dangerous bowler.
3. Kagiso Rabada: The Future of South African Fast Bowling
At 6’4″ (192 cm), Kagiso Rabada is not quite as tall as Morkel or Morris, but his pace, skill, and consistency have placed him among the top fast bowlers in the world. Rabada’s physical attributes, combined with his relentless aggression, make him one of the most exciting fast bowlers in modern cricket.
Key Career Highlights:
- Debut: 2015 (ODI) and 2015 (Test)
- Wickets: 400+ wickets across formats (Test & ODI) (as of 2025)
- Best Bowling: 7/112 in a Test (against England)
- Rabada’s height allows him to bowl with a high release point, generating sharp bounce even on flatter wickets. His ability to bowl in all formats, adapt to different conditions, and perform in pressure situations has made him a standout player.
4. Dale Steyn: The Legend
Though not as tall as Morkel or Morris, Dale Steyn (6’3″/191 cm) is often considered the best fast bowler South Africa has ever produced. His remarkable ability to swing the ball at high speeds, combined with his stamina and mental toughness, has made him one of the all-time greats of fast bowling.
Key Career Highlights:
- Debut: 2004 (ODI) and 2004 (Test)
- Wickets: 699 wickets across formats (Test & ODI)
- Best Bowling: 7/51 in a Test (against New Zealand)
- While Steyn’s height didn’t give him the extra bounce of someone like Morkel, his precision, speed, and ability to reverse the ball made him one of the most lethal bowlers in cricket history.
5. Allan Donald: The Aggressive Force
At 6’3″ (191 cm), Allan Donald was another fast bowler who relied on aggression and pace rather than height. Though shorter than Morkel and Morris, Donald’s ability to generate steep bounce and his accuracy in hitting the right length made him a potent weapon for South Africa in the 1990s and 2000s.
Key Career Highlights:
- Debut: 1992 (ODI) and 1992 (Test)
- Wickets: 530+ wickets across formats (Test & ODI)
- Best Bowling: 8/71 in a Test (against India)
- Donald was known for his fiery demeanor and relentless pace. His height, while not as imposing as some of his contemporaries, didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most feared bowlers of his era.
Conclusion: Morne Morkel – South Africa’s Tallest and One of Its Best
When it comes to sheer height, Morne Morkel stands as South Africa’s tallest fast bowler of all time. His towering 6’8″ frame, combined with his pace and bounce, made him one of the most imposing figures in world cricket. While Morkel may not have the same strike rate as some of South Africa’s other fast bowling legends, his size and ability to extract bounce made him a constant threat on any surface.
Other tall fast bowlers, such as Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada, have also made significant contributions to South African cricket. However, when considering height alone, Morkel’s 6’8″ frame remains unmatched in South African cricket history.
Ultimately, while height is an important factor, it’s the overall skill, consistency, and impact of a bowler that defines their legacy. And Morne Morkel, with his towering presence, undoubtedly earned his place among South Africa’s great fast bowlers.