Ranking the 78 Greatest Australian Cricketers of All-Time (Men’s)

by Nitesh Mathur | Jan 26, 2026 | Article Index, World XIs - With Twists

Today, I am going to take on a monumental task. I will attempt to rank 150 years of Australian cricketers across formats and eras.

Six ODI World Cups, a World Test Championship, a T20 World Cup, 30 ICC Hall of Famers, and decades of Ashes dominance, and that’s just scratching the surface.

This is going to spark some serious debate. Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

• Sir Donald Bradman tops the list of the greatest Australian cricketer of all-time. Following up close behind are Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Steve Waugh, Allan Border, Steve Smith, Adam Gilchrist, Mitchell Starc, and Keith Miller.
• The list of 78 features the following-mix: 32 specialist batters, 20 fast bowlers, 10 all-rounders, 8 wicketkeepers, and 8 spinners.
• Era-wise, the list includes 33 players who featured after the year 2000, 26 players from the 1950–1990 era, and 19 pioneers from 1877 to 1950.

Table of Contents

• 51-78: The Emerging and Enduring
• 26-50: Elite Match-Winners
• 11-25: Hall of Famers
• 1-10: The Immortals
• Final Thoughts
• The 100-Point Ranking System
• Appendix A: Australia’s World Cup Squads
• Appendix B: Statistical Overview
• Sources

How Did I Rank the Players?

Usman Khawaja has just retired, Mitchell Starc has had an all-timer of an Ashes series, and Travis Head has produced some of the great match-winning innings of all time. It is the perfect time to re-evaluate where they stand in history.

The goal is that the list contains all the contenders for the greatest Australian fast bowlers, spinners, keepers, and batters.

Using the same framework that I used to rank England’s greatest 65 cricketers, I evaluated every player on a 100-point scale. The score is heavily weighted toward Career Stats, Match-Winning Performances, and Big Stage Impact (20 points each), with the remainder split between Longevity, Versatility, Leadership, and Era-specific adjustments to ensure a fair fight between the 1890s and the 2020s.

In the event of a tie, the player with more Test matches is ranked higher.

(For the full mathematical breakdown and point distribution, see the Appendix at the bottom of the article).

Top 78 Greatest Australian Cricketers of All-Time (Ranked)

Honorable Mentions

Over 130 Australian cricketers were considered for this list. While I initially aimed to include every Wisden Cricketer of the Year or World Cup hero, the list became stretched out. Below are some impactful players that missed out.

• Honorable Mentions: Norm O’Neill, Bert Ironmonger, Ted McDonald, Syd Gregory, Adam Voges, Billy Murdoch, Joe Darling, George Bailey, Tom Moody, Rick McCosker, Herbie Collins, Ian Redpath, Colin Miller, Darren Lehmann, Kim Hughes, Geoff Lawson, Jack Ryder, Chris Rogers, Phil Hughes, Simon Katich, Michael Slater, Terry Alderman, Matthew Wade, Marcus Stoinis, Ian Harvey, Keith Stackpole, Peter Burge, Gil Langley, Jim Burke, George Tribe, Bruce Dooland, Bill Brown, Jack Fingleton, Alan Fairfax, Sid Barnes, Johnny Mullagh (“The WG Grace of Aboriginal cricketers”)
• World Cup Heroes & Players with Brief Peaks That Missed Out:
  • Charles Bannerman: Scored 67% of the runs in the first ever Test when he scored 165*
  • Gary Gilmour: Most Wickets in the 1975 ODI WC (11)
  • Alan Turner: Most Runs for Australia in the 1975 ODI WC, 5th most overall
  • Damien Fleming: Joint 3rd Highest Wicket Taker in 1996 WC
  • Geoff Allott: Most Wickets in 1999 WC
  • Andy Bichel: 7/20 in 2003 WC
  • Geoff Marsh: 3rd Highest Scorer in 1987 ODI WC
  • Nathan Bracken: Member of 2003/07 WC teams
  • Shaun Tait: Joint 2nd Highest Wicket-Taker of the 2007 ODI WC (23)
  • Brad Hogg: 3rd Highest Wicket-Taker of the 2007 ODI WC (21)
  • Stuart Clark: 12 Wickets (2nd Most) in 2007 ODI WC
  • Dirk Nannes: 14 Wickets in 2010 T20 WC
  • James Faulkner: Player of the Match in 2015 WC Final

Possible Future Stars: Scott Boland, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Michael Neser

51-78: The Emerging & Enduring

This tier includes several wicketkeepers from earlier eras, underrated fast bowlers, and recent World Cup match-winners.

78. Don Tallon (1946-1953) — 55 Points

Regarded as one of Australia’s great wicket-keepers. The war delayed his international career till he was 30.

Role: Wicketkeeper

Domestic Team: Queensland

• Matches: 21 (Tests), 150 (FC)
• Runs: 394 (Tests), 6034 (FC)
• Hundreds: 0/9 (Test/FC)
• Catches/Stumpings: 50/8 (Tests), 302/131 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1949)

77. Ryan Harris (2009-2015) — 59 Points

Ryan Harris: Took 113 wickets in a short 6-year career including a delivery we will never forget: Ryan Harris to Alastair Cook. If only the knee would have persisted.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: South Australia, Queensland

• Matches: 27 (Tests), 21 (ODIs), 3 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 113 (Tests), 44 (ODIs), 4 (T20Is)
• Bowling Average: 23.52 (Tests), 18.90 (ODIs), 23.75 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 5/3 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 6
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: One of four bowlers to take 100 Test wickets even with a debut after the age of 30

76. Adam Zampa (2016-Present) — 60 Points

Zampa, why is Zampa in the list? It is because he is Australia’s highest T20I wicket-taker by a fair distance. Made an impact in both the 2021 T20 WC and 2023 ODI WC campaigns. Underrated.

Role: Leg Spinner

Domestic Teams: South Australia, New South Wales

• Matches: 99 (ODIs), 87 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 169 (ODIs), 105 (T20Is)
• Bowling Average: 28.05 (ODIs), 22.46 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 1/1 (ODIs/T20Is)
• Player of Match Awards: 12
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 2nd Most Wickets in 2021 T20 WC (13); 2nd Most Wickets in 2023 ODI WC (23)

75. Stuart MacGill (1998-2008) — 60 Points

For someone who played in the shadows of Shane Warne and did not get regular games, 208 Test wickets is no small feat.

Role: Leg Spinner

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 44 (Tests), 3 (ODIs)
• Wickets: 208 (Tests), 6 (ODIs)
• Bowling Average: 29.02 (Tests), 17.50 (ODIs)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 12 (Tests)
• Player of Match Awards: 5
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 7th Fastest in test cricket to 200 wickets; Had a bowling strike rate of 54.0

74. Bert Oldfield (1920-1937) — 60 Points

Arguably the most technically perfect wicketkeeper in Australian history. Even 80 years after his retirement, he holds the record of most stumpings in Test cricket of all-time. Before his cricket career, he was a corporal during WWI and almost died.

Role: Wicketkeeper

Domestic Team: New South Wales

• Matches: 54 (Tests), 245 (FC)
• Runs: 1427 (Tests), 6135 (FC)
• Hundreds: 0/6
• Average: 22.65 (Tests), 23.77 (FC)
• Catches/Stumpings: 78/52 (Tests), 399/263 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌

Notable Achievements: Most stumpings in Test cricket

73. Brad Haddin (2001-2015) — 60 Points

Who after Gilchrist? Australia did not need to worry, they were in safe hands with Brad Haddin.

Role: Wicketkeeper Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 66 (Tests), 126 (ODIs), 34 (T20Is)
• Runs: 3266 (Tests), 3122 (ODIs), 402 (T20Is)
• Average: 32.98 (Tests), 31.53 (ODIs), 17.47 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 4/2 (Tests/ODIs)
• Catches/Stumpings: 262/8 (Tests), 170/11 (ODIs), 17/6 (T20Is)
• Player of Match Awards: 4
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ✅ (2015)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (2 Matches)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Scored 300 runs and inflicted 15 dismissals in Ashes 2013/14

72. Peter Siddle (2008-2019) — 61 Points

Not many cricketers get the honor to take hat-tricks on their birthday. Mostly a 3rd seamer in the attack, Siddle still broke the 200-Test wicket mark. His energy on the cricket field was unmatched.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 67 (Tests), 20 (ODIs), 2 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 221 (Tests), 17 (ODIs), 3 (T20Is)
• Bowling Average: 30.66 (Tests), 45.41 (ODIs), 19.33 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 8/0 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 3
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Part of the 2009 Champions Trophy winning squad

71. Jack Blackham (1877-1894) — 65 Points

According to ESPNCricinfo, Blackham “is widely reputed to have been one of the finest cricketers that the nation has ever produced.”

Role: Wicketkeeper

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 35 (Tests), 275 (FC)
• Runs: 800 (Tests), 6395 (FC)
• Hundreds: 0/1
• Catches/Stumpings: 37/24 (Tests), 274/181 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (8 Matches)

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame, Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1891)

70. JJ Ferris (1887-1892) — 65 Points

Although he played 9 Tests (8 for Australia, 1 for England), he has the second best bowling strike rate (37.73) and average (12.70) of all-time behind England’s George Lohmann.

Role: Left Arm Swing

Domestic Team: New South Wales

• Matches: 9 (Tests), 198 (FC)
• Wickets: 61 (Tests), 812 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 12.70 (Tests), 17.54 (FC)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 6/63 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Best bowling strike rate and average for an Australian bowler; Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1889)

69. Wally Grout (1957-1966) — 65 Points

Known as “The Voice” for his constant chatter, Grout was a livewire wicketkeeper whose “grizzling” grit and sharp reflexes made him the heart of Australia’s golden era under Richie Benaud. Grout once refused to run-out Titmus since he had slipped while running between the wickets. In his Wisden obituary, Bob Simpson mentioned, ‘He was the greatest wicket-keeper I ever saw.’

Role: Wicketkeeper

Domestic Teams: Queensland

• Matches: 51 (Tests), 100 (FC)
• Runs: 890 (Tests), 2824 (FC)
• Average: 15.08 (Tests), 23.93 (FC)
• Catches/Stumpings: 163/24 (Tests), 473/114 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Australia did not lose a Test series while he played

68. Merv Hughes (1985-1994) — 65 Points

Owner of cricket’s greatest moustache and a lion-hearted competitor who became a beloved icon of the Border/Taylor era.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 53 (Tests), 33 (ODIs)
• Wickets: 212 (Tests), 38 (ODIs)
• Bowling Average: 28.38 (Tests), 29.34 (ODIs)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 7/0 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 2
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

67. Jack Gregory (1920-1928) — 66 Points

Revolutionized the game with terrifying pace and explosive batting.

Role: Fast Bowler / All-Rounder

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 24 (Tests), 129 (FC)
• Wickets: 85 (Tests), 492 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 31.15 (Tests), 20.99 (FC)
• Runs: 1146 (Tests), 5678 (FC)
• Batting Average: 36.96 (Tests), 31.37 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1922)

66. Bill Johnston (1947-1955) — 66 Points

The spearhead of the 1948 “Invincibles” tour, famous for his incredible versatility in switching between left-arm pace and spin.

Role: Left-Arm Fast-Medium

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 40 (Tests), 142 (FC)
• Wickets: 160 (Tests), 554 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 23.91 (Tests), 23.35 (FC)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 7/29 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1949)

65. Graham ‘Garth’ McKenzie (1961-1971) — 67 Points

Between Alan Davidson and Dennis Lillee, there was Garth McKenzie who flew Australia’s fast bowling flag high. Played his last Test at the age of 29 for a County contract, falling two short of Richie Benaud’s 248 Test wickets, Australia’s record at that time.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: Western Australia, Leicestershire

• Matches: 60 (Tests), 383 (FC)
• Wickets: 246 (Tests), 1219 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 29.78 (Tests), 26.96 (FC)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 16/49 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame, Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1965)

64. Jason Gillespie (1996-2006) — 67 Points

He was a great fast bowler and had a beautiful action. Part of the one of the finest bowling line ups in world cricket. However, he will go down in cricket history as the man who scored 201* after being sent in as a night watchman.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: South Australia

• Matches: 71 (Tests), 97 (ODIs), 1 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 259 (Tests), 142 (ODIs), 1 (T20Is)
• Bowling Average: 26.13 (Tests), 25.42 (ODIs), 29.00 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 8/3 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 9
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ✅ (2003)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: First Aboriginal cricketer to play Test cricket paving the way for future generations

63. Usman Khawaja (2011-2026) — 67 Points

Did Khawaja live up to his potential? Maybe, maybe not. But he was an important Australian cricketer, both on and off the field. In a tough era for opening batters, he became one of the standouts. Will forever be remember for his 9-hour marathon in Dubai to save a Test. The man of many comebacks.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Queensland, New South Wales

• Matches: 88 (Tests), 40 (ODIs), 9 (T20Is)
• Runs: 6229 (Tests), 1554 (ODIs), 241 (T20Is)
• Average: 42.95 (Tests), 42.00 (ODIs), 26.77 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 16/2 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 9
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ✅ (WTC 2023)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2024)

62. Bill Woodfull (1926-1934) — 68 Points

The “Unshakeable” captain during the Bodyline series who led with immense moral courage and technical grit against the most controversial tactics in history. Known as ‘The Rock’ for his temperament. Died while playing golf.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 35 (Tests), 174 (FC)
• Runs: 2300 (Tests), 13388 (FC)
• Average: 46.00 (Tests), 64.99 (FC)
• Hundreds: 7/49 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1927); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; 7th highest FC average of all-time

61. Aaron Finch (2011-2022) — 69 Points

A pioneer in T20 cricket. Led Australia to their first T20 World Cup victory, a format where Australia had languished behind the rest of the world for 15 years.

Role: Top Order Batter; Part-Time Left Arm Spinner

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 5 (Tests), 146 (ODIs), 103 (T20Is)
• Runs: 278 (Tests), 5406 (ODIs), 3120 (T20Is)
• Average: 27.80 (Tests), 38.89 (ODIs), 34.28 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 0/17/2 (Tests/ODIs/T20Is)
• Player of Match Awards: 15
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅ (2015 ODI, 2021 T20)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Has highest scores of 172 and 156 in T20Is; 11th most career T20I runs; 3rd Most matches as captain in T20Is; 2nd Most runs in T20I for Australia

60. Lindsay Hassett (1938-1953) — 69 Points

Master of footwork and timing who led the post-War transition with a sense of humor and technical grace. Averaged 58.24 in First Class cricket.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 43 (Tests), 216 (FC)
• Runs: 3073 (Tests), 16890 (FC)
• Average: 46.56 (Tests), 58.24 (FC)
• Hundreds: 10 (Tests), 59 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1949); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

59. Glenn Maxwell (2012-Present) — 70 Points

Does Maxwell even deserve to be in this list? Known for his X-factor and innovation, he had a rather up and down career. But when he did deliver, he was second to none. It all came together in the 2023 ODI World Cup against Afghanistan, when he produced the greatest World Cup innings of all-time. On one-leg.

Role: All-Rounder (Off-Spin)

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 7 (Tests), 138 (ODIs), 106 (T20Is)
• Runs: 339 (Tests), 3895 (ODIs), 2468 (T20Is)
• Average: 26.07 (Tests), 35.40 (ODIs), 29.73 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 8 (Tests), 73 (ODIs), 43 (T20Is)
• Player of Match Awards: 24
• Player of Series Awards: 5
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅✅ (2015 ODI, 2021 T20, 2023 ODI)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (T20Is)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 2nd Highest career ODI SR; Highest Individual score from #6 in ODIs

58. Mitchell Marsh (2011-Present) — 70 Points

After years of disappointing the Australian public, he finally lived up to his potential during the 2021 World Cup Final. On his best days, Mitchell Marsh is a true match-winner. A funny bloke too.

Role: All-Rounder

Domestic Teams: Western Australia

• Matches: 42 (Tests), 90 (ODIs), 63 (T20Is)
• Runs: 2064 (Tests), 2991 (ODIs), 1596 (T20Is)
• Batting Average: 31.27 (Tests), 37.86 (ODIs), 30.69 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 3/4/1 (Test/ODI/T20I)
• Wickets: 48 (Tests), 56 (ODIs), 17 (T20Is)
• 5-fers: 1/1 (Test/ODI)
• Player of Match Awards: 17
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅✅ (2015 ODI, 2023 ODI, 2021 T20)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (T20Is)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Allan Border Medal (2024); Player of the Match – 2021 WC Final; Best of 177* from #5 in ODIs

57. Bill Ponsford (1924-1934) — 71 Points

If Bradman was Mozart, then Ponsford was Salieri. Apart from Brian Lara, only Ponsford has the distinction of two quadruple first-class centuries with 429 & 437.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 29 (Tests), 162 (FC)
• Runs: 2122 (Tests), 13819 (FC)
• Average: 48.22 (Tests), 65.18 (FC)
• Hundreds: 7/47 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1927), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1935); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; 6th highest FC average of all-time

56. Arthur Morris (1946-1955) — 71 Points

One of the greatest left-handed Test batters Australia produced, Morris combined technical brilliance with a calm temperament to become one of the game’s most respected run-getters. Averaged 53.78 away compared to 41.18 at home.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 46 (Tests), 162 (FC)
• Runs: 3533 (Tests), 12614 (FC)
• Average: 46.48 (Tests), 53.67 (FC)
• Hundreds: 12/46 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (2 Matches)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1949); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame

55. Craig McDermott (1984-1996) — 71 Points

McDermott was the premier strike bowler of the late 80s and early 90s, renowned for his rhythmic, textbook action and lethal outswing. His pivotal role in the 1987 WC and 1990-91 Ashes cemented his place as an elite quick bowler of the era.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: Queensland

• Matches: 71 (Tests), 138 (ODIs)
• Wickets: 291 (Tests), 203 (ODIs)
• Bowling Average: 28.63 (Tests), 24.71 (ODIs)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 14/1 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 8
• Player of Series Awards: 3
• World Cup Winner? ✅ (1987)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Most Wickets in the 1987 ODI World Cup (18); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

54. Justin Langer (1993-2007) — 71 Points

A gritty, determined fighter who formed one half of Australia’s most prolific opening partnership and personified the “never-say-die” spirit.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Western Australia

• Matches: 105 (Tests), 8 (ODIs)
• Runs: 7696 (Tests), 160 (ODIs)
• Average: 45.27 (Tests), 32.00 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 23 (Tests)
• Player of Match Awards: 8
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

53. Dean Jones (1984-1994) — 72 Points

ESPNCricinfo said it best, “Dean Jones wrote the book on one-day cricket.”

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 52 (Tests), 164 (ODIs)
• Runs: 3631 (Tests), 6068 (ODIs)
• Average: 46.55 (Tests), 44.61 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 11/7 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 22
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ✅ (1987)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1990); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

52. Bill Lawry (1961-1971) — 72 Points

An immovable opening batter who specialized in blunting the world’s fastest attacks, Lawry’s legendary defensive grit and stoic leadership provided the backbone of Australia’s top order for a decade before he became the iconic voice of the summer. Averaged 47 as a Test opener.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 67 (Tests), 1 (ODIs), 249 (FC)
• Runs: 5234 (Tests), 27 (ODIs), 18734 (FC)
• Average: 47.15 (Tests), 27.00 (ODIs), 50.90 (FC)
• Hundreds: 13/50 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1962); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

51. Damien Martyn (1992-2006) — 73 Points

The quiet assassin of the 2000s who possessed arguably the most exquisite cover drive in Australian history. Effortless, silken timing.

Role: Middle Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Western Australia

• Matches: 67 (Tests), 208 (ODIs), 4 (T20Is)
• Runs: 4406 (Tests), 5346 (ODIs), 87 (T20Is)
• Average: 46.37 (Tests), 40.80 (ODIs), 21.75 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 13/5 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 14
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2002); Highest Scorer for Australia in the 2006 Champions Trophy

26-50: The Elite Match-Winners

When pressure was the highest and the game as on the line, these were the players Australia turned to. Clutch, clinical, and fiercely competitive.

50. Doug Walters (1965-1981) — 73 Points

The Australia-West Indies series of 1968-69 had Walters’ stamp of authority, where he scored 699 runs at 116.50 with 4 hundreds at 2 fifties.

Role: Top Order Batter, Part-Time Medium Pace

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 74 (Tests), 28 (ODIs), 258 (FC)
• Runs: 5357 (Tests), 513 (ODIs), 16180 (FC)
• Average: 48.26 (Tests), 28.50 (ODIs), 43.84 (FC)
• Hundreds: 15/0/45 (Tests/ODIs/FC)
• Player of Match Awards: 2 (1 batsman of the match, 1 fielder of the match)
• Captained Australia? ❌

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame, Member of the 1975 ODI World Cup team that reached the Finals

Also Read: Dean Jones: A Celebration of LIfe

49. Michael Bevan (1994-2004) — 74 Points

With 46 fifties and 67 not-outs, Michael Bevan was the original “Finisher” who turned the art of the ODI chase into a cold, calculated science. With nerves of steel and an unmatched ability to find the gaps, he consistently pulled off miracles when victory seemed impossible.

Role: Middle Order Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales, Tasmania

• Matches: 18 (Tests), 232 (ODIs)
• Runs: 785 (Tests), 6912 (ODIs)
• Average: 29.07 (Tests), 53.58 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 0/6 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 13
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅ (1999, 2003)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of the 5000 ODI runs and 50 dismissals club; 8th highest ODI career average (53.58) and highest of any player in his era

48. David Boon (1984-1996) — 72 Points

Gritty heart of Australia’s 80s and 90s resurgence, famously immovable at both the crease and short leg. Allegedly had 52 cans of beer on a flight from Australia to England.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Team: Tasmania

• Matches: 107 (Tests), 181 (ODIs)
• Runs: 7422 (Tests), 5964 (ODIs)
• Average: 43.65 (Tests), 37.04 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 21/5 (Tests/ODIs)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• Player of Match Awards: 15
• Player of Series Awards: 5
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achivements: Player of the Match in the 1987 WC Final; 2nd Highest Run-Scorer in the 1987 ODI World Cup (highest for Australia); 4th Highest Run-Scorer of 1992 WC (Highest for Australia), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1994); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

47. George Giffen (1881-1896) — 75 Points

The “Grace of Australia” and the nation’s first true colossus of the game. As a giant all-rounder who could carry an entire team, he was the foundational superstar of the late 19th century.

Role: All-Rounder

Domestic Teams: South Australia

• Matches: 31 (Tests), 251 (FC)
• Runs: 1238 (Tests), 11758 (FC)
• Average: 23.35 (Tests), 29.54 (FC)
• Wickets: 103 (Tests), 1023 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 27.09 (Tests), 21.31 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (4 Matches)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: The first Australian to achieve the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket

46. Jeff Thomson (1972-1985) — 75 Points

The fastest and most frightening bowler of his generation. With a unique slinging action and a “sand-shoe crushing” delivery, he provided the terrifying edge to Australia’s 1970s resurgence.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: New South Wales, Queensland

• Matches: 51 (Tests), 50 (ODIs)
• Wickets: 200 (Tests), 55 (ODIs)
• Bowling Average: 28.00 (Tests), 35.30 (ODIs)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 8/0 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 1
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌ (Runner up 1975)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1974); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

45. Mark ‘Tubby’ Taylor (1989-1999) — 75 Points

“Tubby,” the tactical visionary who inherited the captaincy from Allan Border and built the foundation for Australia’s decade of dominance. A masterful opening batter and slip fielder, his record-equaling 334* in Peshawar remains a monument to his endurance and class.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 104 (Tests), 113 (ODIs)
• Runs: 7525 (Tests), 3514 (ODIs)
• Average: 43.49 (Tests), 32.23 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 19/1 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 11
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ❌ (Runner up 1996)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1990); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

44. Josh Hazlewood (2010-2025) — 76 Points

Metronomic consistency and a high release point as if the great Glenn McGrath had never left. Orchestrated India’s 36/9 with figures of 5-3-8-5.

Role: Fast Bowler Domestic

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 76 (Tests), 96 (ODIs), 60 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 295 (Tests), 142 (ODIs), 79 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 13/3 (Tests/ODIs)
• Bowling Average: 24.22 (Tests), 27.66 (ODIs), 21.27 (T20Is)
• Player of Match Awards: 8
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅✅
• Captained Australia? ✅ (1 Match)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Joint-3rd Most Wickets in 2021 T20 WC (11)

43. Charles ‘Terror’ Turner (1887-1895) — 77 Points

One of the best fast bowlers of his generation, forming a formidable pair with JJ Ferris. Went past Fred Spofforth’s record of 94 wickets. He holds the best bowling average of all-time for an Australian bowler with at least 50 wickets.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 17 (Tests), 155 (FC)
• Wickets: 101 (Tests), 993 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 16.53 (Tests), 14.25 (FC)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 11/102 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; First Australian bowler to reach 100 Test wickets

42. Andrew Symonds (1998-2009) — 77 Points

If Gilchrist and Hayden don’t get you, Ponting well. If Ponting doesn’t, Damien Martyn or Clarke will. If all fails, there is still the X-factor, Andrew Symonds, to change the game. His 2003 World Cup heroics remains the gold standard for middle-order dominance. One of the best fielders of the game. Unfortunately passed away at the young age of 46.

Role: All-Rounder

Domestic Teams: Queensland

• Matches: 26 (Tests), 198 (ODIs), 14 (T20Is)
• Runs: 1462 (Tests), 5088 (ODIs), 337 (T20Is)
• Average: 40.61 (Tests), 39.75 (ODIs), 48.14 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 2/6 (Test/ODI)
• Wickets: 24 (Tests), 133 (ODIs), 8 (T20Is)
• 5-fer: 1 (ODI)
• Player of Match Awards: 23
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅ (2003, 2007)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 3rd Highest Score from #6 in ODIs in an innings (143*); 1000 runs, 50 wickets, and 50 catches in ODI cricket

Also Read: Top 32 Best Fielders in Cricket History

41. Monty Noble (1898-1909) — 77 Points

One of the great Australian all-rounders. Regarded as one of Australia’s great tactical captains.

Role: All-rounder (Right-hand bat, Right-arm medium/off-break)

Domestic Team: New South Wales

• Matches: 42 (Tests), 245 (FC)
• Runs: 1997 (Tests), 13975 (FC)
• Average: 30.25 (Tests), 40.50 (FC)
• Wickets: 121 (Tests), 624 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 25.00 (Tests), 23.14 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1902); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame

40. Rod Marsh (1970-1984) — 77 Points

The “Iron Glove” who set the gold standard for Australian wicketkeeping and defined the “caught Marsh, bowled Lillee” era. A combative lower-order batter, his aggressive style and tactical sharp mind made him the heartbeat of the 1970s team.

Role: Wicketkeeper Batter

Domestic Teams: Western Australia

• Matches: 96 (Tests), 92 (ODIs)
• Runs: 3633 (Tests), 1225 (ODIs)
• Average: 26.51 (Tests), 20.08 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 3/0 (Tests/ODIs)
• Catches/Stumpings: 355/12 (Tests), 120/4 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 3
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌ (Runner up 1975)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1982); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame

39. Hugh Trumble (1890-1904) — 78 Points

A tall, deceptive off-spinner with Trumble remains the only player in Test history to take two separate hat-tricks against England.

Role: Off Spinner

Domestic Teams: Victoria

• Matches: 32 (Tests), 218 (FC)
• Wickets: 141 (Tests), 929 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 21.78 (Tests), 18.44 (FC)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 9/69 (Test/FC)
• Runs: 851 (Tests), 5395 (FC)
• Average: 19.79 (Tests), 20.35 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (2 Matches)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: First player to take two hat-tricks; Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Held the record for most Test wickets at the time of his retirement

38. Stan McCabe (1930-1938) — 78 Points

Stan McCabe was the artist that even the Don admired. A counterattacking genius of the 1930s. McCabe’s 187 in the Bodyline series is considered one of cricket’s great knocks.

Role: Middle Order Batter, Part-time Medium Pacer

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 39 (Tests), 182 (FC)
• Runs: 2748 (Tests), 11951 (FC)
• Average: 48.21 (Tests), 49.39 (FC)
• Hundreds: 6/29 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1935), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1935); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame

37. Ian Healy (1988-1999) — 78 Points

The man who redefined modern wicketkeeping with his clinical skill and vocal leadership, serving as the vital anchor of the Warne and McGrath era.

Role: Wicketkeeper Batter

Domestic Teams: Queensland

• Matches: 119 (Tests), 168 (ODIs)
• Runs: 4356 (Tests), 1764 (ODIs)
• Average: 27.39 (Tests), 21.00 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 4/0 (Tests/ODIs)
• Catches/Stumpings: 366/29 (Tests), 194/39 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 4
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌ (Runner up 1996)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (8 ODIs)
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1994); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; 3rd Most Catches & dismissals in Test career; Most Stumpings in an ODI innings (3)

36. Ian Chappell (1964-1980) — 79 Points

The uncompromising captain who transformed Australia into a ruthless, aggressive powerhouse during the 1970s. A courageous top-order batter, his “win-at-all-costs” mentality defined the modern Australian cricketing identity.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: South Australia

• Matches: 75 (Tests), 16 (ODIs)
• Runs: 5345 (Tests), 673 (ODIs)
• Average: 42.42 (Tests), 48.07 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 14/0 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 3
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌ (Runner up 1975)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1976); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame

Also Read: I Will Miss Ian Chappell’s Writings: Cricket’s Voice of Reason Retires

35. Brett Lee (1999-2012) — 79 Points

Famous for his 150 kph+ rivalries with Shoaib Akhtar and battles against Sachin Tendulkar, Brett Lee was one of Australia’s most prolific and beloved all-format strike bowlers. Loved his bowling action and trademark chainsaw celebration.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 76 (Tests), 221 (ODIs), 25 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 310 (Tests), 380 (ODIs), 28 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 10/9 (Tests/ODIs)
• Bowling Average: 30.82 (Tests), 23.36 (ODIs), 25.54 (T20Is)
• Player of Match Awards: 20
• Player of Series Awards: 5
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 2nd Most Wickets in 2003 ODI WC (22); Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2006); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; 4th Highest wicket-taker for Australia across formats

34. Travis Head (2016-Present) — 80 Points

Travis Head is getting in the habit of silencing crowds around the world. He has breached the Trifecta with match-winning performances in World Cup Finals, World Test Championship Final, and the Ashes.

Role: Top Order Batter; Part-time off-spinner

Domestic Teams: South Australia

• Matches: 49 (Tests), 64 (ODIs), 26 (T20Is) (Note: Active)
• Runs: 3187 (Tests), 2393 (ODIs), 589 (T20Is)
• Average: 41.93 (Tests), 42.73 (ODIs), 27.28 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 7/5 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 22
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅ (2023 ODI, WTC 2023)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (1 Match)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Allan Border Medal (2025); Player of the Match – 2023 ODI World Cup Final; Player of the Match – 2023 WTC Final; 3rd Most runs in 2024 T20 WC

33. Mitchell Johnson (2005-2015) — 80 Points

Single-handedly ended the careers of the great England 2010-2012 generation of Test players. The 2013 Ashes & South Africa were some of the most destructive, scariest spells of fast bowling in modern cricket history.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: Queensland, Western Australia

• Matches: 73 (Tests), 153 (ODIs), 30 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 313 (Tests), 239 (ODIs), 38 (T20Is)
• Bowling Average: 28.40 (Tests), 25.26 (ODIs), 20.97 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 12/3 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 16
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅ (2007, 2015)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: ICC Cricketer of the Year (2014); Allan Border Medal (2014); Took 59 wickets at 15.23 vs South Africa and England in 2013/14; Best of 123* in Tests

32. Mike Hussey (2004-2013) — 80 Points

With Australia’s dominant batting line up of the 2000s, Hussey was a late bloomer. Once he broke in though, he was too good to ignore. He single-handedly took Australia to the 2010 T20 WC finals with that knock against Pakistan and Saeed Ajmal. Mr. Cricket for a reason.

Role: Middle Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Western Australia

• Matches: 79 (Tests), 185 (ODIs), 38 (T20Is)
• Runs: 6235 (Tests), 5442 (ODIs), 721 (T20Is)
• Average: 51.52 (Tests), 48.15 (ODIs), 37.94 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 19/3 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 21
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ✅ (2007)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (4 ODIs)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; 210 catches across formats

31. Clem Hill (1896-1912) — 81 Points

The quintessential left-hander of the Golden Age, Hill was a prolific run-scorer and was regarded for his fielding as well. Once had a run of 99, 98, and 97 against England.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: South Australia

• Matches: 49 (Tests), 252 (FC)
• Runs: 3412 (Tests), 17213 (FC)
• Average: 39.21 (Tests), 43.57 (FC)
• Hundreds: 7/45 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Held the record for the most runs in Tests for Australia for over 40 years; Scored 6274 runs at 5.228 in Sheffield Shield, record until Bradman broke it; First batter to score 1000 Test runs in a calendar year

30. Warwick ‘Big Ship’ Armstrong (1902-1921) — 81 Points

Led Australia to 8 consecutive Test victories against England.

Role: All-Rounder (Leg Spin)

Domestic Team: Victoria

• Matches: 50 (Tests), 269 (FC)
• Runs: 2863 (Tests), 16158 (FC)
• Average: 38.68 (Tests), 46.83 (FC)
• Hundreds: 6/45 (Tests/FC)
• Wickets: 87 (Tests), 832 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 33.59 (Tests), 19.71 (FC)
• 5-fer: 3/50 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

29. Shane Watson (2002-2016) — 81 Points

A powerful all-format force who won two Allan Border Medals and remains statistically Australia’s most dominant white-ball all-rounder of the 21st century. A big tournament player and reinvented himself as a Test opener in 2009. A pioneer in the T20 franchise circuit as well.

Role: All-Rounder

Domestic Teams: Tasmania

• Matches: 59 (Tests), 190 (ODIs), 58 (T20Is)
• Runs: 3731 (Tests), 5757 (ODIs), 1462 (T20Is)
• Average: 35.19 (Tests), 40.54 (ODIs), 29.24 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 4/9/1 (Tests/ODIs/T20Is)
• Wickets: 75 (Tests), 168 (ODIs), 48 (T20Is)
• Bowling Average: 33.68 (Tests), 31.79 (ODIs), 24.72 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 3/0 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 29
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained Australia? ✅ (11 Matches)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Allan Border Medal (2010, 2011); Player of the Series – 2012 T20 WC; Most runs in 2012 T20 WC; 2nd Most runs in 2009 Champions Trophy

Also Read: 41 Greatest IPL Cricketers Ever

28. Alan ‘The Claw’ Davidson (1953-1963) — 82 Points

The premier left-arm spearhead of the mid-century, renowned for his devastating swing and pinpoint accuracy. He was a genuine all-rounder who famously dominated the 1960 Tied Test with 5/135 & 6/87.

Role: All-Rounder

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 44 (Tests), 193 (FC)
• Wickets: 186 (Tests), 672 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 20.53 (Tests), 20.90 (FC)
• Runs: 1328 (Tests), 6804 (FC)
• Batting Average: 24.59 (Tests), 32.86 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1961), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1962); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; First man to score 100 runs and take 10 wickets in a Test

27. Bob Simpson (1957-1978) — 82 Points

The ultimate professional who dragged Australian cricket into the modern era through technical discipline and relentless slip-fielding. A gritty opening batter and a visionary coach, his influence on the baggy green’s culture is immeasurable.

Role: All-Rounder (Top Order Batter / Leg Spinner)

Domestic Teams: New South Wales, Western Australia

• Matches: 62 (Tests), 2 (ODIs), 257 (FC)
• Runs: 4869 (Tests), 34 (ODIs), 21029 (FC)
• Average: 46.81 (Tests), 17.00 (ODIs), 56.22 (FC)
• Hundreds: 10/60 (Tests/FC)
• Wickets: 71 (Tests), 2 (ODIs), 349 (FC)
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1965); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

26. Mark Waugh (1988-2002) — 82 Points

The “Junior” of the twins and perhaps the most effortless stroke-maker to ever wear the baggy green. Known for his “silky” elegance and world-class slip catching, he turned batting into an art form, making even the most difficult centuries look like a casual Sunday stroll.

Role: Middle Order Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 128 (Tests), 244 (ODIs)
• Runs: 8029 (Tests), 8500 (ODIs)
• Average: 41.81 (Tests), 39.35 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 20/18 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 26
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 2nd Highest Scorer of 1996 WC – 484 Runs (Highest for Australia); Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1991); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

11-25: The Hall of Famers

These are the giants who would be the first names on the team sheet in any era of history. Consistent, dominant, and feared worldwide. The standard bearers of Australian excellence.

25. Fred ‘The Demon’ Spofforth (1877-1887) — 83 Points

In chase of 85, England collapsed from 51/2 to 77 all-out due to Spofforth’s spell of 7/44. And that was the birth of the Ashes. One of the pioneers of fast bowling in early Test cricket.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: New South Wales, Victoria

• Matches: 18 (Tests), 118 (FC)
• Wickets: 94 (Tests), 853 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 18.41 (Tests), 13.55 (FC)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 7 (Tests), 79 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Was in the running for the Six Giants of the Wisden Century, but did not make the final cut; Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; First bowler to take a Test hat-trick; First bowler to take 50 Test wickets

24. Charlie MacArtney (1907-1926) — 84 Points

Known as “The Governor-General,” he was the most audacious and destructive batter of the 1920s.

Role: Batting All-rounder (Right-hand bat, Slow left-arm orthodox)

Domestic Team: New South Wales

• Matches: 35 (Tests), 170 (FC)
• Runs: 2131 (Tests), 15019 (FC)
• Average: 41.78 (Tests), 45.78 (FC)
• Hundreds: 7/49 (Test/FC)
• Wickets: 45 (Tests), 419 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 27.55 (Tests), 20.91 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1921, 1926), Was in the running for the Six Giants of the Wisden Century, but did not make the final cut; Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame

23. Neil Harvey (1948-1963) — 84 Points

A dazzling left-handed stroke-maker and the finest Australian batsman of the 1950s. His superb footwork and youthful flair made him the vital link between the Bradman era and the modern age. Also known for his athletic fielding.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Victoria, New South Wales

• Matches: 79 (Tests), 306 (FC)
• Runs: 6149 (Tests), 21699 (FC)
• Average: 48.41 (Tests), 50.93 (FC)
• Hundreds: 21/67
• Captained Australia? ✅ (1 Match)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1954); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Scored 6 hundreds in first 13 Test innings; 2nd Highest Test hundred maker and run scorer at the time of his retirement

22. Nathan ‘Gary’ Lyon (2011-Present) — 84 Points

The greatest off-spinner Australia ever produced. A constant workhorse supporting the line of fast-bowlers. His famed battles with Pujara will be remembered. He can bat a bit down the order as well.

Role: Off Spinner

Domestic Teams:

• Matches: 141 (Tests), 29 (ODIs), 2 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 567 (Tests), 29 (ODIs), 1 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 24/0
• Bowling Average: 30.15 (Tests), 46.00 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 6
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 5th Most Balls bowled in a career (34832); 2nd Highest Wicket-Taker for Australia of All-Time

21. Victor Trumper (1899-1912) — 85 Points

When he passed away at the age of 37, 250,000 people came to pay their respects. That was the stature of Victor Trumper, the most stylish player of cricket’s Golden Age. Although his stats may not be Bradman-esque, he played in the era of sticky wickets. He changed the perception of old school batting and and once hit a Test century before lunch on Day 1.

Role:

Domestic Team: New South Wales

• Matches: 48 (Tests), 255 (FC)
• Runs: 3163 (Tests), 16939 (FC)
• Average: 39.04 (Tests), 44.57 (FC)
• Hundreds: 8/42 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1902), Named one of the Six Giants of the Wisden Century; Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame

20. Greg Chappell (1970-1984) — 86 Points

The technical benchmark of his era, Chappell was the standard for aesthetic perfection and ruthless run-scoring in the 1970s.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: South Australia, Queensland

• Matches: 87 (Tests), 74 (ODIs)
• Runs: 7110 (Tests), 2331 (ODIs)
• Average: 53.86 (Tests), 40.18 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 24/3 (Tests/ODIs)
• Wickets: 47 (Tests), 72 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 16
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ❌ (Runner up 1975)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1979), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1973); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Scored 100s in his first and last game; Selected in Australia’s Team of the Century

19. Bill ‘Tiger’ O’Reilly (1932-1946) — 87 Points

Don Bradman once said, “Bill O’Reilly was the greatest bowler he ever faced.”

Role: Leg Spinner

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 27 (Tests), 135 (FC)
• Wickets: 144 (Tests), 774 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 22.59 (Tests), 16.60 (FC)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 11/63 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1935); Was in the running for the Six Giants of the Wisden Century, but did not make the final cut; Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Took 27 wickets in the Bodyline series; Selected as member of Australia’s Team of the Century

18. Ray Lindwall (1946-1960) — 87 Points

Was the leading bowler in the ‘Invincibles’ side, forming a legendary new-ball partnership with Keith Miller. One of the most perfect bowling actions, Lindwall ended as the first Australian fast bowler to reach the 200-wicket milestone.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: New South Wales, Queensland

• Matches: 61 (Tests), 205 (FC)
• Wickets: 228 (Tests), 794 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 23.03 (Tests), 21.35 (FC)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 12/39 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅ (1 Match)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1949); Was in the running for the Six Giants of the Wisden Century, but did not make the final cut; Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Selected in Australia’s Team of the Century;

17. Pat Cummins (2011-Present) — 87 Points

After losing six years of his early career to injury, Cummins returned to become the most consistent fast bowler of the modern era. His ability to maintain elite pace and accuracy across long spells is a testament to this physical and mental toughness. At 45.68, he has one of the best bowling strike rates for a modern-day fast bowler. Now a World Cup and WTC winning captain as well.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 72 (Tests), 90 (ODIs), 57 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 315 (Tests), 143 (ODIs), 66 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 14/1 (Tests/ODIs)
• Bowling Average: 22.05 (Tests), 28.78 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 10
• Player of Series Awards: 3
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅✅
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌ (Not yet, at least)

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (2023), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2020); Allan Border Medal (2019)

16. Matthew ‘Haydos’ Hayden (1993-2009) — 87 Points

Hayden redefined the role of the modern opener. With 30 Test tons, two World Cup medals, a then-world record of 380 against Zimbabwe, he was the immovable rock of Australia’s greatest era. The 2001 India tour was one of the highlights of his career. Left a lasting image of walking down the track to quick bowlers.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Queensland

• Matches: 103 (Tests), 161 (ODIs)
• Runs: 8625 (Tests), 6133 (ODIs)
• Average: 50.73 (Tests), 43.80 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 30/10 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 19
• Player of Series Awards: 6
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Most Runs in 2007 ODI WC (659); Most Runs in 2007 T20 WC (265); Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (2002); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Allan Border Medal (2002); Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Scored 1000+ Test runs in five consecutive years (2001-05)

15. David Warner (2009-2024) — 87 Points

A combative and revolutionary opener who conquered all three formats with sheer aggression. Despite the controversy and one-year ban, he was a bonafide match-winner, which included a Test match triple-century, a brilliant 2019 ODI WC and 2021 T20 WC campaigns. Ended as Australia’s 2nd highest run-getter across formats.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 112 (Tests), 161 (ODIs), 110 (T20Is)
• Runs: 8786 (Tests), 6932 (ODIs), 3277 (T20Is)
• Average: 44.59 (Tests), 45.30 (ODIs), 33.43 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 26/22/1 (Tests/ODIs/T20Is)
• Player of Match Awards: 38
• Player of Series Awards: 13
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅✅
• Captained Australia? ✅ (12 Matches)
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Player of the Series – 2021 T20 WC; Most Player of the Series Awards for Australia across formats; Allan Border Medal (2016, 2017, 2020); 2nd Most Hundreds in ODI World Cups (6); 6th Most Runs in ODI World Cups (1527); 2nd Most Runs in 2019 ODI WC (647)

14. Michael Clarke (2003-2015) — 87 Points

From a ton on debut in Bangalore to the 2015 WC victory as captain, Clarke had a remarkable career. His 2012 remains one of the most dominant statistical peaks in the history of Test cricket.

Role: Middle Order Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 115 (Tests), 245 (ODIs), 34 (T20Is)
• Runs: 8643 (Tests), 7981 (ODIs), 488 (T20Is)
• Average: 49.10 (Tests), 44.58 (ODIs), 21.21 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 28/8 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 21
• Player of Series Awards: 8
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (2012), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2010); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Allan Border Medal (2005, 2009, 2012, 2013); ICC Cricketer of the Year (2013); Scored 1595 runs at 106.33 in 2012 with 5 hundreds. Followed it up with 1093 in 2013; Highest Individual Test Score for a #5 (329*); Member of the 2006 Champions Trophy, 2007 & 2015 WC squads; 134 catches in Tests and 106 in ODIs

13. Clarrie Grimmett (1925-1936) — 88 Points

The “Grand Old Man” of leg-spin and the mastermind who pioneered the flipper. As the first bowler in Test history to reach 200 wickets, he provided the tactical blueprint for every leg-spinner who followed. Once took 44 wickets in a series against South Africa. Formed one of the great spin partnerships with Bill O’Reilly.

Role: Leg Spinner

Domestic Teams: Victoria, South Australia

• Matches: 37 (Tests), 248 (FC)
• Wickets: 216 (Tests), 1424 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 24.21 (Tests), 22.28 (FC)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 21/127 (Test/FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1931); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Took 29 wickets in the 1930 series vs England; First Bowler to take 200 Test Wickets

12. Richie Benaud (1952-1964) — 88 Points

One of the game’s greatest all-rounders. Was Australia’s captain during the famed tied Test against the West Indies in 1962. Later became the voice of cricket.

Role: All-Rounder (Leg Spinner)

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 63 (Tests), 259 (FC)
• Wickets: 248 (Tests), 945 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 27.03 (Tests), 24.37 (FC)
• 5-fers: 16/56 (Test/FC)
• Runs: 2201 (Tests), 11719 (FC)
• Average: 24.45 (Tests), 36.50 (FC)
• Hundreds: 3/23
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1962); Member of ICC Hall of Fame; First player to complete the double of 200 wickets and 2000 Test runs

11. Dennis Lillee (1971-1984) — 88 Points

Lillee was a constant force in the 70s and 80s for Australian cricket. Retired with 355 Test wickets, the world record at that time.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams:

• Matches: 70 (Tests), 63 (ODIs)
• Wickets: 355 (Tests), 103 (ODIs)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 23/1 (Tests/ODIs)
• Bowling Average: 23.92 (Tests), 20.82 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 5
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ❌ (Runner Up 1975)
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1972, 1977), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1973); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Selected as part of Australia’s Team of the 20th Century; Part of the 1975 WC runner-up team; Lillee-Marsh has the best fielder-bowler combination of 95 wickets

Top 10: The Immortals

And finally, the immortals. These players not only emerged as Australia’s greatest, but also redefined the very soul of cricket. Mythical aura, freakish statistics, they sit on a pedestal above the rest. Names that will be spoken of as long as cricket is played on this planet.

10. Keith ‘Nugget’ Miller (1946-1956) — 89 Points

An Air Force pilot and Australia’s greatest all-rounder, Keith Miller will forever be remembered in Australian folklore as the golden boy who defined the post-war era.

Role: All-Rounder

Domestic Teams: Victoria, New South Wales

• Matches: 55 (Tests), 226 (FC)
• Runs: 2958 (Tests), 14183 (FC)
• Average: 36.97 (Tests), 48.90 (FC)
• Hundreds: 7/41 (Test/FC)
• Wickets: 170 (Tests), 497 (FC)
• Bowling Average: 22.97 (Tests), 22.30 (FC)
• 5-fers: 7/16
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1951), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1954), Was in the running for the Six Giants of the Wisden Century, but did not make the final cut; Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Selected as vice-captain of Australia’s team of the Century; Had best all-round statistic (wickets/runs) in world cricket at the time of his retirement

Also Read: Top 55 All-Rounders in Cricket History List

9. Mitchell Starc (2010-Present) — 93 Points

Australia are blessed to have had multiple left arm fast bowling Mitchells. When Johnson left the stage, Starc came in the picture. Mitchell Starc’s career was a testament to the level of fitness he had over his career. Always stood up at the big stage, Ashes 2005, T20 World Cup, and the ODI World Cups. The Ben Stokes bowled in 2019 and the 2015 games against New Zealand, both at Eden Park and the first over in the Final will be etched in fans’ memories for generations to come.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 105 (Tests), 130 (ODIs), 65 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 433 (Tests), 247 (ODIs), 79 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 18/9 (Tests/ODIs)
• Bowling Average: 26.51 (Tests), 23.58 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 20
• Player of Series Awards: 7
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅✅
• Captained Australia?  ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Most Wickets in 2019 ODI World Cup (27); Player of the Series – 2015 ODI WC; Most Wickets in 2015 ODI WC (22), 3rd Most Wickets in ODI World Cups (65); 3rd Most Wickets in 2012 T20 WC (10); 2nd Most 5-Fers in ODI World Cups (3); Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2024) ; Allan Border Medal (2022)

8. Adam Gilchrist (1996-2008) — 95 Points

Changed the role of the wicketkeeper. His 2007 World Cup Final innings against Sri Lanka remains one of the highlights. He struck at 81.95 in Tests and 96.94 in ODIs, 20 years ahead of his day.

Role: Wicketkeeper Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales, Western Australia

• Matches: 96 (Tests), 287 (ODIs), 13 (T20Is)
• Runs: 5570 (Tests), 9619 (ODIs), 272 (T20Is)
• Average: 47.60 (Tests), 35.89 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 17 (Tests), 16 (ODIs)
• Catches/Stumpings: 379/37 (Tests), 417/55 (ODIs), 17/0 (T20Is)
• Player of Match Awards: 35
• Player of Series Awards: 6
• World Cup Winner? ✅ ✅
• Captained Australia? ✅ (25 Matches)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 2nd Most Catches and Dismissals in Test Career; Player of the Match – 2007 ODI World Cup Final; 4th Most Runs in 2003 ODI WC (408); Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2002); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Allan Border Medal (2003); Member of ICC Hall of Fame; 3rd Most Sixes in Tests

7. Steve Smith (2010-Present) — 96 Points

The greatest Test batter of the modern generation. When he ‘finds his hands’, he is such a joy to watch. Even though not as prolific in ODI cricket, he hit the winning runs in the 2015 ODI World Cup. His one-handed catches are a sight to watch. The 2018-19 ball-tempering scandal was the only blemish in an otherwise spotless career, but his comeback in the 2019 Ashes started defined his greatness.

Role: Middle Order Batter; Part-time leg spinner

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 123 (Tests), 170 (ODIs), 67 (T20Is)
• Runs: 10763 (Tests), 5800 (ODIs), 1094 (T20Is)
• Average: 56.05 (Tests), 43.28 (ODIs), 24.86 (T20Is)
• Hundreds: 37 (Tests), 12 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 26
• Player of Series Awards: 10
• World Cup Winner? ✅ ✅ ✅
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Allan Border Medal (2015, 2018, 2021, 2023)

6. Allan Border (1978-1994) — 98 Points

When an Australian cricketer does well over a year, they receive the ‘Allan Border Medal.’ And rightly so. 27131 First Class Runs with 70 tons. Played most Tests, captained the most, and took most catches than anyone else by the time he retired. Began the legacy of Australia winning the ODI World Cup in 1987. Handy fielder and part time bowler as well.

Role: Middle Order Batter, Left Arm Orthodox

Domestic Teams:

• Matches: 156 (Tests), 273 (ODIs)
• Runs: 11174 (Tests), 6524 (ODIs)
• Average: 50.56 (Tests), 30.62 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 27 (Tests), 3 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 28
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1989), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1982); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Held the record for the most Consecutive Test appearances (153) at one point; Retired as Australia’s highest run scorer in both Tests and ODIs at the time of his retirement

5. Steve Waugh (1985-2004) — 98 Points

Led Australia to 16 successive Test wins and the 1999 ODI World Cup. Most players of the series awards for Australia in Tests after Shane Warne.

Role: Middle Order Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 168 (Tests), 325 (ODIs)
• Runs: 10927 (Tests), 7569 (ODIs)
• Average: 51.06 (Tests), 32.90 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 32/3 (Tests/ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 35
• Player of Series Awards: 8
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 398 Runs in ODI WC (2nd Highest Run Scorer); Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1999), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1989); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Member of the 1987 and 1999 WC winning teams; Won 72% of Tests as captain (41 wins/57)

4. Glenn McGrath (1993-2007) — 99 Points

The most consistent, line and length bowler of all-time. With 563 wickets in Test cricket, he was the benchmark for fast bowlers. McGrath was Australia’s backbone in the 3 back-to-back ODI World Cup wins and led the bowling attack for a decade.

Role: Fast Bowler

Domestic Teams: New South Wales

• Matches: 124 (Tests), 250 (ODIs), 2 (T20Is)
• Wickets: 563 (Tests), 381 (ODIs), 5 (T20Is)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 9/0 (Tests/ODIs), 
• Bowling Average: 21.64 (Tests), 22.02 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 26
• Player of Series Awards: 7
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅✅
• Captained Australia? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Most Wickets in 2007 ODI WC (26); 3rd Most Wickets in 2003 ODI WC (21); 18 Wickets in 1999 ODI WC; Most Wickets in ODI World Cups (71); Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (2001); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Selected in Australia’s Team of the Century; Allan Border Medal (2000); Member of ICC Hall of Fame

3. Shane Warne (1992-2007) — 101 Points

Romanticized leg spin bowling. A constant sight in Australia’s dominance in the 90s and 2000s across both formats. He bowled perhaps the greatest delivery the world has ever witnessed. Was handy with the bat, and once even scored a 99 in Tests.

Role: Leg Spinner

Domestic Teams: Victoria, Rajasthan Royals

• Matches: 145 (Tests), 194 (ODIs)
• Wickets: 708 (Tests), 293 (ODIs)
• 5-Wicket Hauls: 37/1 (Tests/ODIs), 
• Bowling Average: 25.41 (Tests), 25.73 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 29
• Player of Series Awards: 8
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained Australia?  ✅ (11 matches)
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Player of the Match in the 1999 WC Final; Most Wickets in 1999 WC; Joint-3rd highest wicket taker in 1996 WC (highest for Australia); Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1993, 1997), Named one of the 5 Wisden Cricketer’s of the Century, Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1994); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame

2. Ricky ‘Punter’ Ponting (1995-2012) — 103 Points

When you think of Australia in World Cups, you think of Ricky Ponting. Highly decorated captain. The heartbeat of Australian dominance. One of the best #3s and fielder the world has ever seen.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: Tasmania

• Matches: 168 (Tests), 375 (ODIs), 17 (T20Is)
• Runs: 13378 (Tests), 13704 (ODIs), 401 (T20Is)
• Average: 51.85 (Tests), 42.03 (ODIs)
• Hundreds: 41 (Tests), 30 (ODIs)
• Player of Match Awards: 48
• Player of Series Awards: 10
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅✅
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Player of the Match in 2003 ODI WC Final; 3rd Most Runs in 2007 ODI WC – 539 Runs; 3rd Most Runs in 2003 ODI WC – 415 Runs; 3rd Most Runs in ODI World Cups (1743); 6th Most Centuries in ODI World Cups (5); Most Runs & Player of the Tournament – 2009 Champions Trophy; Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (2003, 2004), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2006); Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Allan Border Medal (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009); Member of ICC Hall of Fame; 3

1. Sir Donald Bradman (1928-1948) — 104 Points

99.94, the benchmark of all sporting greatness, nearly 40 runs ahead of the rest of the pack in any era. Survived the Bodyline series and still averaged 56.57. Captained Australia with great pride, and was the leader of the ‘Invincibles’ in 1948. Never before, never again, has cricket seen a player with such aura.

Role: Top Order Batter

Domestic Teams: New South Wales, South Australia

• Matches: 52 (Tests), 234 (FC)
• Runs: 6996 (Tests), 28067 (FC)
• Average: 99.94 (Tests), 95.14 (FC)
• Hundreds: 29 (Tests), 117 (FC)
• Captained Australia? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Leading Cricketer of the Year (1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1946, 1948), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1931), Named one of the 5 Wisden Cricketer’s of the Century; Named one of the Six Giants of the Wisden Century; Member of Australia Cricket Hall of Fame; Member of ICC Hall of Fame; Selected as captain of Australia’s Team of the 20th Century; Bradman’s averages against the countries he played: 201.50 (SA),178.76 (India), 89.78 (England), and 74.50 (West Indies)

Final Thoughts

After weeks of internal debate, the list is finally complete.

Researching this list has made me appreciate Australian cricket even more. Every generation, they produce a number of world-class legends, and I hope they continue to do so.

What do you think? Is Greg Chappell too low? Is Starc too high?

Would you rank the players any differently? Comment below, would love to discuss!

***

Thank you all for reading. Below is the appendix with resources and data that I used to research this article.

100-Point Ranking System

Here is how I broke down each category.

• Career Stats (20): Runs, wickets, averages, centuries, five-fors
  • For players who debuted pre-1975, FC performances were also considered. Otherwise, performances in domestic cricket or franchise leagues do not count
• Match-Winning Performances (20): Clutch innings, key spells, decisive contributions under pressure
• Big Stage Impact (20): Performances in World Cups, ICC finals, or major Test series like the Ashes
• Longevity (15): Sustained excellence across number of years. Roughly 1 point per year of international cricket played, capped at 15 points
• Versatility (10): Success across formats, roles, conditions (ex: All-Rounders)
• Accolades (10): Major awards, ICC & Wisden recognitions, Player of the Match/Series awards
• Leadership (5): Impact as captain, leading bowling attacks, building winning cultures or historic victories.

A couple of bonus metrics were also added:

• Era Bonus (5): For excelling in tougher eras (uncovered pitches, no World Cups, etc.).
  • Pre-1950: +5
  • 1950-75: +4 (More Tests were played)
  • 1975-90: +3 (ODI cricket introduced)
  • Debut 1990-1994: +2
• Fielding/Wicketkeeping Bonus (3): Outstanding fielding, slip catching, or wicketkeeping achievements.
• 100-Test Bonus (2): Rewarding consistency over long periods of time

In event of a tie, player with more Test matches won the tiebreaker.

Appendix A: Australia’s World Cup Squads

1987 ODI World Cup

• Allan Border (C), Greg Dyer (WK), David Boon, Dean Jones, Geoff Marsh, Tim May, Craig McDermott, Tom Moody, Simon O’Donnell, Bruce Reid, Peter Taylor, Mike Veletta, Steve Waugh, Andrew Zesers

1999 ODI World Cup

• Steve Waugh (C), Adam Gilchrist (WK), Michael Bevan, Damien Fleming, Paul Reiffel, Shane Warne, Mark Waugh, Shane Lee, Brandon Julian, Tom Moody, Darren Lehmann, Glenn McGrath, Adam Dale, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn

2003 ODI World Cup

• Ricky Ponting (C), Adam Gilchrist (WK), Michael Bevan, Andy Bichel, Nathan Bracken, Jason Gillespie, Ian Harvey, Nathan Hauritz, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Darren Lehmann, Jimmy Maher, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds

2007 ODI World Cup

• Ricky Ponting (C), Adam Gilchrist (WK), Brad Haddin, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson

2015 ODI World Cup

• Michael Clarke (C), Brad Haddin (WK), George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson

2021 T20 World Cup World Cup

• Aaron Finch (C), Matthew Wade (WK), Josh Inglis (WK), Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner, Adam Zampa

2023 World Test Championship Final

• Pat Cummins (C), Alex Carey (WK), Josh Inglis (WK), Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, David Warner

2023 ODI World Cup

• Pat Cummins (C), Alex Carey (WK), Josh Inglis (WK), Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stonis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Appendix B: Australian Cricket – A Statistical Overview

Most Wickets for Australia

• Test: Shane Warne (708), Nathan Lyon (567) Glenn McGrath (563), Mitchell Starc (433), Dennis Lillee (355), Pat Cummins (315), Mitchell Johnson (313), Brett Lee (310), Josh Hazlewood (295), Craig McDermott (291), Jason Gillespie (259), Richie Benaud (248), Graham McKenzie (246), Ray Lindwall (228), Peter Siddle (221), Clarrie Grimmett (216), Merv Hughes (212), Stuart MacGill (208), Jeff Thomson (200)
• ODI: Glenn McGrath (380), Brett Lee (380), Shane Warne (291), Mitchell Starc (247), Mitchell Johnson (239), Craig McDermott (203)
• T20I: Adam Zampa (134), Josh Hazlewood (79), Mitchell Starc (79), Pat Cummins (66), Nathan Ellis (50)

Most Wickets for Australia Combined Across Formats

Most Runs for Australia

• Test: Ricky Ponting (13378), Allan Border (11174), Steve Waugh (10927), Steve Smith (10763), David Warner (8786), Michael Clarke (8643), Matthew Hayden (8625), Mark Waugh (8029), Justin Langer (7696), Mark Taylor (7525), David Boon (7422), Greg Chappell (7110)
• ODI: Ricky Ponting (13589), Adam Gilchrist (9595), Mark Waugh (8500), Michael Clarke (7981), Steve Waugh (7569), David Warner (6932), Michael Bevan (6912), Allan Border (6524), Matthew Hayden (6131), Dean Jones (6068)
• T20I: David Warner (3277), Aaron Finch (3120), Glenn Maxwell (2835), Mitchell Marsh (2083), Shane Watson (1462), Marcus Stoinis (1338), Matthew Wade (1202), Travis Head (1197), Steve Smith (1094), Travis Head (1038)

Most Runs for Australia Combined Across Formats

Other Australian Records

• Most Dismissals: Adam Gilchrist (903), Ian Healy (628), Rod Marsh (479), Brad Haddin (474), Alex Carey (329), Matthew Wade (255), Tim Paine (224), Wally Grout (187), Bert Oldfield (130)
• Most Catches: Ricky Ponting (363), Steve Smith (346), Mark Waugh (289), Allan Border (283), Michael Clarke (253), Steve Waugh (223), Mark Taylor (213), Mike Hussey (210), Shane Warne (205), Matthew Hayden (197)
• 100 Test Club: Ricky Ponting (168), Steve Waugh (168), Allan Border (156), Shane Warne (145), Nathan Lyon (141), Mark Waugh (128), Glenn McGrath (124), Steve Smith (123), Ian Healy (119), Michael Clarke (115), David Warner (112), David Boon (107), Justin Langer (105), Mitchell Starc (105), Mark Taylor (104), Matthew Hayden (103)
• Most Matches as Test Captain: Allan Border (93), Ricky Ponting (77), Steve Waugh (57), Mark Taylor (50), Greg Chappell (48), Michael Clarke (47), Steve Smith (44), Bob Simpson (39), Pat Cummins (38), Ian Chappell (30), Richie Benaud (28), Kim Hughes (28), Bill Lawry (25), Bill Woodfull (25), Don Bradman (24), Lindsay Hassett (24), Tim Paine (23), Joe Darling (21)
• Most Matches as ODI Captain: Ricky Ponting (229), 178 (Allan Border), Steve Waugh (106), Michael Clarke (74), Mark Taylor (67), Steve Smith (64), Aaron Finch (55)

Appendix C: Sources

• All-Time XI Australia’s: ESPNCricinfo’s List
• Australia’s Test Team of the Century
• Australia – Most Player of the Match & Series List
• 100 Greatest Players in the Ashes – Guardian List

Other Greatest Cricketers of All-Time Lists

If you like these types of lists, you may also enjoy:

• 155 Greatest Cricketers of All Time (Men’s)
• 76 Greatest Women Cricketers of All Time
• Ranking England’s 65 Greatest Cricketers of All Time (Men’s)
• Ranking the Top 60 Greatest Indian Cricketers of All-Time (Men’s)
• Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time
• Top 51 Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time
• Top 43 Pakistan Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide)
• Greatest Wicketkeepers of All Time
• Top 21 West Indian Fast Bowlers List
• Top 25 South African Fast Bowlers

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