Writing across Nine newspapers, Chappell argues that the current attack matches past greats in longevity, relentless line and length, and the ability to grind down opponents through partnership bowling.
Chappell draws comparisons to several legendary bowling units: the West Indian combination of Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Colin Croft, whom he notes combined hostility with control; the Australian attack of the late 1990s and early 2000s featuring Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee; the South African quartet of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and Jacques Kallis; and Pakistan's Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis with the spin of Abdul Qadir.
Chappell breaks down each current bowler's role: Hazlewood mirrors McGrath's relentless probing line; Cummins attacks the stumps with fuller lengths; Starc provides the left-arm angle, swing and X-factor pace; and Lyon provides the control and sustained pressure of an elite spinner.
The analysis follows Australia's decisive victory over South Africa in Durban last week, where the bowling attack was central to the win. Chappell notes that in Kingsmead, batsman Matt Renshaw set the tone for Australia in the first innings.
While acknowledging that the historic West Indian pace battery holds the crown for sheer terror and the 2000s Australian attack for ultimate match-winning balance, Chappell concludes that the current crop matches them in key areas.