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Top 30 Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History: Where do Ben Stokes, Shakib Al Hasan, and Ravindra Jadeja Rank?

Today, we rank the greatest all-rounders in cricket history across formats and generations.

The importance of all-rounders can never be underestimated. Just look at Australia—Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis helped them win the 2023 ODI World Cup…yet again.

Recently, Ben Stokes joined the illustrious duo of Garfield Sobers & Jacques Kallis with 6000+ Test runs, 100+ wickets, and 100+ catches.

With some of the modern-day all-rounders in the mix, who are the greatest all-rounders in cricket history?

Key Takeaways

  • Jacques Kallis, Sir Garfield Sobers, and Shakib Al Hasan have been judged as the Top 3 greatest cricketers in cricket-history.
  • England (6), South Africa (5), India (5), Pakistan (5), Australia (4), West Indies (2), Sri Lanka (1), New Zealand (1), and Bangladesh (1) make up the list of the Top 30 all-rounders of all-time.

Also Read:

List of the Greatest Cricket All Rounders of All-Time (RANKED)

Honorable Mentions: Andrew Symonds, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Angelo Mathews, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Jacob Oram, Glenn Maxwell, Hardik Pandya, Shoaib Malik, Trevor Goddard, Ravi Shastri, Bill Eldrich, Learie Constantine, Wally Hammond, Jack Gregory, Maurice Tate, Hugh Trumble, Jason Holder, Johnny Briggs, George Giffen, Billy Barnes, Billy Bates, Mohammad Hafeez, Carl Hooper, Hansie Cronje, Greg Chappell, Chris Old, Mohammad Nabi, Chris Gayle, Steve Waugh

Note: Impact in Tests, World Cups, quality of opposition & era, first-class statistics, performance in different formats (if applicable), and achievements/awards were all used to determine these rankings. Some of these were very close (and hence, may have a tinge of subjectiveness).

Let’s begin.

30. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

In the cricket-packed era of the 90s and early 2000s, Wasim Akram was a game-changer from Pakistan who not only stunned opponents with his incredible left-hand bowling, but also made history by taking 500 wickets in the one-day format. He has four hat-tricks in international cricket to his name and set standards that redefined the role of a left arm fast bowler in the sport. Also scored a 257* in Tests!

Wasim Akram All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 104 (Tests), 356 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 2898 (Tests), 3717 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 414 (Tests), 502 (ODIs)
Wasim Akram Achievements
  • Achieved the rare all-rounder milestone of 3,000 runs and 500 wickets in One Day Internationals.
  • Instrumental in Pakistan’s victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, earning him the Man of the Match award in the final.
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 1993
  • Member of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
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29. Ravichandran Ashwin (India)

Ravichandran Ashwin – what a game changer he has been! Not just any off-spinner, he’s hit a remarkable milestone – quickest Indian bowler to take 450 Test wickets. But there’s more to Ashwin than his lethal spin. He steps up with the bat too, scoring Test centuries when it matters most. And guess what? He’s taking us behind the scenes on his YouTube channel, offering a fresh, personal view of cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 94 (Tests), 116 (ODIs), 65 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 3185 (Tests), 707 (ODIs), 184 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 489 (Test), 156 (ODIs), 72 (T20Is)
Ravichandran Ashwin Achievements
  • Achieved the milestone of 400 Test wickets
  • ICC Cricketer of the Year (2016)
  • Has scored 5 Test Centuries
  • Ranked #1 ICC Test all-rounders (2013, 2015, 2016)
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28. Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan)

Despite never quite reaching the heights of the great Imran Khan, Razzaq remains etched in Pakistan fans’ memories as one of the most effective and versatile players. A pioneer in lower-order power hitting, Razzaq & Afridi provided the balance and flexibility to the great Pakistan generation of the 90s.

All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 46 (Tests), 265 (ODIs), 32 (T20Is), 142 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1946 (Tests), 5080 (ODIs), 393 (T20Is), 2578 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 100 (Tests), 269 (ODIs), 20 (T20Is), 135 (T20s)
Achievements
  • Completed the double of 5000 Runs and 250 Wickets in ODI Cricket

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27. Mushtaq Mohammad (Pakistan)

In the illustrious line of the Mohammad brothers (think Hanif), Mushtaq boasted the most first-class centuries (72) and most wickets (936).

All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 502 (FC), 57 (Tests), 10 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 31091 (FC), 3643 (Tests), 209 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 936 (FC), 79 (Tests), 0 (ODIs)
Achievements
  • Achieved the milestone of 3,000 runs and 70 wickets in Test cricket
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26. Mike Procter (South Africa)

Another talent lost to international cricket due to the Apartheid ban. Only played seven Tests, but 21,936 first-class runs as well as 1,417 Test wickets are a testament to his abilities.

All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 401 (FC), 7 (Tests)
  • Runs: 21936 (FC), 226 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 1417 (FC), 41 (Tests)
Achievements
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1970)
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25. Ravindra Jadeja (India)

Ravindra Jadeja, a versatile all-rounder who rose to prominence during the 2010s, significantly influenced Indian cricket with his exceptional left-arm spin bowling, reliable lower-order batting, and electric fielding; he has consistently delivered match-winning performances. A true modern-day all-rounder.

Ravindra Jadeja All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 67 (Tests), 197 (ODIs), 64 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 2804 (Tests), 2756 (ODIs), 457 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 275 (Tests), 220 (ODIs), 51 (T20Is)
Ravindra Jadeja Achievements
  • 2000 Test Runs and 200 Wickets
  • Awarded Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2020
  • #1 ICC Test all-rounder (2022)
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24. Andrew Flintoff (England)

In the 2000s, a time of fierce competition and fast-paced cricket, Andrew Flintoff was a force to be reckoned with. His powerful batting and aggressive bowling made him one of England’s most formidable all-rounders, taking 169 wickets in ODIs and 226 in Test cricket, ranking him among the greatest English bowlers, while his unforgettable ‘Player of the Series’ performance in the 2005 Ashes cemented his legacy as a game-changer for English cricket.

Andrew Flintoff All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 79 (Tests), 141(ODIs), 7 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 3845 (Tests), 3394 (ODIs), 76 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 226 (Tests), 169 (ODIs), 5 (T20Is)
Andrew Flintoff Achievements
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23. Vinoo Mankad (India)

Before the Ravindra Jadejas & Axar Patels, there was another left arm spin Indian all-rounder. You may have heard of his name for the infamous dismissal, but Vinoo Makad was much more. He would open the batting and bowling in the same innings, would score two double hundreds in the same series, took up captaincy duties, and would take eight wickets in a Test innings twice in his career!

All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 233 (FC), 44 (Tests)
  • Runs: 11591 (FC), 2109 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 782 (FC), 162 (Tests)
Achievements
  • First Indian to complete the double of 100 Test wickets & 1000 Test Runs
  • Set the then world-record opening partnership of 413 runs with Pankaj Roy in 1956.
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1947)
  • Inducted in ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
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22. Tony Greig (England)

Apart from being known as one of the voices of cricket, Tony Greig also had an illustrious career as an all-rounder for England. 3599 Test & 16,660 FC runs, 141 Test & 856 FC wickets, and captaincy to top it off.

Tony Greig All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 350 (FC), 58 (Tests), 22 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 16,660 (FC), 3599 (Tests), 269 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 856 (FC), 141 (Tests), 19 (ODIs)
Tony Greig Achievements
  • Awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1975 for his outstanding performances on the field.
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21. Monty Noble (Australia)

At the turn of the 20th century, Monty Noble was an Australian legend who commanded the pitch with his right-hand batting and medium pace bowling, earning him recognition as one of the most complete players of his era, and his exceptional ability in every aspect of the game – not to mention his distinguished captaincy – solidified his status as one of the greatest all-round cricketers ever produced by Australia.

Monty Noble All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 248 (FC), 42 (Tests)
  • Runs: 13975 (FC), 1997 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 624 (FC), 121 (Tests)
Monty Noble Achievements
  • Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the sport.
  • 1000 Runs and 100 Wickets in Test Cricket
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20. Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)

Dwayne Bravo, a charismatic all-rounder who dominated the 2010s, revolutionized cricket with his powerful hitting, agile fielding, and captivating leadership. He made significant contributions to T20 cricket with the most wickets of all-time, over 2000 Test runs, 2900 ODI runs – thereby cementing his legacy as one of the game’s early T20 legends and a “trailblazer” of his era.

Dwayne Bravo All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 40 (Tests), 164 (ODIs), 91 (T20Is), 564 (T20s)
  • Runs: 2200 (Tests), 2968 (ODIs), 1255 (T20Is), 6905 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 86 (Tests), 199 (ODIs), 78 (T20Is), 619 (T20s)
Dwayne Bravo Achievements
  • Winning member of two T20 World Cup winning squads
  • Winning member of the 2004 Champions Trophy
  • Highest wicket taker in the 2013 & 2015 IPL, 2015 & 2016 CPL, and 2017-18 BBL.
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19. Shane Watson (Australia)

In the dynamic era of 2000s and early 2010s cricket, Shane Watson was a tour de force for Australia, combining his explosive right-handed batting. Add to that, his reliable medium pace bowling that helped him take over 150 wickets, earning him the distinction of being one of the most successful all-rounders in international cricket, particularly in limited overs. His key achievements include winning the ‘Most Valuable Player’ in several crucial tournaments like the 2007 & 2015 ODI World Cup, 2009 Champions Trophy, the IPL, and 2012 World T20. A template for an ideal modern-day T20 all-rounder.

Shane Watson All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 59 (Tests), 190 (ODIs), 58 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 3731 (Tests), 5757 (ODIs), 1462 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 75 (Tests), 168 (ODIs), 48 (T20Is)
Shane Watson Achievements
  • Allan Border Medal: Won in 2010 and 2011 for outstanding performances in Australian cricket.
  • ICC Player of the Year Recipient (2010)
  • Achieved the rare feat of scoring over 10,000 runs and over 250 wickets in international cricket.
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18. Richie Benaud (Australia)

Apart from being one of the greatest commentators of all-time, Richie Benaud had an illustrious career as a leg-spinner, all-rounder, and Australian captain as well.

All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 259 (FC), 63 (Tests)
  • Runs: 11719 (FC), 2201 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 945 (FC), 248 (Tests)
Achievements
  • First player to complete the double of 200 wickets and 2000 runs in Test cricket
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1962)
  • Inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame as well as Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
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17. Keith Miller (Australia)

Keith Miller, a dominant force in Australian cricket during the post-war era, is celebrated as Australia’s greatest all-rounder. His irreverent manner, good looks, and swashbuckling style made him a crowd favorite, and his extraordinary all-round skills etched his name in Australian cricket folklore forever.

Keith Miller All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 226 (FC), 55 (Tests)
  • Runs: 14183 (FC), 2958 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 497 (FC), 170 (Tests)
Keith Miller Achievements
  • Named as one of Wisden Cricketers of the Century in 2000, recognizing his impact on the game.
  • Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame for his contributions to Australian cricket.
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16. Aubrey Faulkner (South Africa)

Generally regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all-time and certainly the greatest international all-rounder during his era. Also fought in a couple of wars, started a school, and wrote a book.

Aubrey Faulkner All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 118 (FC), 25 (Tests)
  • Runs: 6366 (FC), 1754 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 449 (FC), 82 (Tests)
Aubrey Faulkner Achievements
  • Took 6/17 in just eleven overs against England in 1907
  • Scored 1288 runs & 73 wickets in the 107 season in 1907 and 1075 runs & 163 wickets in 1912.
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15. Yuvraj Singh (India)

Yuvraj Singh, a pivotal figure in Indian cricket during the 2000s, significantly impacted the game as an all-rounder with his aggressive batting, useful slow left-arm orthodox bowling, and exceptional fielding skills. He was instrumental in India’s 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup victories and is celebrated for his ability to change the course of a match single-handedly, leaving a lasting legacy. Provided India the balance they needed.

Yuvraj Singh All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 40 (Tests), 304 (ODIs), 58 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 1900 (Tests), 8701 (ODIs), 1177 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 9 (Tests), 111 (ODIs), 28 (T20Is)
Yuvraj Singh Achievements
  • Arjuna Award: Received in 2012 for his outstanding contributions to cricket.
  • Padma Shri: Awarded in 2014, one of the highest civilian honors in India.
  • Instrumental in India’s 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and 2011 Cricket World Cup victories, winning the Player of the Tournament in both events.
  • Achieved the historic feat of hitting six consecutive sixes in an over during the 2007 World Twenty20.
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14. Lance Klusener (South Africa)

Lance Klusener, that South African cricket dynamo of the late 90s and early 2000s, was an absolute game-changer. His left-handed batting? Ferocious. His right-arm fast-medium bowling? Terrifyingly accurate. And his game sense? Ice cool under pressure. Remember the ’99 World Cup? Klusener owned it, bagging the Player of the Tournament with a jaw-dropping average of 140.50 runs and snagging 17 wickets to boot. Not to mention his one-day magic: over 3500 runs at a solid average of 41.10, and 192 wickets. Now that’s what I call redefining the all-rounder role!

Lance Klusener All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 49 (Tests), 171 (ODIs), 53 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1906 (Tests), 3576 (ODIs), 1014 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 80 (Tests), 171 (ODIs), 29 (T20s)
Lance Klusener Achievements
  • Named Player of the Tournament in the 1999 Cricket World Cup, showcasing his exceptional performances and impact on the global stage.
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13. Ben Stokes (England)

Ben Stokes, the explosive all-rounder from England, is more than just stats and records. With his audacious batting style, airborne catches, dynamite bowling arm, and a mind of steel, he has redefined cricket – his mental strength shone when he led England to triumph in the Ashes Headingly heist, the 2019 World Cup final, and again in the 2022 T20 World Cup, proving that when the pressure is on, Stokes is the man you want at the crease. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be after he un-retired from ODI cricket for the final hurrah in what turned to be a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

Ben Stokes All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 97 (Tests), 114 (ODIs), 43 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 6117 (Tests), 3463 (ODIs), 585 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 197 (Tests), 74 (ODIs), 26 (T20Is)
Ben Stokes Achievements
  • Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: 2019
  • BBC Sports Personality of the Year: 2019
  • 2019 World Cup player of the final
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12. Frank Woolley (England)

In the golden age of cricket, from the early 1900s to the late 1930s, Frank Woolley was a titan on the pitch for England, dazzling spectators with his graceful left-handed batting that amassed a staggering 58,959 runs in his career, while his formidable left-arm spin bowling claimed 2,503 first-class wickets and a 100 in Test matches; achieving the rare double feat of 2000 runs and 100 wickets in multiple seasons, his immense contributions helped shape the very essence of the all-rounder role in cricket.

Frank Woolley All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 978 (FC), 64 (Tests)
  • Runs: 58959 (FC), 3283 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 2066 (FC), 83 (Tests)
Frank Woolley Achievements
  • Awarded Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1911
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11. Wilfred Rhodes (England)

Longest FC career of all-time (30 years), 39,969 FC runs, 58 hundreds, 4204 wickets, 287 5-wicket hauls, and 765 catches. The numbers say it all. One of the early pioneers of the game, dominating from 1899 to 1930.

Wilfred Rhodes All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 1110 (FC), 58 (Tests)
  • Runs: 39969 (FC), 2325 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 4204 (FC), 127 (Tests)
Wilfred Rhodes Achievements
  • Over 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket
  • Over 30,000 FC runs and 4000 FC wickets
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10. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

Shahid Afridi, a cricketing dynamo during the 2000s, redefined the role of an all-rounder with his aggressive right-handed batting, versatile leg-spin bowling, and charismatic leadership. He not only led Pakistan to several memorable victories, but also left a lasting impression on the sport with his record-breaking 37-ball ODI century and a unique distinction as the best power-hitter across three decades, thereby solidifying his status as one of cricket’s most influential figures.

Shahid Afridi All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 27 (Tests), 398 (ODIs), 99 (T20Is), 329 (T20s)
  • Runs: 1716 (Tests), 8064 (ODIs), 1416 (T20Is), 4399 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 48 (Tests), 395 (ODIs), 98 (T20Is), 347 (T20s)
Shahid Afridi Achievements
  • Led Pakistan to victory in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20
  • Named the Player of the Tournament
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9. Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

Shaun Pollock, a South African cricket legend who made his debut in 1995, redefined the role of an all-rounder with his potent bowling and handy batting, playing a crucial part in 423 international matches, leading as a captain, and leaving an indelible mark on the sport with his strategic thinking and consistent performances, before transitioning to a respected commentator and coach post-retirement. An all-rounder in every aspect of his life.

Shaun Pollock All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 108 (Tests), 303 (ODIs), 12 (T20Is), 46 (T20s)
  • Runs: 3781 (Tests), 3519 (ODIs), 86 (T20Is), 569 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 421 (Tests), 393 (ODIs), 15 (T20Is), 45 (T20s)
Shaun Pollock Achievements
  • Became the first cricketer to achieve the rare milestone of 3,000 runs and 300 wickets in One Day Internationals.
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8. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Sanath Jayasuriya, a cricketing powerhouse of the 1990s, revolutionized the concept of an all-rounder. His cunning bowling skills and explosive batting style made him only cricketer in history to achieve an all-rounder double of scoring 10,000 runs and taking 300 wickets in a single format, thus leaving an unforgettable legacy on the sport.

Sanath Jayasuriya All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 110 (Tests), 445 (ODIs), 31 (T20Is), 111 (T20s)
  • Runs: 6973 (Tests), 13430 (ODIs), 629 (T20Is), 2317 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 98 (Tests), 323 (ODIs), 19 (T20Is), 77 (T20s)
Sanath Jayasuriya Achievements
  • First cricketer to score over 10,000 runs and claim more than 300 wickets in One Day Internationals.
  • Instrumental in Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup victory, showcasing his dynamic all-round skills.
  • Jayasuriya has won the second most player of the match awards after Sachin Tendulkar.
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7. Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand)

Sir Richard Hadlee, a true game-changer and Kiwi legend, wasn’t just an all-rounder but a record-breaker too, retiring with the most Test wickets in 1990. Knighted for his unmatched contributions, Hadlee’s 431 Test wickets have made an indelible mark on the cricketing world. Arguably the best bowler of the lot among Botham, Imran, and Kapil.

Richard Hadlee All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 342 (FC), 86 (Tests), 115 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 12052 (FC), 3124 (Tests), 1751 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 1490 (FC), 431 (Tests), 158 (ODIs)
Richard Hadlee Achievements
  • Pioneer of New Zealand cricket, holding the record for the most Test wickets by a New Zealand bowler at the time of his retirement.
  • Achieved the remarkable all-rounder milestone of 3,000 runs and 400 wickets in Test cricket.
  • Knighted for his services to cricket, becoming Sir Richard Hadlee in 1990.
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6. Imran Khan (Pakistan)

Imran Khan, a cricketing maestro and one of the finest all-rounders the game has ever seen, etched his name in global cricket history by leading Pakistan to its first and only World Cup victory in 1992. His leadership, unwavering belief in his team, and personal performance—which included over 3,800 runs and 362 wickets in Test cricket—propelled Pakistan cricket to new heights, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.

Imran Khan All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 382 (FC), 88 (Tests), 175 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 17771 (FC), 3807 (Tests), 3709 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 1287 (FC), 362 (Tests), 182 (T20Is)
Imran Khan Achievements
  • Led Pakistan to its first Cricket World Cup triumph in 1992.
  • Secured the remarkable all-rounder achievement of over 3,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket.
  • Awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1983.
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5. Kapil Dev (India)

Kapil Dev, the trailblazer of Indian cricket, was a formidable all-rounder who notched up over 5,000 runs and took more than 400 wickets in Test cricket, a feat unmatched by any other cricketer. His leadership guided India to its first ever World Cup victory in 1983, reshaping the landscape of cricket in the country while his fast-bowling prowess earned him respect from batsmen globally, leaving an indelible mark on world cricket.

Kapil Dev All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 275 (FC), 131 (Tests), 225 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 11356 (FC), 5248 (Tests), 3783 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 835 (FC), 434 (Tests), 253 (ODIs)
Kapil Dev Achievements
  • Captained India to its first-ever Cricket World Cup victory in 1983.
  • Achieved the rare feat of scoring over 5,000 runs and taking more than 400 wickets in Test cricket.
  • Also awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1983).
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4. Sir Ian Botham (England)

Ian Botham, a charismatic force in the 1980s, revolutionized cricket with his aggressive stroke play, natural flair, and dynamic batting style, becoming one of the greatest all-rounders in history and significantly influencing English cricket. His unique ability to dominate bowlers and score centuries while capturing 5 wickets in a test match on 5 occasions, along with his fastest double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets, makes him an unforgettable phenomenon in the cricket world.

Ian Botham All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 402 (FC), 102 (Tests), 116 (ODIs)
  • Runs: 19399 (FC), 5200 (Tests), 2113 (ODIs)
  • Wickets: 1172 (FC), 383 (Tests), 145 (ODIs)
Ian Botham Achievements
  • Instrumental in England’s Ashes victories, playing a key role as a dynamic all-rounder.
  • Achieved the historic double of 5,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket.
  • Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1981, reflecting his immense impact on cricket during that period.
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3. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Shakib Al Hasan, the dynamic all-rounder from Bangladesh, has been a game-changer in cricket since his debut in 2006. With his consistent and canny bowling, aggressive batting style, and leadership skills (kind of), he has become a cornerstone of the Bangladesh national team. His impressive career stats include over 10,000 runs and 500 wickets across all formats, making him a true cricketing icon for the modern era.

Shakib Al Hasan All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 66 (Tests), 247 (ODIs), 117 (T20Is), 415 (T20s)
  • Runs: 4454 (Tests), 7570 (ODIs), 2382 (T20Is), 6954 (T20s)
  • Wickets: 233 (Tests), 317 (ODIs), 140 (T20Is), 465 (T20s)
Shakib Al Hasan Achievements
  • Ranked #1 ICC ODI all-rounder (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022)
  • #1 ICC T20I all-rounder (2014, 2015, 2017, 2022)
  • #1 ICC Test all-rounder (2014, 2017, 2018)
  • Played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s success in ICC Cricket World Cups. Scored over 600+ runs and 10+ wickets in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
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2. Sir Garfield Sobers (West Indies)

Sir Garfield Sobers, the West Indian all-rounder, was a game-changer in every sense, amassing 8,032 Test runs and securing 235 wickets with his versatile bowling. His impact goes beyond statistics, as his passion and resilience continue to inspire generations, making him an enduring icon in cricket.

Garfield Sobers All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 383 (FC), 93 (Tests)
  • Runs: 28314 (FC), 8032 (Tests)
  • Wickets: 1043 (FC), 235 (Tests)
Garfield Sobers Achievements
  • First cricketer to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket (1968).
  • Captained the West Indies cricket team.
  • Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his services to cricket.
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Century in 2000.
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1. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Jacques Kallis, the unstoppable South African all-rounder who not only scored a whopping 13,289 Test runs and took 292 Test wickets but also changed the game as we know it. His monumental contributions go beyond stats; they challenge how we view cricket, reminding us that passion, versatility, and sheer skill can indeed redefine a sport.

Jacques Kallis All-Round Stats
  • Matches: 166 (Tests), 328 (ODIs), 25 (T20Is)
  • Runs: 10,289 (Tests), 11,579 (ODIs), 666 (T20Is)
  • Wickets: 292 (Tests), 273 (ODIs), 12 (T20Is)
Jacques Kallis Achievements
  • One of only four players with 10,000+ runs and 290+ wickets in Tests.
  • Achieved the ‘double’ of 10,000 runs and 200 wickets in both Tests and ODIs.
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2003.
  • ICC Men’s Player of the Year (2005)
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Final Thoughts

All-rounders are some of the most sought-after cricketers in each team, regardless of the formats.

India still has not replaced Kapil Dev, every Hardik Pandya injury shakes the entire line up, and two players were needed to replace the great Jacques Kallis.

In ICC tournaments, players like Yuvraj Singh & Lance Klusener become extremely valuable to World Cup victories. The memories of the original Fab 4—Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, and Sir Richard Hadlee—is still deeply ingrained in every 80s cricket fan’s heart.

From Shahid Afridi to Sir Garfield Sobers, all of these cricketers have made an impact like no other.

Who was your favorite?

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Hope you enjoyed reading this article. Did you learn something new? Were you provided with a different perspective? Did you become a better person? Ooh, philosophical life questions…

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Frequently Asked Questions – Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History

Who are the best all-rounders in cricket history?

Jacques Kallis, with his dynamic batting and bowling skills, tops my list. But let’s not forget Sir Garfield Sobers, Shakib Al Hasan, Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, and more – their talent was just off the charts!

Why is Jacques Kallis considered one of the greatest all-rounders?

Jacques Kallis – now there’s a name that gets every cricket fan buzzing. With over 22,000 runs and 500 wickets across all formats, Kallis has proven time and again that he’s not only an exceptional batsman but a formidable bowler too. His consistency and versatility are what truly set him apart.

What makes a great all-rounder in cricket?

A great all-rounder, like the indomitable Imran Khan or the fiery Kapil Dev, is a player who excels in both batting and bowling. Their ability to adapt to different game situations and contribute significantly to both areas is what makes them so valuable to their team.

Sources: Inspired by Cricinfo’s Greatest All-Rounder Series

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2023. Originally published on 12/02/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Top 43 Pakistan Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest Pakistani Fast Bowlers of All Time (Updated 2023)

The list of Pakistan fast bowlers continues to grow—Shaheen Shaha Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf have been ripping apart batting line ups all year.

Join us as we explore the mesmerizing realm of Pakistani fast bowlers – where passion meets skill and legends are born. Who are the greatest? The unluckiest? Who took the most wickets?

Let’s dive straight in.

Table of Contents

By the Numbers: Which Pakistani Fast Bowlers Have Taken the Most Wickets Across Formats?

The land of Pakistan is a factory that unearths gem of fast bowlers year in and year out.

Wasim Akram (916), Waqar Younis (789), Imran Khan (544), Shoaib Akhtar (438), and Umar Gul (427) are the Top 5 wicket-takers in Pakistan cricket history across formats.

Here is the complete list of the most wickets by Pakistani fast bowlers or medium pacers – all formats combined (Test/ODI, T20Is).

Most Wickets by Pakistan Fast Bowlers

PlayerWickets
Wasim Akram916
Waqar Younis789
Imran Khan544
Shoaib Akhtar438
Umar Gul427
Abdul Razzaq388
Mohammad Amir259
Shaheen Shah Afridi253
Sarfraz Nawaz240
Wahab Riaz237
Aaqib Javed236
Hasan Ali229
Mohammad Sami227
Junaid Khan189
Mudassar Nazar177
Azhar Mahmood162
Mohammad Asif160
Fazal Mahmood139
Haris Rauf137
Naved-ul-Hasan133
Sohail Tanvir130
Mohammad Irfan109
Sikander Bakht100
Naseem Shah98
Mohammad Abbas91
Faheem Ashraf86
Shabbir Ahmed84
Azeem Hafeez78
Rao Iftikhar Anjum78
Rahat Ali76
Saleem Jaffar76
Asif Iqbal69
Mahmood Hussain68
Tahir Naqqash68
Mohamad Wasim Jr.61
Ata-ur-Rehman58
Shahid Nazir55
Khan Mohammad54
Aizaz Cheema51
Saleem Altaf51
Sohail Khan51
Usman Shinwari48

Others: Asif Masood (43), Manzoor Elahi (36), Mohammad Akram (36), Anwar Ali (28), Yasir Arafat (29), Imran Khan (29), Rashid Khan (28), Jalal-ud-Din (25), Mohammad Zahid (25), Rumman Raees (22), Kabir Khan (21), Mohammad Farooq (21), Bilawal Bhatti (17)

Also Read:

Top 35 List of Greatest Pakistan Fast Bowlers (Ranked)

Some aspects we considered while ranking these bowlers were (1) longevity, (2) Test match impact, (3) World Cup heroics, (4) other international match-winning performances, and (5) pace/talent/swing.

The New Generation: Up and Coming Pakistani Fast Bowlers

First up, we begin with the youth of Pakistan. These youngsters will inevitably rise up the list in the future, but for now, we are putting them here.

*Note: Youngsters like Shaheen Shah Afridi & Naseem Shah are further down below since they have already taken more than 100 international wickets in their short careers.

43. Mir Hamza – 2 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2018-
  • Matches: 3 (Tests)
  • Wickets (Test): 2
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/38 (Test)
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42. Zaman Khan – 4 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2003-
  • Matches: 6 (T20Is)
  • Wickets (T20I): 4
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/7
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41. Ihsanullah – 6 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2023-
  • Marches: 1 (ODI), 4 (T20I)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20Is): 0/6
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/29 (T20I)
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40. Shahnawaz Dahani – 9 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2021-
  • Matches: 2 (ODI), 11 (T20I)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20Is): 1/8
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/36 (ODI), 2/37 (T20I)
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39. Muhammad Hasnain – 37 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2019-
  • Matches: 9 (ODI), 27 (T20I)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20Is): 12/25
  • Best Figures in Innings: 12 (ODI), 25 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 0/1 (ODI)
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38. Mohammad Wasim Jr. – 61 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2021-
  • Matches: 2 (Test), 15 (ODI), 35 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 2/24/35
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/71 (Test), 4/36 (ODI), 4/24 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/0 (ODI), 2/0 (T20I)
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Pakistan Fast Bowlers with Short International Careers: The Ones That Impressed but Could Not Capitalize

37. Ehsan Adil – 9 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2013-15
  • Matches: 3 (Test), 6 (ODI)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20Is): 5/4
  • Best Figures in Innings: 2/54 (Test), 1/31 (ODI)
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36. Rumman Raees – 22 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2016-2018
  • Matches: 9 (ODI), 8 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 14/8
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/49 (ODI), 2/24 (T20I)
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35. Yasir Arafat – 29 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2000-2012
  • Matches: 3 (Test), 11 (ODI), 13 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 9/4/16
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/161 (Test), 1/28 (ODI), 3/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 0/1 (Test)
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34. Mohammad Zahid

  • Years Played: 1996-2003
  • Matches: 5 (Test), 11 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 15/10
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/66 (Test), 2/20 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/1 (Test)
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33. Anwar Ali – 28 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2008-2016
  • Matches: 22 (ODI), 16 (T20I)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20I): 18/10
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/66, 2/27
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32. Usman Khan Shinwari – 48 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2013-
  • Matches: 1 (Test), 17 (ODI), 16 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 1/34/13
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/54 (Test), 5/34 (ODI), 3/31 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/2 (ODI)
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31. Rao Iftikhar Anjum – 78 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2004-2010
  • Matches: 1 (Test), 62 (ODI), 2 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 1/62/2
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/30 (ODI), 1/34 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls:2/1 (ODI)
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30. Rahat Ali – 76 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2012-18
  • Matches: 21 (Test), 14 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 58/18
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/127 (Test), 3/40 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/2 (Test)
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29. Shabbir Ahmed – 84 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1999-2007
  • Matches: 10 (Test), 32 (ODI), 1 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 51/33/0
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/48 (Test), 3/32 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 5/2 (Test)
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28. Sohail Khan – 51 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2008-2017
  • Matches: 9 (Test), 13 (ODI), 5 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 27/19/5
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/68 (Test), 5/55 (ODI), 2/13 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/2 (Test), 0/1 (ODI)
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27. Mohammad Irfan – 109 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2010-2019
  • Matches: 4 (Test), 60 (ODI), 22 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 10/83/16
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/44 (Test), 4/30 (ODI), 2/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/0 (ODI)
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26. Naved Ul-Hasan Rana – 133 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2003-2010
  • Matches: 9 (Test), 74 (ODI), 4 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 18/110/5
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/30 (Test), 6/27 (ODI), 3/19 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/1 (ODI)
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Top 25 Greatest Pakistani Fast Bowlers of All Time

25. Sikander Bakht – 100 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1976-1989
  • Matches: 26 (Test), 27 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 67/33
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/69 (Test), 4/34(ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/3 (Test), 1/0 (ODI)
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24. Naseem Shah – 98 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2019-
  • Matches: 17 (Test), 14 (ODI), 19 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 51/32/15
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/31 (Test), 5/33 (ODI), 2/7 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls:2/1 (Test), 0/2 (ODI)
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23. Sohail Tanvir – 130 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2007-2017
  • Matches: 2 (Test), 62 (ODI), 57 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 5/71/54
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/83 (Test), 5/48 (ODI), 3/12 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/1 (ODI)
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22. Junaid Khan – 189 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2011-2019
  • Matches: 33 (Test), 76 (ODI), 9 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 71/110/8
  • Best Figures in Innings: (Test), (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/5 (Test), 4/0 (ODI)

Watch: Junaid Khan vs Virat Kohli

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21. Khan Mohammad – 54 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1952-1958
  • Matches: 13 (Test)
  • Wickets (Test): 54
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/21
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/4

20. Azhar Mahmood – 162 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1996-2007
  • Matches: 21 (Test), 143 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 39/123
  • Best Figures in Innings: 4/50 (Test), 6/18 (odi0
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/0 (Test), 2/3 (ODI)
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19. Mudassar Nazar – 177 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1976-1989
  • Matches: 76 (Test), 122 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 66/111
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/32 (Test), 5/28 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/1 (Test), 1/1 (ODI)
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18. Haris Rauf – 137 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2020-
  • Matches: 1 (Test), 26 (ODI), 62 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 1/53/83
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/78 (Test), 5/18 (ODI), 4/18
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/1 (ODI), 3/0 (T20I)
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17. Mohammad Sami – 227 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2001-2016
  • Matches: 36 (Test), 87 (ODI), 13 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 85/121/21
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/36 (Test), 5/10 (ODI), 3/16 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/2 (Test),3/1 (ODI)
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16. Hasan Ali – 249 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2016-
  • Matches: 22 (Test), 60 (ODI), 50 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 78/91/60
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/27(Test), 5/34 (ODI), 4/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/6 (Test), 1/4 (ODI), 1/0 (T20I)
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15. Wahab Riaz – 237 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2008-2020
  • Matches: 27 (Test), 92 (ODI), 36 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 83/120/34
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/63 (Test), 5/46 (ODI), 3/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/2 (Test), 5/1 (ODI)

Watch: Wahab Riaz vs Shane Watson

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14. Mahmood Hussain – 68 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1952-1962
  • Matches: 27 (Test)
  • Wickets (Test): 68
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/67
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/2
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13. Mohammad Abbas – 91 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2017-
  • Matches: 25 (Test), 3 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI):90/1
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/33 (Test), 1/44 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/4 (Test)
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12. Abdul Razzaq – 389 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1996-2013
  • Matches: 46 (Test), 265 (ODI), 32 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 100/269/20
  • Best Figures in Innings:5/35 (Test), 6/35 (ODI), 3/13 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/1 (Test), 8/3 (ODI)
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11. Mohammad Amir – 259 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2009-2020
  • Matches: 36 (Test), 61 (ODI), 50 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 119/81/59
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/44 (Test), 5/30 (ODI) 4/13 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/4 (Test), 1/1 (ODI), 1/0 (T20I)
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The Undisputed Greats: Top 10 Best Pakistani Fast Bowlers of All-Time

10. Shaheen Shah Afridi – 255 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2018-
  • Matches: 27 (Test), 43 (ODI), 52 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 105/84/64
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/51 (Test), 6/35 (ODI), 4/22 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 11/4 (Test), 6/2 (ODI), 1/0 (T20I)

Watch: The King Of Swing At His Best | Top 30 Wickets of Shaheen Shah Afridi

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9. Aaqib Javed – 236 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1988-1998
  • Matches: 22 (Test), 163 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 54/182
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/84 (Test), 7/37 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls:2 /1 (Test), 2/4 (ODI)

Watch: Aaqib Javed’s Spell Against India

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8. Umar Gul – 427 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2003-2016
  • Matches: 47 (Test), 130 (ODI), 60 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 163/179/85
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/135 (Test), 6/42 (ODI), 5/6 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 12/4 (Test), 4/2 (ODI), 4/2 (T20I)

Also Read: The Magician With the Yorker – Umar Gul

Watch: UMAR GUL TOP 15 BOWLED COMPILATION

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7. Sarfraz Nawaz – 240 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1969-1984
  • Matches: 55 (Test), 45 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI):177/63
  • Best Figures in Innings: 9/86 (Test), 4/27 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 14/4 (Test), 4/0 (ODI)

Watch: Sarfraz Nawaz 9/86 vs Australia 1st test 1978/79 MCG PART ONE

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6. Mohammad Asif – 165 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2005-2010
  • Matches: 23 (Test), 38 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 106/46/13
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/41 (Test), 3/28 (ODI), 4/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/7 (Test), 1/0 (T20I)

Watch: From the Vault: Asif rocks Australia with six at the SCG – YouTube

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5. Fazal Mahmood – 139 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1952-1962
  • Matches: 34 (Test)
  • Wickets (Test): 139
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/42 (Test)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/13 (Test)

Watch: Fazal Mahmood Bowling Clip

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4. Shoaib Akhtar – 445 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1997-2011
  • Matches: 46 (Test), 163 (ODI), 16 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 179/247/19
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/11 (Test), 6/16 (ODI), 3/38 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 10/12 (Test), 6/4 (ODI)

Watch: Shoaib Akhtar Bowling Killer Yorker to Famous players | Best Yorkers in Cricket History

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3. Imran Khan – 544 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1971-1992
  • Matches: 88 (Test), 175 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 362/182
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/58 (Test), 6/14 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 17/23 (Test), 3/1 (ODI)

Watch: (30) Mix Tape: All-round Imran at his brilliant best – YouTube

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2. Waqar Younis – 789 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1989-2003
  • Matches: 87 (Test), 262 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 373/416
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/76 (Test), 7/36 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 28/22 (Test), 14/13 (ODI)

Watch: Mix Tape: Waqar Younis sending stumps flying

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1. Wasim Akram – 916 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1984-2003
  • Matches: 104 (Test), 356 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 414/502
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/119 (Test), 5/15 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 20/25 (Test), 17/6 (ODI)

Watch: Wasim Akram Top 10 Swing Balls – YouTube

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Pakistan Fast Bowlers in Each World Cup

ODI World Cup

  • 1975 ODI WC: Asif Iqbal,Sarfraz Nawaz, Imran Khan, Naseer Malik, Asif Masood, Pervez Mir
  • 1979 ODI WC: Asif Iqbal, Sikander Bakht, Imran Khan, Mudassar Nazar, Hasan Jamil
  • 1983 ODI WC: Imran Khan, Mudassar Nazar, Rashid Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz, Shahid Mahboob, Tahir Naqqash
  • 1987 ODI WC: Imran Khan, Manzoor Elahi, Saleem Jaffar, Wasim Akram
  • 1992 ODI WC: Imran Khan, Aaqib Javed, Wasim Akram, Wasim Haider
  • 1996 ODI WC: Wasim Akram, Aaqib Javed, Ata-ur-Rehman, Waqar Younis
  • 1999 ODI WC: Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Azhar Mahmood, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar
  • 2003 ODI WC: Waqar Younis, Abdul Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Sami, Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram
  • 2007 ODI WC: Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Sami, Naved-ul-Hasan Rana, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Umar Gul, Yasir Arafat
  • 2011 ODI WC: Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan (replaced Sohail Tanvir)
  • 2015 ODI WC: Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali (Junaid Khan Withdrawn), Mohammad Irfan, Ehsan Adil
  • 2019 ODI WC: Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Wahab Riaz

T20 World Cup

  • 2007 T20 WC: Iftikhar Anjum Rao, Mohammad Asif, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Yasir Arafat
  • 2009 T20 WC: Rao Iftikhar Anjum (replaces Shoaib Akhtar), Mohammad Amir, Shoail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Yasir Arafat (replaces Abdul Razzaq)
  • 2010 T20 WC: Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Sami, Hammad Azam
  • 2012 T20 WC: Yasir Arafat, Umar Gul, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Sami, Sohail Tanvir
  • 2014 T20 WC: Bilawal Bhatti, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Talha, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul
  • 2016 T20 WC: Anwar Ali, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami
  • 2021 T20 WC: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Shahnawaz Dahani (Reserve)
  • 2022 T20 WC: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Shahnawaz Dahani (Reserve)

Final Thoughts

We have all heard the phrase, “Pace is pace.”

Pure pace can wreak havoc for the opposition teams while providing moments of beauty for the audience.

Pakistan cricket has been a blessing to the cricketing world due to the fast bowlers talent they produce. It was Sarfraz Nawaz & Imran Khan early on, Fazal Mohammad & Khan Mohammad even earlier. The trio of Wasim Akram-Waqar Younis-Shoaib Akhtar took the legend of Pakistani fast bowling to new heights.

Each generation since, Pakistan continues to find raw talent like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah today, and I hope they continue to produce such gems for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Greatest Pakistan Fast Bowlers

Why do Pakistan produce so many fast bowlers?

Pakistan produces so many fast bowlers due to their cricketing culture. In the early days of Pakistan Test cricket, the likes of Fazal Mahmood, Mahmood Hussain, and Khan Mohammad set the tone. This was taken to another level by the duo of Imran Khan & Sarfraz Nawaz and then solidified in their cricketing DNA by Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.

Who are some of the most famous fast bowlers from Pakistan?

Sarfraz Nawaz, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Wahab Riaz are some of the most famous fast bowlers from Pakistan.Pakistan Fast Bowlers - List of the Greatest Pakistan Fast Bowlers of All Time. Collage shown in two rows. Top Row (From Left to Right): Sarfraz Nawaz, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul. Bottom Row: (From Left to Right) Mohammad Asif, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Which bowlers have taken the most wickets in Pakistan cricket history?

Wasim Akram (916), Waqar Younis (789), Imran Khan (544), Shoaib Akhtar (438), and Umar Gul (427) have taken the most wickets in Pakistan cricket history across formats.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 09/13/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023)

Time for the greatest West Indies cricketers of all-time!

West Indies has been a beacon of sunshine in international cricket for several decades. From the golden generation of Test cricketers to the ODI & T20 World Cup winning eras, the Caribbean has been a factory of talent.

Without further ado, let’s dive right in, the greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time across formats and eras.

Key Takeaways

  • Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh, Malcolm Marshall, George Headley, Curtly Ambrose, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, and Sir Clive Lloyd are judged as the Top 10 Greatest West Indian players in cricket history.
  • The country of origin for these players is divided as follows: Barbados (13), Jamaica (10), Guyana/British Guiana (9), Trinidad & Tobago (9), Leeward Islands (4), and Windward Islands (1).
  • In this list of the 50 greatest West Indies cricketers of all time, we have 16 batters, 11 fast bowlers,10 allrounders, 4 spinners, and 4 wicketkeepers,

Table of Contents

List of Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time

Cricket is a highly popular sport in the West Indies, and the region has produced some of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game. These players have made a huge impact on cricket with their incredible performances, and their names have gone down in history as some of the most memorable figures in the sport.

In this list of the greatest 50 greatest West Indian cricketers of all time, we took in account impact on West Indian & world cricket, World Cup wins, individual statistics & performances, captaincy, and legacy. All roles are considered. In this list, you will find the greatest West Indian batters, bowlers, allrounders, and wicketkeepers. Here we go!

Honorable Mentions: Larry Gomes, Carlos Brathwaite, Ravi Rampaul, Bernard Julien, Mervyn Dillon, Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards, George Francis, Herman Griffith, Manny Martindale, Leslie Hylton, Hines Johnson, Roy Gilchrist, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Seymour Nurse, Gus Logie,

Current Players Who Might Make the List in the future: Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Shannon Gabriel, Joshua da Silva

Also Read:

50. Lendl Simmons (Trinidad & Tobago, 2006-2021)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
  • Claim to Fame: One of the heroes of the 2016 T20 World Cup campaigns, knocking India out of the semifinals. Devastating opening batter and dependable behind the stumps
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49. Deryck Murray (Trinidad & Tobago, 1963-1980)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
  • Claim to Fame: Constant presence behind the stumps for 17 years for the West Indies
  • Record: 4th Highest Test dismissals for WI
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48. Vanburn Holder (Barbados, 1969-1979)

  • Role: Right Arm Medium Pace
  • Claim to Fame: Complemented Wes Hall & Charlie Griffith as an accurate medium pace bowler
  • Record: 109 Test & 950 FC Wickets
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47. Learie ‘Baron’ Constantine (Trinidad & Tobago, 1928-1939)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: One of the early father figures of West Indian cricket. All-rounder, both on the field and off of it. After cricket, he was Trinidad & Tobago’s High Commissioner to the UK and fought against discrimination.
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46. Denesh Ramdin (Trinidad & Tobago, 2005-2019)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper/batter
  • Claim to Fame: Up & down with the bat in his career, but a constant behind the stumps for a better part of the 2010s.
  • Records: Most dismissals in T20I Cricket, 3rd in ODI & Test Cricket
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45. Jason Holder (Barbados, 2013-2023)

  • Role: All-Rounder (Right Arm Medium Pace)
  • Claim to Fame: Effective T20 bowler, handy with the bat, but most importantly, known for his calm demeanor and captaincy.
  • Records: 2nd Most Wickets for WI in T20Is, 6th most in ODI
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44. Ridley Jacobs (Leeward Islands, 1996-2004)

  • Role: Wicket-keeper/batter
  • Claim to Fame: Formed the core of West Indian team in the 1990s
  • Records: 2nd Most dismissals in ODI & Test Cricket
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43. Sir Conrad Hunte (Barbados, 1958-1967)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his performances during the 1960s. Played a crucial part in series against England and scored a ton against all Test nations at that time. Went into public life figure after cricket.
  • Records: 3245 Test & 8916 FC runs
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42. Jackie Hendricks (Jamaica, 1962-1969)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper
  • Claim to Fame: Although his batting stats may not be the most impressive, he was considered one of the best keepers of his time.
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41. Charlie Griffith (Barbados, 1960-1969)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his impressive fast bowling during the 1960s and forming one of the most feared bowling duos with Wes Hall.
  • Record: 94 Test & 332 First Class (FC) Wickets
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40. Samuel Badree (Trinidad & Tobago, 2012-2018)

  • Role: Right Arm Leg Spin
  • Claim to Fame: Vital cog in West Indies’ 2012 & 2016 victory. Changed the role of the spinner as a Powerplay weapon. Economical and a wicket-taker.
  • Record: 3rd Highest Wicket-Taker in T20Is for WI
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39. Daren Sammy (Windward Islands, 2004-2017)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Recognized for his exceptional leadership skills and match-winning performances in T20 cricket.
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38. Marlon Samuels (Jamaica, 2000-2018)

  • Role: All-Rounder (Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Off spin)
  • Claim to Fame: Top scored for West Indies in both the 2012 & 2016 T20 World Cups, including the match winning knocks in the Finals in both tournaments. Controversial off the field.
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37. Lawrence Rowe (Jamaica, 1972-1980)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his outstanding batting performances in the 1970s. His noteworthy performances in test matches, particularly his remarkable double century on debut (214 & 100* on debut) is a standout among his contemporaries. One of the most stylish cricketers of all-time.
  • Record: 2047 Test & 8755 FC runs, best of 302, 7 tons (in 30 Tests only)
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36. Roy Fredericks (Guyana, 1968-1977)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his aggressive batting style and crucial contributions during the 1975 World Cup. Fearless opener.
  • Record: 4334 Test & 16,384 FC runs, 8 Test hundreds.
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35. Andre Russell (Jamaica, 2010-2021)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Possibly the most hard-hitting batting in cricket history. Revolutionized muscular power hitting. The Knight Riders franchise have Andre Russell to thank for their brand (and some of their trophies).
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34. Colin Croft (Guyana, 1977-1982)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his intimidating fast bowling in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
  • Record: 125 Test & 428 FC wickets. Stunning Test bowling averaging of 23.30
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33. Jeffrey Dujon (Jamaica)

  • Role: Wicket-Keeper Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Distinguished for his impeccable wicket-keeping skills and significant lower-order contributions during the 1980s. Holds pretty much all Test & ODI wicketkeeping records for the West Indies.
  • Record: Most Dismissals in ODI & Test Cricket for WI
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32. Ian Bishop (Trinidad & Tobago, 1988-1998)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his accuracy and control with the ball, particularly in one day cricket.
  • Record: 161 Test wickets, 118 ODI, and 549 FC wickets
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31. Sunil Narine (Trinidad & Tobago, 2011-2019)

  • Role: All-Rounder (Mystery Spin Bowler)
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his ability to bowl spin with exceptional control in T20 cricket. With his batting reinvention, he revolutionized the role of pinch hitters in T20 cricket.
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30. Kemar Roach (Barbados, 2008-)

  • Role: Right Arm Fast
  • Claim to Fame: One of the consistent Test bowlers in the modern era. Sacrificed his limited overs career for the longest format.
  • Record: 5th highest wicket taker in Tests for the West Indies
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29. Ramnaresh Sarwan (Guyana, 2000-2013)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Known for his consistent performances and matches winning knocks in the 2004 Champions Trophy. With Chanderpaul & Lara, Sarwan provided West Indies some of the best batsmen around.
  • Record: 5842 Test & 5804 ODI runs including the memorable 291. 20 international centuries
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28. Alf Valentine (Jamaica, 1950-1962)

  • Role: Left Arm Spin
  • Claim to Fame: Spin twins with Ramadhin. Played a major part in the series victory against England as well as the Tied Test vs Australia in 1961.
  • Record: 139 Test & 475 FC wickets
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27. Sonny Ramadhin (Trinidad & Tobago, 1950-1961)

  • Role: Right arm off spin
  • Claim to Fame: One of the great off spinners of the 1950s, formed a partnership with Alf Valentine. Regarded for his role in the overseas Test victory against England. Ramadhin was the first player from Indian origin to represent the Windies.
  • Record: 158 Test & 758 FC wickets
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26. Kieron Pollard (Trinidad & Tobago, 2007-2022)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Found in the Champions League 2009, Pollard has become popular for his hard-hitting batting, ruthless finishing, and winning franchise trophies. Not many people have influenced the evolution of a format as Pollard has.
  • Records: 2012 T20 World Cup Winner, Mumbai Indians legend, 4th Most T20I runs for WI, and 2nd most T20I wins as captain.
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25. Richie Richardson (Leeward Islands, 1983-1996)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat
  • Claim To Fame: 9 Tons against Australia, 619 runs in 4-Test series vs India
  • Record: 5949 Test Runs, 6248 ODI, and 14618 FC Runs. 21 International Centuries
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24. Rohan Kanhai (British Guiana/Guyana, 1957-1975)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Widely celebrated for his inventive batting style and significant role in the 1975 World Cup squad. His ability to handle pressure and adapt his game to different conditions and situations elevated him to the status of one of the greatest West Indian cricketers of all time. There is a reason Sunil Gavaskar named his son Rohan.
  • Record: 6227 Test runs, 29250 FC runs, 86 FC centuries

*also played one year for Trinidad & Tobago

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23. Carl Hooper (Guyana, 1987-2003)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Popular for his all-round performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Records: 2nd Most Catches in ODI Cricket, 4th Highest wicket-taker for WI in ODI, 10000+ runs in international cricket, 23,034 FC runs with 69 centuries
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22. Alvin Kallicharran (Guyana, 1972-1981)

  • Role: Middle-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his elegant batting style and crucial contributions during the 1975 and 1979 World Cups.
  • Record: 4399 Test & 32560 FC runs. 87 FC centuries, double century (206) in List A cricket.
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21. Sir Clyde Walcott (Barbados/British Guiana, 1948-1960)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Widely recognized for his record-breaking batting performances in the 1950s. One of the 3 Ws in the 1950s.
  • Record: 3798 Test & 11820 FC runs, 40 FC centuries. Averaged over 56 in both Test & FC cricket.
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20. Sir Everton Weekes (Barbados, 1948-1958)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his outstanding batting skills and record-breaking feats during the 1940s.
  • Record: 4455 Test & 12010 FC runs, 36 FC centuries. Averaged 58.61 in Tests & 55.34 in FC cricket.
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19. Wes Hall (Barbados, 1958-1969)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Recognized for his destructive fast bowling and forming one of the most feared bowling duos with Charlie Griffith.
  • Record: 192 Test & 546 FC wickets

*Also played for Trinidad 1966-1970

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18. Andy Roberts (Leeward Islands, 1974-1983)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy in the 1970s.
  • Record: 202 Test & 889 FC wickets
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17. Michael Holding (Jamaica, 1975-1987)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Nicknamed the ‘whispering death,’ Holding was admired for his smooth action and exceptional control with the ball. Now known for his strong takes in the commentary box.
  • Record: 249 Test wickets, 142 ODI, and 778 FC wickets
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16. Joel Garner (Barbados, 1977-1987)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his intimidating fast bowling and remarkable accuracy. One of the recognizable pillars of the famed bowling attack.
  • Records: Best career ODI economy rate (3.09), 259 Test wickets at an average of 20.97. Also took 146 ODI & 881 FC wickets
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15. Lance Gibbs (British Guiana, 1958-1976)

  • Role: Off Spin Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his spin bowling and shrewd field settings in the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Records: First spinner to 300 Test wickets, bowled 78,430 FC balls & 27,115 Test balls. Best of 8/38 in an innings.
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14. Dwayne Bravo (Trinidad & Tobago, 2004-2021)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his aggressive batting and his ability to bowl at any stage of the game.
  • Records: Most Wickets for WI in T20Is, Most Wickets in T20s of all-time (615), 3rd most in ODI cricket, Most franchise tournament wins in history (constant competition with Pollard)
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13. Sir Gordon Greenidge (Barbados, 1974-1991)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Recognized for his powerful batting and ability to score freely in both Test and One Day cricket.
  • Records: 37,354 FC runs, 30 international centuries, and 92 FC tons.
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12. Desmond Haynes (Barbados, 1978-1994)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his consistent batting performances in the 1980s and 1990s. A giant in first class cricket as well.
  • Records: Pioneer in ODI batting, had most tons (17) till Sachin Tendulkar overtook him. More than 16,000 international runs, 26,000 FC runs, and 15,000 List A runs.
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11. Sir Curtly Ambrose (Leeward Islands, 1988-2000)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Distinguished for his fast, accurate bowling and significant contributions in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Records: 941 FC wickets, 405 Test wickets, and bowled some of the best spells.

*Also played for Antigua and Barbuda

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10. Sir Clive Lloyd (British Guiana, 1966-1985)

  • Role: Left Hand Batter/Captain
  • Claim to Fame: Known for his leadership of the West Indies team during the 1970s and 1980s, leading them to two World Cup titles.
  • Records: 31232 FC, 10915 List A, 7515 Test runs. Two-time WC winning captain.
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9. Chris Gayle (Jamaica, 1999-2021)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his aggressive batting and record-breaking performances in T20 cricket. Had a couple of double hundreds in Test matches as well. Pioneer in T20 batting. Was West Indies’ Top 2 scorers in their winning campaigns of 2004 Champions Trophy as well as their 2012 & 2016 T20 World Cup campaigns
  • Records: Most Catches for WI in ODI Cricket, Most ODI & T20I Runs for West Indies, Most T20 Runs (14562), Most T20 Hundreds (22), Most T20 Sixes (1056)
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8. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Guyana, 1994-2015)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Amusing batting stances, marks below the eyes, but most importantly, remarkable batting performances in Test cricket. The Wall of West Indian cricket.
  • Records: Most Tests for West Indies (164), 2nd Highest Test Runs (11867), 3rd Highest ODI Runs (8778)
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7. George Headley (Jamaica, 1930-1954)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his batting prowess and stylish strokeplay during the 1930s and 1940s.
  • Records: 103 FC/22 Tests, 9921 Runs/2190 Runs, 69.86/60.83 Average, best of 344*, 33/44 – 100s/50s
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6. Malcolm Marshall (Barbados, 1978-1992)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his express pace and lethal bounce, making him one of the most feared bowlers in the 1980s.
  • Records: 376 Test wickets, 157 ODI wickets, 1651 FC wickets, 46.7 Test Strike Rate
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5. Courtney Walsh (Jamaica, 1984-2001)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his remarkable accuracy and ability to extract the most out of even the most lifeless pitches.
  • Records: Most Test & ODI Wickets for WI, 1807 FC Wickets, 2nd most Test matches for West Indies (132), 519 Test wickets, 5/1 (best ODI analysis)
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4. Brian Lara (Trinidad & Tobago, 1990-2016)

  • Role: Middle Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his record-breaking batting feats and stylish stroke play. It is no joke that he scored the highest and third highest score in Tests. One of the remaining cogs of a declining Test side.
  • Records: 11953 Test Runs, 10405 in ODI, 22156 FC, and 14602 in Lisa A cricket. Highest Test Score (400), Most Catches in Test Cricket/3rd Most Catches in ODI Cricket
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3. Sir Frank Worrell (Barbados/Jamaica, 1948-1963)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his leadership of the West Indies team in the 1960s and setting up a legacy of success. Sir Frank Worrell was the first black captain to represent the West Indies and also captained the national team in that famed 1961 Test series, which featured the first Tied test.
  • Record: 3860 Test runs, 15025 FC runs, 39 FC centuries.
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2. Sir Vivian Richards (Leeward Islands, 1974-1991)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his powerful batting and remarkable consistency in the 1970s and 1980s. Possibly the greatest batsman the world has ever seen, and definitely, the most charismatic.
  • Record: 36212 FC runs, 8540 Tests runs, & 6721 ODI runs. 114 First Class hundreds to go with his 35 international centuries and 26 List A tons. Averages 50.23 in Tests & 47.00 in ODIs
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1. Sir Garfield Sobers (Barbados, 1954-1974)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his incredible all-round performances and ability to turn a game on its head. One of the two greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
  • Record: 28,314 FC runs & 1,043 FC wickets. 86 FC tons, 26 Test centuries, best of 365* and 6/73 (Test) & 9/49 (FC). Also hit six sixes.
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World Cup Winning West Indies Team & Players

One of West Indies cricket’s greatest strengths has been performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy tournaments. Here are the complete squads and stats.

West Indies 1975 World Cup Squad

  • Clive Lloyd (C), Keith Boyce, Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Gordon Greenidge, Vanburn Holder, Bernard Julien, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Deryck Murray (WK), Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Maurice Foster, Lawrence Rowe
  • Most Wickets: Bernard Julien, Keith Boyce
  • Most Runs: Alvin Kallicharan, Clive Lloyd

1979 World Cup Squad

  • Clive Lloyd (C), Joel Garner, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Alvin Kallicharran, Collis King, Deryck Murray (WK), Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Larry Gomes, Faoud Bacchus, Malcolm Marshall
  • Most Wickets: Mihcael Holding, Andy Roberts
  • Most Runs: Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge

1983 World Cup Squad (Runner Up)

  • Clive Lloyd (C), Faoud Bacchus, Wayne Daniel, Winston Davis, Jeff Dujon (WK), Joel Garner, Larry Gomes, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Gus Logie, Malcolm Marshall, Viv Richards, Andy Roberts
  • Most Wickets:
  • Most Runs: Viv Richards, Larry Gomes, Gordon Greenidge

2004 Champions Trophy

  • Brian Lara (C), Ian Bradshaw, Dwayne Bravo, Courtney Browne (WK), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Corey Collymore, Mervyn Dillon, Chris Gayle, Ryan Hinds, Wavell Hinds, Sylvester Joseph, Ricardo Powell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Daren Sammy
  • Most Wickets: Chris Gayle, Ian Bradshaw, Mervyn Dillon
  • Most Runs: Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul

2012 T20 World Cup Squad

  • Daren Sammy (C), Dwayne Bravo (VC), Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith
  • Most Wickets: Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul
  • Most Runs: Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle

2016 T20 World Cup Squad

  • Daren Sammy (C), Jason Holder (VC), Chris Gayle, Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles (WK), Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons (WK), Jerome Taylor (Dwayne Bravo, Fletcher, Narine, Pollard – withdrawn)
  • Most Wickets: Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo
  • Most Runs: Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle

Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time – The Stats

Most of the players who have dominated the statistics below feature in our list of the greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time.

Which West Indian cricketers played 100 Tests?

  • Chanderpaul (164), Walsh (132), Lara (130), Richads (121), Haynes (116), Lloyd (110), Greenidge (108), Gayle (103), Hooper (102)

Top 10 Most Runs for West Indies

Most Test Runs for WIMost ODI Runs for WIMost T20I Runs for WI
Brian Lara – 11912Chris Gayle – 10425Chris Gayle – 1899
Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 11867Brian Lara – 10348Nicholas Pooran – 1662
Viv Richards – 8540Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 8778 Marlon Samuels – 1611
Garfield Sobers – 8032Desmond Haynes – 8648Kieron Pollard – 1569
Gordon Greenidge – 7558Viv Richards – 6721 Lendl Simmons – 1527
Clive Lloyd – 7515Richie Richardson – 6248Evin Lewis – 1465
Desmond Haynes – 7487Ramnaresh Sarwan – 5804 Dwayne Bravo – 1255
Chris Gayle – 7214Carl Hooper – 5761Rovman Powell – 1082
Rohan Kanhai – 6227 Marlon Samuels – 5606 Johnson Charles – 988
Richie Richardson – 5949Gordon Greenidge – 5134Brandon King – 977

Top 10 Most Wickets for West Indies

Most Test Wickets for WIMost ODI Wickets for WIMost T20I Wickets for WI
Courtney Walsh – 519Courtney Walsh – 227Dwayne Bravo – 78
Curtly Ambrose – 405Curtly Ambrose – 225Jason Holder – 57
Malcolm Marshall – 376 Dwayne Bravo – 199Samuel Badree – 54
Lance Gibbs – 309Carl Hooper – 193Sunil Narine – 52
Kemar Roach – 265Chris Gayle – 167Sheldon Cottrell – 52
Joel Garner – 259Jason Holder – 159Darren Sammy – 44
Michael Holding – 249Malcolm Marshall – 157Kieron Pollard – 42
Garfield Sobers – 235Joel Garner – 146Kesrick Williams – 41
Andy Roberts – 202 Michael Holding – 142Obed McCoy – 41
Wes Hall – 192Mervyn Dillon – 130Andre Russell – 39

Top 5 Most Matches as Captain for West Indies

Most Test matches as WI captainMost ODI matches as WI captainMost T20I matches as WI captain
Clive Lloyd (36 wins/74)Brian Lara (59/125)Darren Sammy (27/47)
Viv Richards (27/50)Viv Richards (67/105)Kieron Pollard (13/39)
Brian Lara (10/47)Richie Richardson (46/87)Carlos Brathwaite (11/30)
Garfield Sobers (9/39)Jason Holder (24/86)Nicholas Pooran (8/23)
Jason Holder (11/37)Clie Lloyd (64/84)Chris Gayle (6/17)

Top 5 Most Dismissals for West Indies

Most Test dismissals for WI Most ODI dismissals for WIMost T20I dismissals for WI
Jeffrey Dujon – 270Jefrey Dujon – 204Denesh Ramdin – 63
Ridley Jacobs – 219Ridley Jacobs – 189Nicholas Pooran – 39
Denesh Ramdin – 217Denesh Ramdin – 188Devon Thomas – 14
Deryck Murray – 189Shai Hope – 134Chadwick Walton – 12
Junior Murray – 102Courntney Browne – 68Andre Fletcher – 11

*Note: Richie Richardson won 11/24 Test as 45.83%.

Top 5 Most Catches for West Indies

Most Test catches for WIMost ODI catches for WIMost T20I catches for WI
Brian Lara – 164Chris Gayle – 123Dwayne Bravo– 44
Viv Richards – 122Carl Hooper – 120Kieron Pollard – 42
Carl Hooper – 115Brian Lara – 117Lendl Simmons – 34
Garfield Sobers – 109Viv Richards – 100Daren Sammy – 30
Chris Gayle – 96Richie Richardson – 75Rovman Powell – 26

Final Thoughts

The West Indies cricket team has been graced by numerous players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

These players, hailing from various regions of the Caribbean, have showcased skillsets and abilities that have often been unparalleled. From powerful batsmen who could change the course of a game with their prowess to bowlers whose deliveries instilled fear in the hearts of their opponents, these individuals have truly shaped cricket in the West Indies.

Their contributions to the sport are not only celebrated in their home countries, but also recognized and revered globally. They serve as a testament to the rich and vibrant cricketing history of the West Indies, and their legacies continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers.

Which West Indies cricketer is your favorite? Do you agree with this list of the greatest West Indies Cricketers of all time?

Comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time

Q1: Who is considered the best all-rounder in West Indies cricket history?

A: Sir Garfield Sobers is widely regarded as the best all-rounder in the history of West Indies cricket. His exceptional performances with both the bat and ball have earned him this distinction.

Q2: Who held the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket from the West Indies?

A: Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Tests from the West Indies, with his unbeaten 400 runs against England in 2004.

Q3: Are there notable cricket players from each region of the Caribbean?

A: Yes, each region of the Caribbean has produced notable cricket players. For instance, Brian Lara hails from Trinidad, Sir Garfield Sobers from Barbados, and Chris Gayle from Jamaica.

Q4: Which West Indies captain led the team to two World Cup victories?

A: Sir Clive Lloyd was the captain of the West Indies team that won the Cricket World Cup in 1975 and 1979.

Sources: West Indies all-time XI: The XI | ESPNcricinfo

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 08/25/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Top 17 Greatest Wicketkeepers in Cricket History (Men’s): Which Keepers Have the Most Dismissals Across Formats?

Who are the greatest wicketkeepers in cricket history? Mark Boucher, Adam Gilchrist, and MS Dhoni are the greatest wicketkeepers across formats by sheer numbers. Rod Marsh, Ian Healy, Godfrey Evans, and Les Ames are some of the greatest keepers this game has ever seen.

Wicketkeeping has always been an integral part of cricket, and the role of a wicketkeeper is not limited to just catching the ball behind the stumps. Keepers play a vital role in the game by providing support to the bowlers, making crucial decisions, and contributing to the team’s overall performance. Over the years, cricket has seen some of the greatest wicketkeepers who have left a significant impact on the game.

Also Read: Greatest 155 Men’s Cricketers of All-Time, Greatest 76 Women’s Cricketers of All-Time, Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023), Top 25 Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History: Where do Ben Stokes, Shakib Al Hasan, and Ravindra Jadeja Rank?

Key Takeaways

  • Mark Boucher has the most dismissals in cricket across formats (998 dismissals) followed by Adam Gilchrist (905), and MS Dhoni (829).
  • MS Dhoni has the most stumpings in cross (195) followed by Kumar Sangakkara (139), and Romesh Kaluwitharana (101).
  • Australia (4) has the highest number of keepers in the Top 15 of the most wicketkeeper dismissal list followed by West Indies, South Africa, Pakistan (2), and India, England, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. (1)

What Makes Wicketkeepers Valuable in Cricket?

The ranking of the greatest wicketkeepers in cricket is a topic of much debate among cricket fans and experts. However, most agree that the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Mark Boucher, and Kumar Sangakkara were some of the best wicketkeepers the game has ever seen.

Wicketkeepers are crucial to any team. Whether it is saving 20-30 runs behind the stumps every match, impacting DRS decisions, inflicting stumpings, or providing live commentary, they are always in the center of the action.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the topic of the greatest wicketkeepers in cricket and explore the skills and qualities that make a great wicketkeeper. We will also take a closer look at some of the most iconic wicketkeepers in the game’s history and analyze their performance and contributions to the sport.

Note: Although the likes of Rishabh Pant will go do as one of the greatest Test wicketkeeper batters, in this list, we only look at wicketkeeping stats alone.

Evolution of Wicketkeeping

Wicketkeeping has come a long way since the inception of cricket. The role of a wicketkeeper has evolved from being just a mere catcher behind the stumps to a crucial player in the team. Here are some key highlights of the evolution of wicketkeeping in cricket:

  • Early Days: In the early days of cricket, wicketkeeping was not a specialized role. Any player in the team could take up the role of a wicketkeeper. The gloves used by wicketkeepers were just simple leather gloves with no padding.
  • Growth of Wicketkeeping: As cricket evolved, the role of wicketkeeping became more specialized. The wicketkeeper became the primary catcher behind the stumps, and the gloves used by them evolved accordingly. The gloves were padded to protect the wicketkeeper’s hands from the impact of the ball.
  • Invention of Leg Guards: In the late 19th century, leg guards were invented to protect the wicketkeeper’s legs from the impact of the ball. The first leg guards were made of cane and had no padding. Later, the leg guards were made of leather and were padded to provide better protection.
  • Modern-Day Wicketkeeping: In modern-day cricket, wicketkeeping has become a specialized role. Wicketkeepers are not only expected to be good catchers but also good batsmen. The gloves used by wicketkeepers are highly padded, and the leg guards are also heavily padded to provide maximum protection. Wicketkeepers are also expected to be agile and quick on their feet to be able to move quickly to catch the ball.

The evolution of wicketkeeping in cricket has been a gradual process that has seen the role of the wicketkeeper become more specialized and crucial to the team’s success. The modern-day wicketkeeper is not just a catcher behind the stumps but also a valuable batsman and an agile player.

Greatest Wicketkeepers in Cricket History

Over the years, there have been many great wicketkeepers who have left their mark on the game. Here are some of the greatest wicketkeepers in cricket history.

Note: The Top 15 keepers are based on most dismissals across ODI, Test, and T20 cricket. Godfrey Evans and Les Ames are added in this list not based on the numbers but based on their keeping skills.

17. Godfrey Evans (219 Dismissals, 173 Catches, 46 Stumpings)

  • Country: England
  • Years Played: 1946-1969 (Tests), 1939-1967 (First Class)
  • Tests: 173 Catches, 46 Stumpings
  • First Class: 816 Catches, 215 Stumpings (1031 Dismissals)

Godfrey Evans was an exceptional English cricketer, renowned for his agile wicketkeeping skills and aggressive batting, making him one of the greatest wicketkeepers in cricket history. ESPNCricinfo describes him as the “arguably the greatest wicketkeeper the game has ever seen.”

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16. Les Ames (107 Dismissals, 74 Catches, 43 Stumpings)

  • Country: England
  • Years Played: 1929-1939 (Tests), 1926-1951 (First Class)
  • Tests: 74 Catches, 43 Stumpings
  • First Class: 703 Catches, 418 Stumpings (1121 Dismissals)

Les Ames, with his unbeatable wicketkeeping skills and powerful batting, was a true cricketing gem, lighting up the game like few others of his era. With 37248 first class runs and a mammoth 102 centuries, he was also one of cricket’s greatest keeper-batsmen.

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15. Jos Buttler (433 Dismissals, 388 Catches, 45 Dismissals)

  • Country: England
  • Years Played: 2011-
  • Tests: 153 Catches, 1 Stumping (154 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 204 Catches, 34 Stumpings (238 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 56 Catches, 10 Stumpings (66 Dismissals)

Who can forget that run out in the 2019 World Cup Final? He has been one of the faces of England’s rise in the limited over format.

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14. Moin Khan (434 Dismissals, 341 Catches, 93 Dismissals)

  • Country: Pakistan
  • Years Played: 1990-2004
  • Tests: 128 Catches, 20 Stumpings (148 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 214 Catches, 73 Stumpings (287 Dismissals)

Moin Khan brought an electrifying energy to the field with his nimble wicketkeeping and aggressive batting. Was a pivotal figure in Pakistani cricket during the 90s.

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13. Mushfiqur Rahim (440 Dismissals, 342 Catches, 98 Stumpings)

  • Country: Bangladesh
  • Years Played: 2005-2023
  • Tests: 110 Catches, 15 Stumpings (125 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 214 Catches, 53 Stumpings (267 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 42 Catches, 30 Stumpings (72 Dismissals)

One of the Fab 5 of Bangladesh cricket, his energy behind the stumps was infectious. With Liton Das on the rise, the responsibility is slowly transitioning to the next generation.

Also Read: The Fab 5 of Bangladesh Cricket

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12. Brendon McCullum (453 Dismissals, 419 Catches, 34 Dismissals)

  • Country: New Zealand
  • Years Played: 2002-2016
  • Tests: 198 Catches, 11 Stumpings (209 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 262 Catches, 15 Stumpings (277 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 36 Catches, 8 Stumpings (41 Dismissals)

*Note: At the back half of his career, McCullum would play as a specialist fielder due to injury issues and the introduction of Luke Ronchi & Tom Latham in the New Zealand setup.

Brendon McCullum is a legendary New Zealand cricketer. He was admired for his aggressive batting style and dynamic fielding abilities.

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11. Kamran Akmal (453 Dismissals, 368 Catches, 85 Dismissals)

  • Country: Pakistan
  • Years Played: 2002-2017
  • Tests: 184 Catches, 22 Stumpings (206 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 157 Catches, 31 Stumpings (188 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 28 Catches, 32 Stumpings (60 Dismissals)

Although his drops are often talked about, he was an integral part of Pakistan’s core in the 2000s.

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8. Denesh Ramdin (468 Dismissals, 429 Catches, 39 Dismissals)

  • Country: West Indies
  • Years Played: 2005-2019
  • Tests: 205 Catches, 12 Stumpings (217 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 181 Catches, 7 Stumpings (188 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 43 Catches, 20 Stumpings (63 Dismissals)

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9. Jeffrey Dujon (474 Dismissals, 448 Catches, 26 Stumpings)

  • Country: West Indies
  • Years Played: 1981-1991
  • Tests: 267 Catches, 5 Stumpings (272 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 183 Catches, 21 Stumpings (204 Dismissals)

Jeffrey Dujon is a former West Indian cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers in cricket history. He played for the West Indies from 1981 to 1991 and was known for his excellent wicketkeeping skills. Dujon took 267 catches and 5 stumpings in his Test career.

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8. Brad Haddin (474 Dismissals, 449 Catches, 25 Stumpings)

  • Country: Australia
  • Years Played: 2001-2015
  • Tests: 262 Catches, 8 Stumpings (270 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 170 Catches, 11 Stumpings (181 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 17 Catches, 6 Stumpings (23 Dismissals)
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7. Rod Marsh (479 Dismissals, 463 Catches, 16 Stumpings)

  • Country: Australia
  • Years Played: 1970-1984
  • Tests: 343 Catches, 12 Stumpings (355 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 120 Catches, 4 Stumpings (124 Dismissals)

Rod Marsh is a former Australian cricketer who is considered to be one of the best wicketkeepers in cricket history. He played for Australia from 1970 to 1984 and was known for his excellent wicketkeeping skills. Marsh took 355 catches and 12 stumpings in his Test career.

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6. Quinton de Kock (521 Dismissals, 480 Catches, 41 Stumpings)

  • Country: South Africa
  • Years Played: 2012-present
  • Tests: 221 Catches, 11 Stumpings (232 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 183 Catches, 14 Stumpings (197 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 76 Catches, 16 Stumpings (92 Dismissals)

*Note: Quinton de Kock has retired from Test Cricket but is still active in the limited overs format. Expect him to rise up the list.

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5. Ian Healy (628 Dismissals, 560 Catches, 68 Stumpings)

  • Country: Australia
  • Years Played: 1988-1999

  • Tests: 366 Catches, 29 Stumpings (395 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 194 Catches, 39 Stumpings (233 Dismissals)

Ian Healy is a former Australian cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers in cricket history. He played for Australia from 1988 to 1999 and was known for his excellent wicketkeeping skills. Healy took 366 catches and 29 stumpings in his Test career.

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4. Kumar Sangakkara (678 Dismissals, 539 Catches, 139 Stumpings)

  • Country: Sri Lanka
  • Years Played: 2000-2015

  • Tests: 182 Catches, 20 Stumpings (202 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 402 Catches, 99 Stumpings (501 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 25 Catches, 20 Stumpings (45 Dismissals)

Kumar Sangakkara is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers in cricket history. His glasses and consistent presence was a key part in Sri Lanka’s domination.

*Note: Sangakkara switched regularly from keeper to fielder. Hence, his detailed Test, ODIs, and T20Is record show more catches then his overall Test catch record of 539

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3. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (829 Dismissals, 634 Catches, 195 Stumpings)

  • Country: India
  • Years Played: 2004-2019

  • Tests: 256 Catches, 38 Stumpings (294 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 321 Catches, 123 Stumpings (454 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 57 Catches, 34 Stumpings (91 Dismissals)

M.S. Dhoni is one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history. He is also considered to be one of the best wicketkeepers in the world. And Dhoni’s stumpings are the best in the world, aren’t they?

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2. Adam Gilchrist (905 Dismissals, 813 Catches, 92 Stumpings)

  • Country: Australia
  • Years Played: 1996-2008

  • Tests: 379 Catches, 37 Stumpings (416 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 417 Catches, 55 Stumpings (472 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 17 Catches, 0 Stumpings (17 Dismissals)

Adam Gilchrist is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers in cricket history. He played for Australia from 1996 to 2008 and was known for his aggressive batting style. Gilchrist was a reliable wicketkeeper and took 905 catches and 37 stumpings in his career. Changed the way the wicketkeeper’s role was viewed.

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1. Mark Boucher (998 Dismissals, 952 Catches, 46 Stumpings)

  • Country: South Africa
  • Years Played: 1997-2012
  • Tests: 532 Catches, 23 Stumpings (555 Dismissals)
  • ODIs: 403 Catches, 22 Stumps (425 Dismissals)
  • T20Is: 18 Catches, 1 Stumping (19 Dismissals)

Mark Boucher is a former South African cricketer who is considered to be one of the best wicketkeepers in cricket history. Had an unfortunate end to his career as a bail hit his eye.

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These wicketkeepers have left their mark on the game and have set the standard for future generations. Their skills, dedication, and hard work have made them some of the greatest wicketkeepers in cricket history.

Final Thoughts

Their agility behind the stumps, exceptional catching prowess, and often underappreciated batting abilities, make them stand out in the cricketing pantheon.

I have developed a newfound respect for these players who donned the gloves and stood guard behind the wickets, often unsung heroes of many a match.

As a fan, I feel privileged to have witnessed some of these greats in action, while others, I have come to appreciate through stories, records, and old footage. The legacy they have left behind is not only inspiring for upcoming cricketers but also serves as a reminder for us fans about the richness and diversity of this beautiful game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the greatest wicketkeeper in cricket history?

Mark Boucher, Adam Gilchrist, MS Dhoni, Ian Healy, Rod Marsh, Les Ames, and Godfrey Evans are among cricket’s greatest wicketkeepers.

Who has the most stumpings in cricket?

MS Dhoni has the most stumpings in cross (195) followed by Kumar Sangakkara (139), and Romesh Kaluwitharana (101).

Who has the most dismissals in cricket?

Mark Boucher has the most dismissals in cricket across formats (998 dismissals) followed by Adam Gilchrist (905), and MS Dhoni (829).

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 06/27/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

76 Greatest Women Cricketers of All Time: Who are the top female cricketers in history?

Today we take a look at the greatest 76 women cricketers of all-time.

From legendary players like Belinda Clark and Karen Rolton, to modern-day superstars such as Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry, this list celebrates the best of the best in women’s cricket history. With their astonishing batting, bowling and fielding abilities, these players continue to inspire young girls around the world to take up this sport.

Recently, we ranked the 155 greatest men’s cricketers of all-time. With the Women’s Premier League finally here and the 2023 T20 Women’s World Cup in full flow, it is time we reflect upon the 76 greatest women cricketers of all-time across eras.

Key Takeaways

  • A total of 144 women cricketers were considered (entire list at the bottom), from which 76 players were chosen along with 24 honorable mentions.
  • Charlotte Edwards, Rachael Heyhoe Flint, Enid Bakewell, Mithali Raj, Ellyse Perry, Meg Lanning, Belinda Clark, Betty Wilson, Claire Taylor, and Jhulan Goswami are adjudged as the Top 10 greatest female cricketers in the history of the game.
  • From the 76 greatest women cricketers, 20 are from Australia, 19 are from England, 9 from India, 8 from New Zealand, 7 from South Africa, 5 from West Indies & Pakistan each, 2 from Sri Lanka, and 1 from Bangladesh.

Those Who Just Missed Out: 78-100 Greatest Women Cricketers

  • Nicola Browne (Australia – Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2008), Player of the 2010 T20 WC)
  • Shanel Daley (West Indies – Shortlisted for ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2013))
  • Gaby Lewis (Ireland – Shortlisted for ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2021))
  • Fatima Sana (Pakistan – Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2021))
  • Aimee Watkins (New Zealand – Most Runs in the 2009 T20 World Cup)
  • Holly Colvin (England – Most Wickets in the 2009 T20 World Cup)

Honorable Mentions: Gillian Smith, Poonam Yadav, Shubhangi Kulkarni, Raelee Thompson, Javeria Khan, Sune Luus, Ayabonga Khaka, Jess Jonassen, Isa Guha, Nooshin Al Khadeer, Kate Cross, Sajjida Shah, Sharon Tredia, Shirley Hodges

Future Stars: Sophie Ecclestone, Natthakan Chantam, Jemimah Rodrigues, Leigh Kasperek

List of 76 Greatest Women Cricketers of All Time

Without further ado, here is the list of the 76 greatest women cricketers in history (in reverse order).

*Note: ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year was renamed as the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award from 2017 onward

76. Katey Martin (New Zealand, 2003-2022)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: New Zealand, Otago, Tornadoes
  • Known For: Longest NZ ODI career after Debbie Hockley (18 years, 112 days). Over 96 catches and 43 stumpings in international cricket.
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75. Tahlia McGrath (Australia, 2016-)

ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2022)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right Arm Medium, Right Arm Bat)
  • Teams: Australia, South Australia, Adelaide Strikers, Southern Brave
  • Known For: In just 22 T20Is, she has a batting average of 61.88 with a 140.30 SR with 4 fifties (best of 91*) to go along with a bowling average of 16.23 (best of 3/13 at 12.9 strike rate).

*Only 27 and one of the rising stars in Australian cricket, she is bound to climb up the list in the upcoming years

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74. Anju Jain (India, 1993-2005)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: India, Air India
  • Known For: Most stumpings in women’s ODI cricket (51). Captain of the Indian team that took them to the 2000 ODI World Cup semi-finals.
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73. Sara McGlashan (New Zealand, 2002-2016)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: New Zealand, Central Districts, Sydney Sixers
  • Known For: With more than 3500 international runs and playing over 200 games for the White Ferns, she goes down as a New Zealand legend.
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72. Kiran Baluch (Pakistan, 1997-2004)

  • Role: Right Arm Bat, Right Arm Off break
  • Teams: Pakistan, Karachi
  • Known For: Played 3 Tests, scored 1 fifty & 1 hundred, a mammoth 242, the highest score in women’s Test cricket.

71. Jess Duffin (Australia, 2009-2015)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand Bat
  • Teams: Australia, Queensland, Cricket Australia Women’s XI, Western Australia, Victoria, Melbourne Renegades
  • Known For: Player of the final in the 2012 T20 World Cup and 2013 ODI World Cup. Also played Australian rules football

*maiden name: Jess Cameron

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70. Clare Taylor (England, 1988-2005)

  • Role: Right Arm Medium Pace
  • Teams: England, Yorkshire, Otago
  • Known For: 4th highest ODI WC wickets – 36 (second highest wicket taker in the 2000 ODI WC). With 102 ODI wickets, ESPNCricinfo declares she was “one of the most successful bowlers in the women’s game.”
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69. Hayley Matthews (West Indies, 2014-)

  • Role: Allrounder
  • Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Barbados Royals, Melbourne Renegades, Warriors, Velocity, Welsh Fire, Velocity, Trailblazers
  • Known For: 4 centuries across formats and more than 150+ wickets. Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2021)
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68. Trisha Chetty (South Africa, 2007-2022)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng
  • Known For: Most dismissals in ODI career (181), 4th most T20I (70)
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67. Nida Dar (Pakistan, 2010-2023)

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66. Merissa Aguilleira (West Indies, 2008-2019)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago
  • Known For: 5th most ODI (102) and T20I (70) dismissals, #4 on T20I matches played as captain (73)
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65. Anjum Chopra (India, 1995-2012)

  • Role: Left Hand Bat
  • Teams: India, India Red, Air India
  • Known For: 2856 ODI runs at 31.18 with 18 fifties and one century. According to ESPNCricinfo, when Chopra was batting, it was “difficult to keep memories of David Gower out of the the mind…’lazy elegance.’ “
  • Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2006)
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64. Rebecca Rolls (New Zealand, 1997-2007)

  • Role: Wicketkeper
  • Teams: New Zealand, Auckland, Central Districts
  • Known For: 3rd highest ODI dismissals as a wicketkeeper (133). Great batting record as well with 2201 runs and two centuries
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63. Shaiza Khan (Pakistan, 1997-2004)

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62. Alex Blackwell (Australia, 2003-2017)

  • Role: Right hand bat
  • Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Otago
  • Known For: Most ODIs for Australia (144). Scored over 5000 international runs across formats, played 251 international games, and had 3 centuries & 30 fifties to her name. Highest score by a #6 batter (90)
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61. Jane Smit (England, 1992-2008)

  • Role: Wicket-keeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: England, East Midlands
  • Known For: Most dismissals in ODI WCs (40), 4th most dismissals in ODI career (114). Also played hockey for Nottinghamshire. Most successful keeper at the time of her retirement.
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60. Jenny Gunn (England, 2004-2019)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right arm medium pace, right hand bat)
  • Teams: England, South Australia, Northern Superchargers
  • Known For: 2nd most ODIs for England (144), At one point, England’s all-time ODI wicket-taker
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59. Sandhya Agarwal (India, 1984-1995)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right hand bat, Right arm off break)
  • Teams: India, Railways
  • Known For: Test best of 190 (highest at the time), 4 Test centuries at 50.45 in 13-Test career. Captain of Team India.

58. Christina White Mathews (Australia, 1984-1995)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: Australia, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria
  • Known For: Australia’s most capped Test cricketer. Prolific wicketkeeper of her time (most dismissals in women’s Tests)
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57. Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa, 2016-)

  • Role: Right Hand Opening Batter
  • Teams: South Africa, Western Province, Barmy Army Women, Northern Superchargers, Adelaide Strikers, Velocity
  • Known For: Only 23, Wolvaardt already has 3193 ODI runs with 3 centuries and 29 fifties. She will undoubtedly break records in ODI cricket in the near future.

*Likely to rise up the list as the years go by

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56. Denise Annetts (Australia, 1985-1993)

  • Role: Right hand bat
  • Teams: Australia, New South Wales
  • Known For: Highest career Test batting average (81.90). Best of 193 in Tests and a 100* in ODIs
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55. Amelia Kerr (New Zealand, 2016-2023)

  • Role: Allrounder (Legbreak, Right hand bat)
  • Teams: New Zealand, Wellington, Brisbane Heat, London Spirit, Velocity
  • Known For: At the age of 17, she scored the highest individual ODI women’s cricket score (232* (145) vs Ireland – also took a 5-fer in that match), Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2022)

*Kerr is most-likely to rise up the list and break more records as she is just 22-years old so far.

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54. Lindsay Anne Reeler (Australia, 1984-1988)

  • Role: Right Arm Opening Batter
  • Teams: Australia, New South Wales
  • Known For: First woman to score 1000 ODI runs for Australia. Although she scored 2 hundreds and 8 fifties at 57.44 average in just 23 ODIs, she was forced to retire at the age of 27 due to a recurring knee injury.
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53. Bismah Maroof (Pakistan, 2006-)

  • Role: Allrounder (legbreak, left hand bat)
  • Teams: Pakistan, Asia Women XI, Spirit
  • Known For: Most T20Is for Pakistan (130) & #6 overall.
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52. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa, 2009-)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right Arm Medium, Right-hand Bat)
  • Teams: South Africa, Sydney Sixers, Eastern Province, Falcons, Perth Scorchers, Oval Invincibles
  • Known For: Highest Score for SA in an ODI WC (102*), has a T20I hattrick to his name. Also played in netball and athletics. Player of the match in inaugural Hundred final (4/9).
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51. Rachael Haynes (Australia, 2009-2022)

  • Role: Left-handed batter
  • Teams: Australia, Australia U-23, Sydney Thunder, Victoria, Welsh Fire
  • Known For: 98 on Test debut, record 6th-wicket partnership with Jodie Fields (229). 21 fifty plus scores (including 2 hundreds) in ODIs
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50. Lydia Greenway (England, 2003-2016)

  • Role: Left-handed batter
  • Teams: England, Kent, Southern Vipers
  • Known For: Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2012), ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2011)
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49. Lynette Ann ‘Lyn’ Fullston (Australia, 1982-1988)

  • Role: Slow left arm spinner
  • Teams: Australia, South Australia
  • Known For: 2nd Most Wickets in ODI WC (39). Took 20 wickets in her first Test series with best of 7/95.
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48. Lizelle Lee (South Africa, 2013-2022)

Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2021), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2021)

  • Role: Right Arm Opening Batter
  • Teams: South Africa, Mpumalanga, North West, Hobart Hurricanes, Manchester Originals
  • Known For: Highest opening T20I partnership in women’s cricket (163 with Dane van Niekerk). Ended with 100 ODIs, best of 132*, 36.42 average, and 3-100s, 23-50s.
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47. Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka, 2009-2023)

  • Role: Left Hand Bat, Right Arm offbreak
  • Teams: Sri Lanka, Falcons, Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club, Supernovas, Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades, Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Known For: 178* (155) vs Australia in the 2017 ODI World cup. Has 6 ODI centuries to her name and 1 T20I century
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46. Shelley Nitschke (Australia, 2005-2011)

ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2010)

  • Role: Allrounder (Left Hand bat, Slow left-arm orthodox)
  • Teams: Australia, South Australia, Adelaide Strikers
  • Known For: Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2009, 2011)
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45. Carole Ann Hodges (England, 1984-1993)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right Hand Bat, Right Arm Off Break)
  • Teams: England, Lancashire and Cheshire Women
  • Known For: Player of the 1988 ODI World Cup, Most Wickets in the ODI WC (37). Also the 5th highest run-scorer in women’s Test cricket.
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44. Sashikala Siriwardene (Sri Lanka, 2003-2020)

  • Role: Allrounder (Left hand bat, Right arm off break)
  • Teams: Sri Lanka, Asia XI, Supernovas, Slimeline Sport Club, Marians
  • Known For: 3rd youngest captain. One of 11 women cricketers to complete the double of 100 wickets and 1000 ODI runs. Inspirational figure in Sri Lankan cricket
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43. Dane van Niekerk (South Africa, 2009-)

Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2022

  • Role: Allrounder (Leg spinner, Right Arm Bat)
  • Teams: South Africa, Highveld, Northerns, Adelaide Strikers, Oval Invincibles
  • Known For: Took a hat-trick in 2013. Had a partnership of 163 with Lizelle Lee in 2014. Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2013)
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42. Myrtle Maclagan (England, 1934-1951)

  • Role: Right hand bat, Right arm off break
  • Teams: England, South, Surrey
  • Known For: According to Wisden, Maclagan was “one of the best-known women cricketers of her day.” She took 7/10 and made 72 in her first Test. Ended with 1007 Test runs, 2 hundreds, and 6 fifties.
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41. Harmanpreet Kaur (India, 2009-2023)

  • Role: Right hand middle order batter, right arm off break
  • Teams: India, India B, India Green, Lancashire Thunder, Punjab, Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Renegades, Supernovas, Manchester Originals
  • Known For: One of the biggest strikers in the women’s game, her 171* in the 2017 ODI World Cup semi-finals became a defining moment in Indian cricket.
  • Has a T20I century (103), 4th most T20I runs (2956), Most T20I played (147), and 3rd most T20Is captained (92). Current Indian T20I captain.
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40. Mignon du Preez (South Africa, 2007-2022)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Top Order Batter
  • Teams: South Africa, Warriors, Northerns, Trent Rockets, Manchester Originals, Hobart Hurricanes
  • Known For: Most ODIs for a South African women cricketer & 4th overall (154). Captained South Africa to 2014 T20 WC Semi-finals. Scored 258 runs as a 12-year-old with 16 sixes. Debuted for SA at 17
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39. Salma Khatun (Bangladesh, 2011-2022)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right hand bat, Right arm off break)
  • Teams: Bangladesh, Trailblazers
  • Known For: #1 ICC T20I bowling & Allrounder ranking. She has played most of Bangladesh women’s international matches, captaining them in a majority of them. ESPNCricinfo described her as “synonymous with Bangladesh’s women cricket.”
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38. Diana Edulji (India, 1976-1993)

  • Role: Slow left-arm orthodox
  • Teams: India, Railways
  • Known For: Highest women’s Test wickets for an Indian player (3rd of all-time), was the highest wicket-taker at the time of her retirement. Also played basketball and table tennis at a national level.
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37. Smriti Mandhana (India, 2013-2023)

Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2018), Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award (2018, 2021), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2018)

  • Role: Left-handed opening batter
  • Teams: India, Maharashtra, India Green, Western Storm, Trailblazers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat, Southern Brave
  • Known For: Catalyst for India’s transformation in limited overs from the 2017 ODI World Cup. Most sought after player in the inaugural WPL. Shortlisted for ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2021, 2022)
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36. Natalie Sciver-Brunt (England, 2013-2023)

Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2018), Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award (2022), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2022)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right arm medium, Right-hand bat)
  • Teams: England, Surrey, Rubies, Supernovas, Trent Rockets
  • Known For: Game changing innings. Best of 169* (Tests), 148* (ODIs), and 82 (T20Is). Has a 33-ball 80 in ODIs in her name. Shortlisted for ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2021)
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35. Megan Schutt (Australia, 2012-2023*)

  • Role: Right Arm Fast
  • Teams: Australia, Australia U-21s, South Australia, Adelaide Strikers, London Spirit
  • Known For: 4th best T20I wicket-taker of all-time (116), Joint #6 on Women’s ODI WC wicket-taker list.
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34. Deandra Dottin (West Indies, 2008-2022)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right Arm Medium, Right hand Bat)
  • Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Trinbago Knight Riders, Trailblazers, Supernovas, Manchester Originals, London Spirit, Adelaide Strikers, Barmy Army Women
  • Known For: First woman to score a 100 (38 balls) in T20I. Also has a 22-ball T20I 50. 2nd most ODIs for West Indies (143). Also is known for her discus, javelin, and shotput skills.
  • Shortlisted for Women’s T20I Player of the Decade and ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2013)
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33. Neetu David (India, 1995-2008)

  • Role: Left-arm spinner
  • Teams: India, Railways
  • Known For: 33 wickets in 2004 & 2005 each with a career haul of 141 ODI wickets and 41 Test wickets. Shortlisted for ICC Women’s International Player of the Year Award (2006)
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32. Katherine Sciver-Brunt (England, 2004-)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right Arm Medium Fast, Right-Hand Bat)
  • Teams: England, Yorkshire Diamonds, Northern Diamonds, Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Stars, Trent Rockets
  • Known For: 5th highest ODI wicket taker of all-time (170) and highest for England, 6th highest T20I wicket-taker (111). Took 8/84 in the 2005 Ashes. Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2006, 2010)
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31. Sana Mir (Pakistan, 2005-2019)

  • Role: Right arm off break
  • Teams: Pakistan, South Zone, Sapphires
  • Known For: Most wickets for Pakistan in ODIs, 2nd most in T20Is for Pakistan. In 2018, she was #1 in the ODI rankings. Wasim Khan, PCB’s CEO at the time, said, that Mir “has been the face of Pakistan women’s cricket for many years and the real source of inspiration for the young generation of women cricketers.”
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30. Amy Satterthwaite (New Zealand, 2007-2022)

ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2017)

  • Role: Left Hand Bat, Right Arm off break
  • Teams: New Zealand, Canterbury, Manchester Original
  • Known For: Joint-most ODIs for NZ (145), scored 4 consecutive ODI centuries in 2017 (and followed with a 85). Ended with 4639 runs at 38.33 with 7 hundreds.
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29. Tammy Beaumont (England, 2009-2022)

Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2019), ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2021)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Opening Batter
  • Teams: England, Kent, Diamonds, Sydney Thunder, London Spirit, Welsh Fire
  • Known For: Player of the Tournament (2017 ODI WC), Joint 4th career 100s (8), Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2021)
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28. Sophie Devine (New Zealand, 2006-2023)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right hand bat, Right Arm Medium)
  • Teams: New Zealand, Supernovas, Wellington, Adelaide Strikers, Birmingham Phoenix, Perth Scorchers, Tornadoes
  • Known For: First player (male or female) to score 5+ T20I fifties in a row. Current captain of the NZ team. Also played hockey for NZ
  • Records: 5th most T20I runs (2950), Shortlisted for ICC Women’s T20I Player of the Decade, ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2022)
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27. Lisa Keightley (Australia, 1995-2005)

  • Role: Right Arm Bat
  • Teams: Australia, New South Wales
  • Known For: Player of the Tournament (2000 ODI World Cup). Her 156* vs Pakistan was the highest women’s score until Belinda Clark broke it later that year. First player to score a hundred at Lord’s.
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26. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa, 2007-)

  • Role: Right Arm Fast bowler (left hand bat)
  • Teams: South Africa, Western Province, Gauteng, Melbourne Renegades, Oval Invincibles, Sapphires
  • Known For: 6/10 vs Bangladesh in an ODI. Also took 5/12 in a T20I.
  • Records: 2nd most career ODI wickets (191), 5th most T20I wickets (116), 5th highest ODI WC wicket-taker (36), 35 ODI wickets in 2022, Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2022)
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25. Beth Mooney (Australia, 2016-2023)

Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2020), ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2017)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Left-handed batter
  • Teams: Australia, Yorkshire, Queensland U-15s, Queensland, London Spirit, Perth Scorchers, London Spirit
  • Known For: Player of the tournament and highest run-scorer (2020 T20 WC). 5th highest career ODI average (52.45). Scored 594 runs at 9900 in 2021 as well as 449 runs at 56.12.
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24. Anya Shrubsole (England, 2008-2022)

Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2018)

  • Role: Right Arm Medium
  • Teams: England, Rubies, Somerset, Southern Brave
  • Known For: Player of the 2014 T20 WC, Player of the WC Final (2017 ODI WC – 6/46), #6 on ODI WC wicket-taker list (34), Shortlisted for Women’s T20I Player of the Decade, ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2013)
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23. Betty Snowball (England, 1934-1949)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: England
  • Known For: Wisden remarks that Snowball was “one of the major figures of women’s cricket for two decades” and “generally accepted as the outstanding wicketkeeper of her generation.” Also played squash and lacrosse internationally.
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22. Anisa Mohammed (West Indies, 2003-2022)

  • Role: Right Arm Off-Spinner
  • Teams: West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago, Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Known For: Most T20I wickets (125), 3rd most joint ODI career wickets (180), Joint most wickets in a calendar year (37), Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2012). Debuted for West Indies at age 15.
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21. Alyssa Healy (Australia, 2010-)

ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2018, 2019)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: Australia, Australia U-23s, New South Wales, Sydney Sixers, Northern Superchargers
  • Known For: Big match player. Player of the 2020 T20WC Final – 75 (39) and 2022 ODI WC – 170 (138). Changed her career trajectory when he began opening
  • Records: Most T20I dismissals (105), #4 on most T20Is played (137), Player of the Tournament (2018 T20 WC & 2022 ODI WC), Scored 148 (61) vs SL in 2019
  • Shortlisted for Women’s T20I Player of the Decade, ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2012), Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2022)
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20. Mary Duggan (England, 1949-1963)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat, Left Arm medium & Left Arm slow
  • Teams: England, South, Middlesex, Yorkshire
  • Known For: Most wickets in Women’s Tests (77). Ended her career with a 101*
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19. Heather Knight (England, 2010-2023*)

Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2018)

  • Role: Right Arm Bat, Right Arm Off break
  • Teams: England, London Spirit, Berkshire, Hobart Hurricanes, Rubies, Diamond
  • Known For: 157, 168* in Test Cricket, 3589 Runs in ODI Cricket, 2nd most successful English ODI captain (48 wins/72 matches)
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18. Janette ‘Jan’ Britten (England, 1979-1998)

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer

  • Role: Right Arm Bat
  • Teams: England, Surrey
  • Known For: 1935 runs at 49.61 in Tests & 2121 ODIs at 42.42 average. Total of 10 centuries across formats. Highest scorer at the 1993 ODI WC, helping England win the title.
  • Records: 3rd Most runs scored in Women’s ODI World Cup (1299), Most catches in ODI WC (19). Most Test matches for a women cricketer (27), most Test runs in a year (531), and oldest to score a Test century at 39
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17. Suzie Bates (New Zealand, 2006-)

ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2013, 2016), Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2015), ICC T20I Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2016)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right Arm Bat, Right Arm Medium)
  • Teams: New Zealand, Otago, Falcons, Adelaide Strikers, Sydney Sixers, Trailblazers, Oval Invincibles, Perth Scorchers
  • Known For: Scored 168 (105) vs Pakistan and 4/7 vs South Africa in the 2009 ODI WC as NZ made the finals. Represented NZ in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in basketball.
  • Records: Most T20I runs (3683), Player of the Tournament (2013 ODI WC), New Zealand captain (76 matches), 2nd most career centuries (12), 4th highest career ODI runs (5114) and 4th most 50+ scores (40), 5th highest ODI World Cup run scorer (1151). Most catches in WODI history (78), Joint-most ODIs for NZ (145), 2nd most T20Is of all-time (140)
  • Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Decade, ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Decade, and ICC’s T20I Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2013, 2018)
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16. Stefanie Taylor (West Indies, 2008-2023)

ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2011), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2011, 2012), ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2015)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right Arm Bat, Right Arm off break)
  • Teams: West Indies, Auckland, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Southern Brave, Tornadoes, Trailblazers
  • Known For: Leading West Indies to the 2016 WT20 World Cup. First player to become #1 ODI player (both bowling and batting). Scored 171 vs Sri Lanka in the 2013 ODI WC. Also a talented soccer player
  • Records: Player of the 2016 T20 WC (and the highest wicket-taker), 3rd most career ODI runs (5367), career fifties (44), and T20I runs (3124). 5th most ODIs played and most for West Indies (148)
  • Shortlisted for Women’s cricketer of the decade, ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2010), ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2012, 2014), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2013, 2014)
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15. Debbie Hockley (New Zealand, 1979-2000)

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer

  • Role: Right Hand Bat
  • Teams: New Zealand, Canterbury, North Shore
  • Known For: Her longevity. Played her first match at the age of 17 and last match at age of 38. She was the first woman to score 4000 ODI runs and play 100 ODIs. Played in New Zealand’s only ODI World Cup win in 2000
  • Records: Most runs scored in ODI World Cups (1501), Player of the 1997 WC Final (79 (121))
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14. Sarah Taylor (England, 2006-2021)

ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2012, 2013), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2014)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand bat
  • Teams: England, Lancashire Thunder, Sussex, Rubies, Surrey Stars, Wellington, Adelaide Strikers, Welsh Fire
  • Known For: Quick stumpings. Her stumpings are legendary and will go down as the greatest wicketkeeper in women’s cricket of all-time. One of the great modern day batters for England as well.
  • 2nd most dismissals in ODI (136) and T20I (74) career, Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Decade, ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year (2012)
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13. Lisa Sthalekar (Australia, 2001-2013)

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer

  • Role: Allrounder (Right arm off break, Right hand bat)
  • Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Sydney Sixers
  • Known For: Scored 2728 runs in ODI cricket, including 2 hundreds to go along with 146 ODI wickets. First woman to take 100 wickets & score 1000 ODI runs. Part of the 2005 and 2013 ODI WC winning team. Australia’s highest wicket-taker in the 2009 ODI WC.
  • Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2007, 2008) and for ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2012)
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12. Karen Rolton (Australia, 1995-2009)

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer, ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2006)

  • Role: Left Hand Bat, Left arm medium pace
  • Teams: Australia, South Australia
  • Known For: According to ESPNCricinfo, “Rolton enjoyed a bumper year in 2006, sealing her status as one of the leading inspirational figures in women’s cricket to date.”
  • Records: Player of the Tournament (2005 ODI World Cup), Player of the Final (2005 WC – 107*(128)), Joint 4th career 100s (8), 4th most 50+ scores (41). Scored a 209 in Tests (highest at that time). Played hocked in the off-season.
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11. Cathryn Fitzpatrick (Australia, 1991-2007)

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer

  • Role: Right Arm Fast bowler
  • Teams: Australia, Victoria
  • Known For: Her pace. One of the fastest women’s cricket has ever produced (75 mph). First women to breach the 150 ODI wickets mark, she is now the 3rd most career wickets of all-time. (180). Shortlisted for the ICC Female Player of the Year (2006). An economy of 3.01 in ODIs.
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10. Jhulan Goswami (India, 2002-2022)

ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2007)

  • Role: Right Arm Fast Bowler
  • Teams: India, Bengal, Air India, Trailblazers
  • Known For: One of Indian women’s cricket pioneer and one of the greatest fast bowlers. Was inspired to play cricket as a ball girl in the 1997 ODI WC and used to travel from Chakdaha to Kolkata to practice
  • 2nd Most ODIs played (204), Most Career ODI Wickets (253), Most Wickets in the ODI World Cup (43), Shortlisted for ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Decade

Also Read: 20 Years of Mithali Raj And Jhulan Goswami: Eternal Legends for Indian & Women Cricket

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9. Claire Taylor (England, 1998-2011)

ICC Hall of Famer, Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2009), ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2009)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper, Right hand Batter
  • Teams: England, Thames Valley
  • Known For: Scored 156 at Lord’s, surpassing Viv Richards’ 138*. With 1030 Test runs and 4101 ODI runs, she goes down as one of England’s best. First women to be inducted in Wisden’s Cricketer of the Year awards.
  • Player of the Tournament (2009 ODI & T20I WC) Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2007, 2008), Joint 4th career 100s across formats (8)
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8. Betty Wilson (Australia, 1948-1958)

ICC Hall of Famer

  • Role: Right Hand Batter, Right Arm Off break
  • Teams: Australia, Victoria
  • Known For: Martin Williamson from ESPNCricinfo’s reckson’s that Wilson was “one of women cricket’s greatest players, and her tag as the female Bradman is not untoward.” She was close to senior cricket by the team she was 16, but due to World War, she had to wait for another decade.
  • Record: In her 11 official Tests, scored 862 runs at 57.46 with 3 hundreds & 3 fifties. She took 68 wickets as well with the best of 7/7 and a brilliant bowling average of 11.80.
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7. Belinda Clark (Australia, 1991-2005)

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer

  • Role: Right hand batter
  • Teams: Australia, Prime Minister’s XI, New South Wales, Victoria
  • Known For: Scored 229* in the 1997 ODI World Cup vs Denmark, which was the highest ODI score till Martin Guptill’s 237*. She was also Australia’s captain in the 1997 and 2005 ODI WC victories
  • Other Records: Player of the Final (2000 WC Final – 91 (102)), 5th highest ODI run-scorer (4844), 3rd most matches played as ODI captain (101, won 83). At the time of her retirement, she had the most ODI & Test runs.
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6. Meg Lanning (Australia, 2010-)

Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2014), ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2014), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2015)

  • Role: Middle Order Batter
  • Teams:
  • Known For: Genius batter for sure, but Lanning will go down as one of the greatest captains in cricket’s history (40 wins in 42 ODIs). An Australian icon.
  • Records: 2nd most T20I runs (3297), Youngest Ever ODI centurion for Australia at 18 (broke Ricky Ponting’s record by three years), youngest Australian captain, two of the highest women’s T20I score (126, 133*). Most career centuries across formats (15), 5th most matches as ODI captain (75, including 66 wins and record streak) and most matches as T20I captain (95).
  • Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Decade, ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Decade, ICC Women’s T20I Player of the Decade, ICC Women’s T20I Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2013, 2018), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2013)
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5. Mithali Raj (India, 1999-2022)

Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2017)

  • Role: Top Order Batter
  • Teams: India, Air India Women, India Blue, Asia Women XI, Velocity
  • Known For: India’s greatest cricketer and best WODI batter of all-time. Debuted at age 16, she became the first woman cricketer to play for two decades. Led India to the 2005 and the 2017 ODI World Cup finals. Her contribution to rise of women’s cricket in India is immense.
  • Records: Most ODIs played (232), Most matches as captain (155), Most matches won as captain (89), Most runs in ODI career (7805), Most ODI 50+ scorers (71), 2nd most runs in the ODI World Cup (1321)
  • Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Decade, ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Decade, ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2014), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2014)
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4. Ellyse Perry (Australia, 2007-)

ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Decade, ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Decade, ICC Women’s T20I Player of the Decade, Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2016, 2019), Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award (2017, 2019), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2020), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2019)

  • Role: Allrounder (Right arm fast bowler, right hand middle order batter)
  • Teams: Australia, Australia U-23s, New South Wales, Birmingham Phoenix, Sydney Sixers
  • Known For: Youngest Australian to play for the ICC WC and the FIFA WC. Her Test double century (213) is one of the finest in women’s cricket. She has also written five books.
  • Some of her records include 3rd most T20I wickets (120), 5th most number of T20Is played (134), and has played every T20I WC. Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2010).
  • Member of the winning squad of the ODI World Cup (2013, 2022), T20I World Cup (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020), Commonwealth Games (2022)

Also Read: What Can Ellyse Perry Not Do?

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3. Enid Turton Bakewell (England, 1968-1982)

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer

  • Role: Allrounder (Right Hand Bat, Left Arm Slow Orthodox)
  • Teams: England, Nottinghamshire, East Midland
  • Known For: Scored back-to-back Test centuries. First England Test cricketer to score a 100 and take a 10-fer in the same match; Scored the most runs in the inaugural 1973 Cricket World Cup, including a 100 in the final as England took the trophy home.
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2. Rachael Heyhoe Flint (England, 1960-1982)

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer

  • Role: Right Hand Bat
  • Teams: England, West Midlands
  • Known For: Scored 3 Test Centuries and captained England to the inaugural 1973 ODI World Cup victory. Flint was England’s captain for more than a decade. When she retired, had the most Test runs in women’s cricket. Best of 179 in Tests (521-minute innings). Considered one of the pioneers of women’s cricket. Also played for the England field hockey team as a goalkeeper.
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1. Charlotte Edwards (England, 1996-2016)

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer, Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2014), ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2008)

  • Role: Top Order Batter
  • Teams: England, Kent, Northern Districts, Western Australia, South Australia, Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Strikers, Southern Vipers
  • Known For: At her debut, Edwards was the youngest woman to play for England at 16. With 13 international centuries, player of the 2012 T20 WC, an innings of 173* in an ODI World Cup, three-time Ashes winning captain, WT20 winning captain, and ODI winning captain, she goes down as the greatest female cricketer of all-time. Won numerous County titles with Kent as well.
  • Some of her other records include 2nd Most career ODI runs (5992), 2nd most ODI fifties (55), 3rd Most centuries (9), 4th Most runs in the ODI World Cup (1231), 3rd Most ODIs played (191), 2nd Most matches as ODI captain (117, won 72) and T20I captain (93 matches, won 68).
  • Shortlisted for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2009, 2011), ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2014), ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2013, 2014)
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Other Women Cricketers Who Were Considered

  • Australia: Lily Poulett Harris, Michelle Goskzo, Bronwyn Calver, Jill Kennare, Dawn Rae, Joanne Broadbent, Charmaine Mason, Julia Price, Denise Martin, Julie Hunter, Georgia Redmayne, Grace Harris, Nicole Bolton, Molly Strano, Ash Gardner, Jodi Fields
  • England: Christiana Willes (overarm bowling), Lynne Thomas, Clare Connor, Joanna ‘Jo Chamberlain’ Michelle Jordan, Rosalie Birch, Danielle Hazell, Danni Wyatt
  • New Zealand: Haidee Tiffenn, Trish McKelvey, Emily Drumm, Katrina Keenan, Kirsty Flavell, Jim Saulbrey, Lea Tahuhu, Rachel Priest, Sarah Illingworth
  • India: Deepti Sharma, Shantha Rangaswamy, Thirush Kamini, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Priyanka Roy
  • Sri Lanka: Deepika Rasingka, Rose Fernando
  • West Indies: Shemaine Campbell
  • Thailand: Nattaya Boochatham
  • Ireland: Laura Delaney, Mary Waldron

The Criteria

Although the ranking of the 75 greatest women cricketers of all-time was subjective, we made sure to include all the players that fit the following criteria:

  • Member of ICC Hall of Fame
  • Received or were shortlisted for the ICC Women Cricketer of the Year Award (T20I, ODI, or Player of the Decade)
  • Made the Wisden Women Cricketer of the Year or the Wisden Leading Women Cricketer lists
  • Top 5 run scorers in the Women’s ODI World Cup, Women’s T20 World Cup, Women’s Test cricket or Top 10 run scorers in Women’s ODI and Women’s T20I overall.
  • Top 5 wicket-taker in Women’s T20 World Cup, Women’s ODI World Cup, Women’s Test or Top 10 wicket-takers in Women’s ODI and Women’s T20I overall
  • Top 2 in all-time dismissals as a wicketkeeper in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is

Note, since Women’s Test are a rarity (27 Tests is the maximum a women’s cricketer has played), more consideration is given on T20I & ODI records as well as World Cup performances.

Final Thoughts

The top 75 women cricketers of all-time have not only made an indelible mark on cricket’s history but also paved the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps.

Earlier today, we took a glimpse into the future of women’s cricket with the Women’s IPL auction. The 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup was as competitive as ever and the 2023 T20 World Cup is delivering to its potential!

There is no doubt that the current crop of incredible female athletes will continue to inspire generations to come and shape the future of cricket, but we should remember, none of these would have been possible without the generations of cricketers that preceded them.

These remarkable players have set a high bar for those who are willing to strive and succeed in this amazing sport we all love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best female cricketer?

Charlotte Edwards, Rachael Heyhoe Flint, Enid Bakewell, Mithali Raj, Ellyse Perry, Meg Lanning, Belinda Clark, Betty Wilson, Claire Taylor, and Jhulan Goswami are adjudged as the 10 greatest women cricketers of all-time.

Who is the most famous female cricketer?

Ellyse Perry is the most famous female cricketer, followed by Smriti Mandhana.

Who is the greatest women’s cricketer of all time?

Rachael Heyhoe-Flint has remained an important woman’s cricketer for over twenty years. During her time playing in the early women’s game she revolutionized the cricketing world. She helped to create and promote the women’s World Cup and was involved in a number of administrative aspects of cricket. Without Heyhoe-Flint, talented cricketers may have been tainted by a lack of international competition.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC, 2023. Contact us at bcd@brokencricketdreams.com. Originally published on 02/14/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

155 Greatest Cricketers of All Time (Men’s): Who Is the King of Cricket? (Updated 2023)

It’s time to discuss the greatest cricketers of all time. This ultimate list will feature 155 top cricketers across formats and eras—from WG Grace to Kieron Pollard.

Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo just retired as players from the IPL and left their imprints on T20 cricket. As T20s evolve and become central to the cricketing universe, why not make a list of the greatest cricketers of all time across formats and eras?

Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Over 250 cricketers were considered for this list. We consider Tests, ODIs, T20Is, T20 leagues, and first-class cricket played over 145 years.
  • Sir Donald Bradman is chosen as the Greatest Cricketer of All-Time with WG Grace, Sachin Tendulkar, Jack Hobbs, Shane Warne, Frank Worrell, and Sir Garfield Sobers close behind.
  • England (40), Australia (31), West Indies (24) dominated the list due to their rich first class and World Cup histories. The breakdown of the rest of the countries are as follows: India (14), Pakistan (13), South Africa (12), Sri Lanka (10), New Zealand (7), Zimbabwe (1), Afghanistan(1), and Bangladesh (1).

Also Read:

156-177 Best Cricketers: Unlucky to Miss Out

Those who were unlucky to miss out were:

Charles Bannerman, Johnny Tyldesley, Subhash Gupte, Mitchell Johnson, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, David Warner, Jeff Thompson, Shahid Afridi, Mark Waugh, Makhaya Ntini, Mike Brearley, Harbhajan Singh, Glenn Turner, Ben Stokes, Cheteshwar Pujara, Lance Klusener, Yuvraj Singh, Ian Healy, Vijay Hazare, Trent Boult, Ian Chappell, Saeed Ajmal

155 Greatest Cricketers of All Time: The Ultimate List

Picking the Top 155 players was a tough task, but do you know what was even tougher? Ranking them.

Without furthur ado, here is the list. Enjoy the classic photography and check out the videos linked under some players.

Disclaimer: The ranking is most likely going to not align with your views. Expect the unexpected. Several ‘great’ cricketers did not make the list (see the extended list of honorable mentions below) but the ones that did fundamentally helped change the game. Feel free to comment below on players who you think should be in the list.

155. Learie ‘Lord’ Baron Constantine (West Indies, 1921-1939)

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Freelooters, Trinidad

An allrounder by trade, Constantine was one of West Indies’ early stars. More than his on-field accomplishments, he made an impact as a lawyer, politician, and Trinidad & Tobago’s High Commissioner to the UK.

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154. Alan Davidson (Australia, 1949-1963)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

An Australian left-arm pacer who “would be the most menacing new-ball bowler of his day” and was a handy batter in the lower order—The original Mitchell Johnson and Mitch Starc.

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153. Mitchell Starc (Australia, 2009-)

Major Teams: Australia, Australia U-19, New South Wales, Sydney Sixers, Yorkshire, Royal Challengers Bangalore

Speaking of Australian left arm pacers, Mitchell Starc. His World Cup exploits are alone to guarantee him a spot in the all-time list. Player of the Tournament when he helped Australia lift the trophy in 2015, he bettered himself in 2019 with the record tally of 27 wickets. Starc’s yorkers, early swing, and ability to clean up tails will be remembered forever.

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152. Stan McCabe (Australia, 1928-1942)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

Playing alongside Don Bradman, he was often overshadowed but was said to be a beautiful batter to watch. Even Sir Len Hutton remarked, “It would be hard to think of a greater Australian batsman. He had qualities that even Bradman hadn’t got.”He is best known for scoring 385 runs in that infamous Bodyline series.

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151. Sir Conrad Hunte (West Indies, 1950-1967)

Wisden remarks the Hunte “was one of the greatest West Indian batsmen of a great generation.” Even the great Desmond Haynes picked Hunte over himself in the All-Time Barbados XI “because he was simply the better batsman.”

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150. Godfrey Evans (England, 1939-1967)

Major Teams: England, Kent

ESPNCricinfo states that Evans was “arguably the best wicketkeeper the world has ever seen.” Played 91 Tests and even scored a couple of tons. Inflicted 1066 dismissals in his first-class career.

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149. Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka, 1988-2007)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Delhi Giant, Sinhalese Sports Club

From 0,0.0,1,0,0 to establishing himself as the backbone of Sri Lanka’s Test batting seven years later and ending with six double centuries is a beautiful story. Decent ODI player with 8500 runs as well.

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148. Hugh Tayfield (South Africa, 1945-1963)

Major Teams: South Africa, Rhodesia, Natal, Transvaal

Wisden remarks that Tayfield was “one of the greatest off spinners the game has ever seen.” Once took 9/113 in an innings.

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147. Sunil Narine (West Indies, 2009-)

Major Teams: West Indies, West Indies U-19s, Barisal Burners, Cape Cobras, Comilla Victorians, Dhaka Dynamites, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lahore Qalandars, Melbourne Renegades, Montreal Tigers, Oval Invincibles, Quetta Gladiators, Sydney Sixers, Trinbago Knight Riders, Trinidad & Tobago

Redefined three aspects of the T20 game—economical spin bowling, the mystery spin, and pinch hitting.

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146. Mulvantrai ‘Vinoo’ Mankad (India, 1935-1962)

Major Teams: India, Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Nawanagar

Although his name is infamously slandered for non-strikers run out, he was actually “one of the greatest allrounders India ever produced.”

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145. Richie Benaud (Australia, 1948-1964)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

Before he was the voice of cricket, he was remembered as one of Australia’s greatest captains. His aggressive captaincy led to the first tied Test in cricket’s history. As a leg spinning allrounder, he was the first man to complete the double of 200 Test wickets and 2000 runs.

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144. Rohit Sharma (India, 2006-)

Major Teams: India, India U-19, Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians, Mumbai

264, 209, 208*, 171*, 162, 159, 152*, 150.

An ODI legend with a penchant for the mammoth hundreds. Easy on the eye, one of the best IPL captains, a T20 World Cup winner, and one of the best pullers the game has ever seen.

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143. Bob Simpson (Australia, 1952-1978)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia

Played the third longest Test innings (743 balls) when he scored 311 against England in 1964. A leg-spinner allrounder who became an opening Test batter is a noteworthy achievement.

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142. Peter May (England, 1950-1963)

Major Teams: England, Cambridge University, Surrey

Although he had a decent Test career, his first-class stats are outrageous—27592 runs with 85 hundreds.

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141. Saeed Anwar (Pakistan, 1986-2003)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Karachi, Lahore, United Bank Limited, Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan

A graceful left-hander, his 194 withstood the test of time until Sachin Tendulkar’s 200 broke his record. Anwar was the highest scoring opener in the 1990s in ODI cricket.

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140. Sir Clyde Walcott (West Indies, 1941-1964)

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, British Guiana

One of the famous ‘3 Ws’ in West Indies’ middle order, he was a steady cog of West Indies’ middle order. 15 Test hundreds, 40 first class centuries, and Test average of 56.68. Fun fact, Walcott holds the record for the fewest ducks in career.

Also See: Sir Frank Worrell (#6), Sir Clyde Walcott (#134)

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139. Ted Dexter (England, 1956-1968)

Major Teams: England, Sussex, Cambridge University

Dexter scored 21150 first class runs with 51 centuries and had a 62-match Test career. He was known was his counter-attacking style of play.

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138. Sir Everton Weekes (West Indies, 1944-1964)

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados

Weekes was one of the best in his time. Centuries in five consecutive innings, joint fastest to a 1000 Test runs, and ended with a Test average of 58.61.

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137. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan, 1994-2011)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan, Chittagong Division, Durham, Islamabad Leopards, Khan Research Labs, Kolkata Knight Riders, Pakistan International Airlines, Rawalpindi, Somerset, Surrey, Worcestershire

An icon for Pakistan cricket and inspiration for fast bowlers around the world. Bowled the fastest recorded delivery at 161.3 kph, it’s a shame that injuries meant he had a start-stop career.

Also See: Brett Lee (#111), his chief competitor in the Pace Race.

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136. Basil D’Oliveira (England, 1964-1980)

Major Teams: England, Worcestershire

There’s a good reason why the England-South Africa trophy is named Basil D’Oliveira Trophy. As a South African-born mixed player, he was picked for England during the Apartheid era (known as the Oliveira affair). With 19,490 first class runs & important social legacy, he was named as South Africa’s Top 10 players of the century despite never representing the Proteas.

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135. Andy Flower (Zimbabwe, 1986-2006)

Major Teams: Zimbabwe, Essex, South Australia

The greatest Zimbabwean batter and scored the highest runs in an innings by any keeper (232*). Over 11,000 international runs across formats, Flower lead the way during Zimbabwe’s golden years.

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134. Wes Hall (West Indies, 1955-1971)

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Queensland, Trinidad

The earliest in West Indies’ great line of pacers. Could bowl “close to 100 mph” and ended with 192 Test & 546 first class wickets.

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133. Rod Marsh (Australia, 1968-1984)

Major Teams: Australia, Western Australia

The most prolific bowler-keeper combination in the history of Test cricket is “c Rod Marsh, b Dennis Lillee” (95). World record holder for most Test dismissals at the time of his retirement, he was the best keeper Australia produced…until Ian Healy & Adam Gilchrist surpassed him.

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132. VVS Laxman (India, 1992-2012)

Major Teams: India, Deccan Chargers, Hyderabad, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Lancashire

If you played the greatest innings of the twenty-first century, THAT 281*, you deserve to be on this list. Had a stellar Test career of performing under pressure with the lower order (and frequent back spasms).

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131. Stephen Fleming (New Zealand, 1991-2008)

Major Teams: New Zealand, Canterbury, Chennai Super Kings, Middlesex, Nottinghamshire, Wellington, Yorkshire

Solid opening batter & more importantly, a captain that stabilized New Zealand cricket.

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130. Andy Roberts (West Indies, 1969-1984)

Major Teams: West Indies, Combined Islands, Leeward Islands, Hampshire, Leicestershire, New South Wales

The face of West Indies’ pace quartet, his bouncers were ruthless. Apart from his 202 Test wickets, also had an effective ODI career—87 wickets at 20.35.

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129. Martin Crowe (New Zealand, 1979-1996)

Major Teams: New Zealand, Auckland, Central Districts, Wellington, Somerset

The greatest New Zealand batter of his generation and definitely one of the best captains. Hamstring Injury in the 1992 World Cup semi-final was a huge factor in their defeat. Apart from his cricketing talent, was one of the leading thinkers of the game.

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128. Clarrie Grimmett (Australia, 1911-1941)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Wellington

Credited for inventing the flipper, he was the second fastest to 200 Test wickets (and fastest before Yasir Shah) and the second oldest to take ten wickets in a Test match (44 years). New Zealand born Australian player.

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127. Tom Graveney (England, 1948-1972)

Major Teams: England, Queensland, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire

Another first-class giant—732 FC matches, 47.793 runs, 122 hundreds, and 233 fifties. Had a decent 79-Test career as well

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126. Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka, 1981-2001)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Sinhalese Sports Club

World Cup winning captain and helped propel Sri Lanka to the global stage. With over 7000 ODI runs, was a useful left-handed middle order batter.

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125. Greg Chappell (Australia, 1966-1984)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

Regarded as one of the best batters to ever don the baggy green. 7110 runs with 24 Test tons at 53.86 looks especially great given that batted in the era of the ferocious West Indian attack.

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124. David Gower (England, 1975-1993)

Major Teams: England, Hampshire, Leicestershire

One of the most elegant left-handed batters to play the game. 8,231 Test runs, 18 Test centuries, and 117 matches. Solid.

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123. Michael Holding (West Indies, 1972-1989)

Major Teams: West Indies, Canterbury, Derbyshire, Jamaica, Lancashire, Tasmania

Although 249 Test wickets at an average of 23.68 & 50.9 strike rate already puts him in the top echelons of world cricket, it was his impact with sheer pace and that menacing action that took him to the next level. An iconic commentator as well.

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122. Kieron Pollard (West Indies, 2007-)

Major Teams: West Indies, West Indies U-19, Adelaide Strikers, Barbados Tridents, Cape Cobras, Deccan Gladiators, Dhaka Dynamites, Karachi Kings, Kerala Kings, London Spirit, Melbourne Renegades, Multan Sultans, Mumbai Indians, Peshawar Zalmi, Somerset, South Australia, St. Lucia Stars, Stanford Superstars, Toronoto Nationals, Trinbago Knight Riders, Trinidad, Welsh Fire

With almost 12,000 T20 Runs at 150.25 SR, batting predominantly at the lower order, Kieron Pollard was arguably the first bona fide T20 globetrotter. A pioneer in T20 power-hitting and mainstay for the Mumbai Indians in their 5-peat, he was a crucial member of West Indies’ 2012 T20 World Cup victory.

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121. Michael Clarke (Australia, 2000-2015)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Hampshire, Pune Warriors

Had one of the greatest peaks of a Test batter. 1595 runs at 106.33 with 5 hundreds, including a 329* and a couple of double hundreds. Captain of Australia’s 2015 World Cup victory.

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120. Mark Boucher (South Africa, 1995-2012)

Major Teams: South Africa, Border, Cape Cobras, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore

The wicketkeeper during South Africa’s golden generation and the most prolific keeper of all-time. Unfortunately, a bail hitting his eye ended his career. Played 147 Tests and inflicted an iconic 999 international dismissals (555 Tests, 425 ODIs, 19 T20Is).

I will remember him for hitting the winning runs in that famous 434-438 match.

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119. Aravinda de Silva (Sri Lanka, 1983-2002)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Kent, Auckland

107*(124), 3/42, & 2 catches—One of the best performances in a World Cup final. With over 15,000 international runs, Aravinda played his part in bringing Sri Lanka to the top tiers of world cricket.

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118. Joel Garner (West Indies, 1975-1992)

At 6 ft 8 inches, Garner towered above all and provided West Indies with that extra edge. With 259 Test wickets at 20.97 and 146 ODI wickets, he was one of the best. Holds the record for the best ODI economy (3.09) and won the 1979 WC final with a 5/38 show.

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117. Abdul Qadir (Pakistan, 1975-1994)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Punjab, Lahore, Habib Bank Limited

One of the best leg spinners of all time. What a classic action.

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116. Allan Donald (South Africa, 1985-2004)

Major Teams: South Africa, Free State, Warwickshire, Worcesterershire

Before there was Steyn, Morne Morkel, Makhaya Ntini, and Kagiso Rabada, there was Allan Donald. Bowled with menace and one of South Africa’s premier icons after they were reinstated in international cricket. Will also be remembered to be at the receiving end in the most infamous run-out of them all.”

Also Read: 16 South Africa World Cup Chokes and Heartbreaks: The Complete List

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Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Somerset, South Australia

115. Brett Lee (Australia, 1999-2012)

Major Teams: Australia, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, New South Wales, Otago, Sydney Sixers, Wellington

Probably the smoothest fast bowling action of all time. Over 700 international wickets, never compromised on pace despite injuries, THAT chainsaw celebration, and ended cricket career with a magnificent final over in the Big Bash.

Also See: Shoaib Akthar.

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114. Hashim Amla (South Africa, 2004-)

Major Teams: South Africa, Barbados Tridents, Cape Cobras, Derbyshire, Dolphins, Essex, Khulna Tigers, Kings XI Punjab KwaZulu-Natal, Surrey, Trinbago Knight Riders

Elegant, high-class opener, and a massively underrated ODI batter. 55 International centuries, fastest to 7000 ODI runs, a triple centurion, partnership maker. From blockathons to two hundreds in T20 cricket, versatility was Amla’s strength.

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113. Kevin Pietersen (England, 1997-2018)

Major Teams: England, Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Dolphins, Hampshire, KwaZulu-Natal, Melbourne Stars, Nottinghamshire, Quetta Gladiators, Rising Pune Supergiants, Royal Challengers Bangalore, St. Lucia Zouks, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Surrey

The ODI series against home country, South Africa, would sum up his career. Had his doubters early on with the rebel style, but his gameplay was too good to ignore. The 2005 Ashes, 2010 T20 World Cup, and 2012 Test series victory in India. England legend, just left with self-inflicted unfortunate circumstances.

Also Read: 42 South African Born Cricketers Who Play for Other Countries: Can You Guess Them All?

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112. Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan, 1995-2008)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Islamabad Cricket Association, Lahore Badshahs, Pakistan International Airlines, Surrey, Sussex

Fastest bowler to take 250 ODI wickets, most wickets ever in a calendar year (twice), and most famously known for bringing the ‘Doosra’ to prominence.

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111. Michael Bevan (Australia, 1989-2006)

Major Teams: Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, Yorkshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Sussex

Before MS Dhoni, Michael Bevan pioneered the ‘finisher’ role in ODI cricket. Averaging 53.98 after 232 matches, remaining unbeaten and hitting last-ball boundaries to win matches was his specialty.

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110. Hedley Verity (England, 1930-1939)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire

1956 first class wickets at 14.90 average with best figures for 10/10 in an innings. Died as a prisoner of war in World War II.

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109. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka, 1999-2019)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Kandurata Maroons, Moors Sports Club, Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club, Wayamba, Surrey, Hampshire

A specialist of sorts. If ever a bowler was needed on spinning tracks in the fourth innings, it was Herath. 433 Test wickets and Sri Lanka’s only hope in the transition years.

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108. Kane Williamson (New Zealand, 2007-)

Major Teams: New Zealand, New Zealand U-19, Northern Districts, Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Edmonton Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad

The best batter New Zealand ever produced and a shrewd captain. Lead the Kiwis to their first global title along with the 2019 ODI World Cup final.

Also Read: World Test Championship Final Review 2021

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107. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan, 2015-)

Major Teams: Afghanistan, Afghanistan U-19, Kabul, Adelaide Strikers, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Barbados Tridents, Comilla Victorians, Durban Heat, Kabul Eagles, Lahore Qalandars, Maratha Arabians, MI Cape Town, MI Emirates, Nangahar Leopards, Quetta Gladiators, St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Sussex, Trent Rockets

Not many have seen a rise as exponential as Rashid Khan has in cricket. 501 T20 wickets in 374 T20 matches. Already a legend and sought out for, he has played in almost every league around the world. Afghanistan cricket rises when Rashid Khan rises.

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106. Virender Sehwag (India, 1997-2015)

Major Teams: India, Delhi Leicestershire, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab

You would think aggressive batting meant Sehwag would be dangerous in limited overs cricket. He was, but he truly changed the role of the opening batter in Test cricket. First ball boundaries and hitting double centuries in a single day was his forte. 319, 309, and 293 will be remembered forever.

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105. Lance Gibbs (West Indies, 1953-1976)

Major Teams: West Indies, British Guiana, South Australia, Warwickshire

First spinner to pass 300 wickets and accumulated 1024 first class wickets, he will go down as West Indies’ greatest Test spinner. Has a Test hat-trick and once bowled a miserly spell of 53.3-37-38-8. Wow.

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104. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand, 1999-2019)

Major Teams: New Zealand, Brisbane Heat, Canterbury, Chennai Super Kings, Glamorgan, Gujarat Lions, Kochi Tuskers Kerela, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lahore Qalandars, New South Wales, Otago, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sussex, Toronto Nationals, Trinbago Knight Riders, Warwickshire

Match after match, captain McCullum would announce that this journey was ‘the time of their lives’ in the 2015 World Cup hosted at home. Took New Zealand to the World Cup finals for the first time, brought NZ out of lows of 2012, and for all his T20 exploits, had the skill to score 302 vs India I’m a Test match. Retired with the fastest Test century of all-time. Also credited for launching the IPL with a remarkable 158.

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103. Arthur Morris (Australia, 1940-1955)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

One of the best Ashes batters, a member of the ‘Invincibles,’ Australian army man during World War II, and a rugby player, Morris can truly say he did it all.

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102. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka, 2001-2020)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Galle Cricket Club, Kandy, Kent, Galle Gladiators, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Lucia Zouks, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Melbourne Stars, Rangpur Riders, Southern Express, Kent, Mumbai Indians

Malinga built a career out of pinpoint accurate yorkers and a slingy action. 4 wickets in 4 balls, couple of other hat-tricks, a T20 World Cup, and several IPL trophies with Mumbai Indians. Simply a legend.

Also Read: Lasith Malinga: The Slinga, Slayer, and SuperStar

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101. Shane Watson (Australia, 2000-2016)

Major Teams: Australia, Australia U-19, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Canterbury, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Dhaka Dynamites, Rangpur Rangers, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, St. Lucia Zouks

History will regard Shane Watson in awe. Gifted with a rare combination of skills, he established himself as a fast-bowling order who could bat in the top order. Player of the tournament in the 2012 T20 World Cup, 2008 & 2013 IPLs, the 2009 Champions Trophy, and key play-off knocks with CSK in the 2019 IPL, he stood up on the big occasions. A successful Test opener between 2009-10 alongside Simon Katich speaks to his versatility.

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List of the 100 Greatest Cricketers of All Time

The Top 100 cricketers of all time will at least consist of all the 10,000 runs scorers (either format), or members of the 500+ (Test), 400+ (ODI) wicket taker group.

100. Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka, 1993-2017)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Basnahira South, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Delhi Daredevils, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Kalutara Town Club, Karachi Kings, Northern Districts, Peshawar Zalmi, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sebastianites Cricket and Athletic Club, Singha Sports Club, Surrey, Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club

Dilshan is one of the most innovative cricketers of the modern era. Known for ‘The Dilscoop,’ he was one of the pillars of the Sri Lankan in their 2014 T20 World Cup victory, along with numerous other finals between 2007-2014. Also a handy off-spinner & acrobatic fielder.

Also Read: My Favorite Player from Each Country: Unity In Diversity XI – #5 Will Shock You

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99. Sourav Ganguly (1989-2012)

Major Teams: India, Bengal, Glamorgan, Lancashire, Northamptonshire, Kolkata Knight Riders, Pune Warriors

Changed how India was viewed. Captained India to the 2003 World Cup final and several overseas Test victories. I will forever remember him for his ODI exploits and down the ground sixes.

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98. Monty Noble (Australia, 1893-1920)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Somerset

Noble is “regarded as the greatest Australian all-rounder ever produced by Australia.” In all, he took 624 first class wickets and hit 37 centuries as well.

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97. Younis Khan (Pakistan, 1998-2018)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Surrey, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Yorkshire, South Australia, Rajasthan Royals

One of the only constants in Pakistan’s era of uncertainty. 10,000 runs Test runs, crisis man in the 4th innings, solid ODI batter & slip fielder, and a T20 World Cup winning captain.

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96. Neil Harvey (Australia, 1946-1963)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Victoria

One of the best Australia ever had. In just 79-Tests, he scored 21 tons and 24 half centuries. The fourth fastest to a 1000 Test runs.

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95. Bishan Singh Bedi (India, 1961-1982)

Major Teams: India, Delhi, Northern Punjab, Northamptonshire

Part of India’s spin quartet, Bedi had it all—the flight, guile, turn, and grace. With plenty of county experience, he ended with a mammoth 1560 first class wickets.

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94. Nathan Lyon (Australia, 2011-)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Adelaide Strikers, Sydney Strikers

A mainstay in Australia’s bowling line up. Bowling on Australian pitches for the majority of his career, Lyon became the tireless figure. Consistent line and length. Ball after ball. For an entire decade. 450+ Test wickets and counting.

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93. Inzamam Ul Haq (Pakistan, 1986-2007)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Yorkshire

Forever taunted for the run-outs, hit-wickets, and fitness issues, Inzamam ul-Haq was the catalyst to Pakistan’s 1992 world cup win. Scored almost 12,000 ODI and 9,000 Test runs. Beautiful to watch.

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92. Ross Taylor (New Zealand, 2002-2022)

Major Teams: New Zealand, New Zealand U-10, Central Districts, Durham, Sussex, Middlesex, Victoria, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Lucia Zouks, Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, Victoria, Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, Rajasthan Royals

The best #4 ODI batter of all-time and between 2016-19, was the best ODI batter. Started as a leg side slogger and became a steady middle order batter. Nice to sign off with an unbeaten knock in New Zealand’s WTC win.

Also Read: Ross Taylor, An Underrated Cricketer Who Was A Giant Among New Zealand’s Greatest Generation

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91. Dwayne Bravo (West Indies, 2001-)

Major Teams: West Indies, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions, Chittagong Kings, Comilla Victorians, Dhaka Dynamites, Dolphins, Essex, Fortune Barishal, Kent, Lahore Qalandars, Maratha Arabians, Melbourne Renegades, Northern Superchargers, Paarl Rocks, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Surrey, Sydney Sixers, Trinbago Knight Riders, Trinidad & Tobago, Victoria, Winnipeg Hawks

614 T20 wickets, highest T20 wicket-taker of all time. Could hit sixes and bowl slow yorkers at will. A modern-day legend for the West Indies.

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90. Stuart Broad (England, 2005-)

Major Teams: England, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Kings XI Punjab, Hobart Hurricanes

Statistically, the second highest fast bowling wicket-taker of all-time. Speaks of his fitness. Could get hit for six sixes or bowl spells to remember forever. At one point, also a handy batter down the order.

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89. Daniel Vettori (New Zealand, 1996-2015)

Major Teams: New Zealand, Northern Districts, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Queensland, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Jamaica Tallawahs

705 international wickets, 6 Test hundreds, youngest Test player for New Zealand. One of the underrated greats of the game.

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88. Ravichandran Ashwin (India, 2010-)

Major Teams: India, Tamil Nadu, Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire

5 Test Hundreds. One of the greatest off spinners of all-time. Removed the stigma of non-strikers run-out almost single-handedly. Pioneered the ‘retired out’ in T20 cricket. Improved his batting to be a #3 in T20s, a decent finisher, Test match blockathon-specialist, off-spinner, leg-spinner, mystery spin, carrom ball. Has a succesfful YouTube channel. Cricket improviser at his absolute best. Ahead of his times.

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87. Jim Laker (England, 1946-1965)

10/53 & 19/90, Test figures that took Laker into greatness. With 1944 first class wickets, he had a stellar career throughout.

Major Teams: England, Essex, Surrey, Auckland

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86. Alan Knott (England, 1964-1985)

Major Teams: England, Kent, Tasmania

5 Test hundreds as a wicketkeeper, he was highly rated behind the stumps.

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85. Ray Lindwall (Australia, 1941-1962)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Queensland

With a smooth action, Lindwall was Australia’s premier swing bowlers. Retired with 228 Test wickets and two centuries.

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84. Michael ‘Colin’ Cowdrey (England, 1950-1976)

Major Teams: England, Gentlemen, Oxford University, Kent

Cowdrey was the first man to play 100 Tests. His exploits in first class cricket are well known—42719 runs, 107 hundreds.

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83. Sir Geoffrey Boycott OBE (England, 1962-1986)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire, Northern Transvaal

Although Boycott had his troubles off the field, on the field, he was one of the great ones. In his era, not many scored more than his 151 first class hundreds and 8114 Test runs.

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82. Keith ‘Nugget’ Miller (Australia, 1937-1959)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Nottinghamshire

Miller is regarded as Australia’s greatest ever all-rounder. Although 2958 runs & 170 Test wickets flatter to deceive now, it was the best figures for an allrounder at the time.

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81. Aubrey Faulkner (South Africa, 1902-1924)

Regarded as “one of the greatest allrounders,” he opened both the batting and bowling at times. Based on ESPNCricinfo’s weighted allrounder analysis, Aubrey Faulkner just edges out Keith Miller.

Major Teams: South Africa, Transvaal, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)

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80. Ken Barrington (England, 1953-1968)

Major Teams: England, Surrey

Perhaps England’s greatest middle order batter. Now has the ninth highest Test average (58.67) after 82 Tests.

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79. Graham Gooch (England, 1973-2000)

Major Teams: England, Essex, Western Province

Graham Gooch has perhaps scored the most runs. EVER. 44,846 First Class runs with 128 hundreds & 217 fifties to go along with 22, 211 List A runs with 44 hundreds and 139 fifties. In international cricket, he amassed 8900 Test runs, 4200 ODI runs, and 28 tons overall.

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78. Graeme Smith (South Africa, 1999-2014)

Major Teams: South Africa, Gauteng, Western Province, Somerset, Surrey, Cape Cobras, Rajasthan Royals

One of the greatest captains and grittiest opening batters of all-time. Batting with a broken hand against Mitchell Johnson in attempt to save a Test match will go down as one of the most courageous acts on the cricket field.

Also Read: Top 11 Cricketers Who Retired Too Early – The Lost Generation

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77. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka, 1990-2012)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Basnahira North, Colts Cricket Club, Deccan Chargers, Hampshire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire, Worcestershire

The only player to take 8 wickets in an ODI match and the spearhead of Sri Lanka’s fast bowling attack with 781 international wickets. Has a World Cup hat-trick, Test hundred, and ODI fifty as well.

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76. Sir Gordon Greenidge (West Indies, 1970-1992)

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Hampshire

In modern cricket, one of the most dominant opening batters. 7558 Test runs and 37354 runs with 92 centuries. Had a stellar ODI career as well in World Cups—highest scorer of the 1979 World Cup.

Also See: Desmond Haynes (#69)

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75. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh, 2005-)

Major Teams: Bangladesh, Khulna Division, Dhaka Gladiators, Fortune Barishal, Adelaide Strikers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, Worcestershire, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi

One of the greatest all-rounders in the modern era. If the pitch has something to offer, his left-arm spin is tricky to tackle. A great show at #3 in the 2019 World Cup. In one phrase, a living legend of Bangladesh.

Also Read: Why Shakib And Co are the True Fab 5 of this Era

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74. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka, 1988-2012)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Colombo Cricket Club, Somerset, Mumbai Indians

Apart from Sachin Tendulkar, he has the most man of the match awards. Revolutionized ODI powerplay batting in 1996, and a great asset with the ball as well.

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73. Matthew Hayden (Australia, 1991-2012)

Major Teams: Australia, Queensland, Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Chennai Super Kings, Brisbane Heat

An epic conversion rate (30-100s, 29-50s) and one of the most dominant openers of the generation. Dancing down the wicket with broad shoulders, he sent tremors in the opposition bowlers.

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72. Alec Bedser (England, 1939-1960)

With 1924 first-class and 236 Test wickets under his name, Bedser is one of England’s most prolific swing bowlers.

Major Teams: England, Surrey

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71. Sir Alastair Cook (England, 2003-)

Major Teams: England, Essex

First England player to score 10,000 Test runs, Cook was the key constructor of England’s Ashes 2010 and India 2012 victories. Survived as an opener in one of the toughest eras to play fast and swing bowling. Best England Test batter (until Joe Root that is).

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70. Desmond Haynes (West Indies, 1976-1997)

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Middlesex, Western Province

Making one half of the third-highest Test partnership (6482 with Greenidge) of all time (and highest at the time), Haynes was a modern-day giant. In ODI cricket, he scored 8,648 runs with 17 centuries, a record that stood until 1998.

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69. Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan, 1996-2011)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Lahore, Lancashire, Warwickshire

One of the most elegant batters of all-time. Scored 1788 runs in 2006 with 9 hundreds and 3 fifties, still a Test record.

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68. Robert George Dylan ‘Bob’ Willis (England, 1969-1984)

Major Teams: England, Surrey, Warwickshire, Northern Transvaal

One of the fastest English bowlers. Despite injuries, he took 325 Test wickets and played 90 Tests. Longevity and England fast bowlers is a common theme.

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67. Joe Root (England, 2010-)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire, Trent Rockets

After being criticized for not converting fifties into hundreds, Joe Root’s stellar 2021 etched his name into greatness—1708 runs with six daddy hundreds. An ODI World Cup winner as well.

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66. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka, 1997-2015)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Sinhalese Sports Club, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab

Class batter. 11,000 runs+ in each format. Most runs on a single ground (2921 runs in Sinhalese, Colombo), seven double hundreds, and a knack for long-partnerships.

Also See: Kumar Sangakkara (#51)

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65. Sir Clive Lloyd (West Indies, 1963-1986)

Major Teams: West Indies, British Guiana, Lancashire

One of the most recognized left-handers in the game with the glasses & moustache, his calm demeanor was the feature that stood out the most. Playing over 100 Test matches and 490 first class matches, it was his captaincy with two ODI World Cups that crystalized his name in the hall of legends. Made a century in the inaugural World Cup final as well.

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64. Fred “The Demon” Spofforth (Australia, 1874-1897)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Victoria

Spofforth is regarded as “Australia’s first true fast bowler.” First bowler to take a Test hat-trick, he zoomed to 94 wickets in only 18 career Test matches.

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63. Harold Larwood (England, 1924-1938)

Major Teams: England, Nottinghamshire

According to Larwood’s Wisden obituary, he was “one of the rare fast bowlers in the game to spread terror in opposition ranks by the mere mentions of his name.” If Don Bradman struggled, then Larwood must have been really, really good.

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62. Steve Smith (Australia, 2007-)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Worcestershire, Rajasthan Royals

Averaging 60.00 after 87 tests with 28 hundreds is no joke. Started as a leg-spinner batting at #8 and ended up becoming the greatest modern-day Test batter.

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61. Chris Gayle (West Indies, 1999-2022)

Major Teams: West Indies, Royal Challengers Bangalore, West Indies U-19, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Balkh Legends, Barisal Burners, Chattogram Challengers, Dhaka Gladiators, Dophins, Fortune Barishal, ICC World XI, Jamaica, Jamaica Tallawahs, Jozi Stars, Kandy Tuskers, Karachi Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lahore Qalandars, Lions, Matabeleland Tuskers, Melbourne Renegades, Quetta Gladiators, Rangpur Riders, Somerset, St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Sydney Thunder, Vancouver Knights, Western Australia, Worcester

Although he is known for his big hitting and T20 exploits, Chris Gayle conquered all-formats over two decades. Just look at his record—14562 (T20), 13189 (List A), 13226 (First Class) runs, best of 333 in Tests, best of 215 in ODIs, 175* in T20s, and 117 in T20Is.

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60. Shaun Pollock (South Africa, 1991-2008)

Major Teams: South Africa, Dolphins, KawZulu-Natal, Durham, Warwickshire

From a family of cricketing greats, Shaun Pollock became the most prolific wicket-taker of his time with 829 international wickets. Great consistent bowling and an effective all-rounder.

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59. Tom Richardson (England, 1892-1905)

Major Teams: England, Somerset, Surrey, London County

Wisden’s obituary stated that “He will live in cricket history as perhaps the finest of all fast bowlers.” With 2104 first class wickets, best of 10/45 in an innings, and an average of 9.64 (11.06 average in Tests), he is certainly one of the best fast bowlers.

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58. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies, 1991-2015)

Major Teams: West Indies, Guyana, Durham, Lancashire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Guyana Amazon Warriors

With his side-on technique and under-the-eye stickers, one of the most recognized batters. A hard batter to dismiss, will go down as a West Indian legend with 164 Test matches, 30 Test hundreds, and over 20,000 international runs.

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57. MS Dhoni (India, 1999-)

Major Teams: India, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chennai Super Kings

Greatest ODI finisher of all-time and one of the best captains in international cricket & the IPL. Gave Indian fans a moment to cherish with a World Cup winning six. Genius behind the wickets as well.

Also Read: MS Dhoni and SK Raina Retire: An End of An Era

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56. Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji (England, 1893-1920)

Major Teams: England, Sussex, Cambridge University, London County

Way ahead of his time, Ranjitsinhji “was probably one of the finest batsman of all time, not only in terms of runs scored but also because he brought new strokes to the game.”

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55. Javed Miandad (Pakistan, 1975-1996)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Karachi, Habib Bank Limited, Sind, Glamorgan, Sussex

According to ESPNCricinfo, Miandad is the “greatest batsman Pakistan ever produced.” With over 16,000 international runs, 31 centuries, and 80 FC centuries, that certainly seems to be the case.

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54. Brian Statham (England, 1950-1968)

Major Teams: England, Lancashire

100955 Balls, 2260 first class wickets, 16.37 average, these stats say it all.

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53. Alfred Percy ‘Tich’ Freeman (England, 1914-1936)

Major Teams: England, Kent

With 3776 first class wickets, Freeman is regarded as “one of the greatest slow bowlers the game has ever known.”

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52. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka, 1997-2020)

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Kandurata, Warwickshire, Surrey, Kings XI Punjab, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad

Like fine wine, Sangakkara grew better with age. Most runs in a calendar year across formats in 2014 and retired with 12,400 Test runs at an average of 57.40. A T20 World Cup winner and great keeper as well.

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51. George Alfred Lohmann (England, 1884-1897)

Major Teams: England, Surrey

Yes, he played in the nineteenth century, but the best career bowling strike rate (34.1) of all-time meant he was a class apart. A medium fast bowler, Lohmann took 112 Test and 1841 first class wickets.

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Top 50 Cricketers of All Time: The Absolute Greats

The next 50 are the absolute greatest cricketers of all time. They either played historic knocks, are highly spoken of, or changed the way the game was played.

50. Steve Waugh (Australia, 1984-2004)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Kent, Somerset

Led Australia to an ODI World Cup and 16 consecutive Test wins. A middle order stronghold in Australia’s great generation with over 10,000 Test runs and 32 tons.

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49. Curtly Ambrose (West Indies, 1985-2000)

Major Teams: West Indies, Leeward Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Northamptonshire

One of the most lethal bowlers of his time, he bowled some of the best spells in memory. Just watch his 7-1 spell. Ended up with 630 international wickets.

Also Read: 24 Cricketers with Musical Talent Who Will Rock You Ft. Don Bradman, Sreesanth, and AB De Villiers

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48. Anil Kumble (India, 1989-2010)

Major Teams: India, Karnataka, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Surrey)

Kumble’s 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan wrote his name in folklore. With 619 Test wickets & 337 ODI wickets, he was a central figure in India’s XI for over a decade.

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47. AB De Villiers (South Africa, 2003-2020)

Major Teams: South Africa, Northerns, Titans, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore

AB De Villiers could score the fastest hundred of all-time or could score 43 (297) in an attempt of a blockathon. The most versatile and innovative batter this world has ever seen. Also, Bangalore’s favorite son.

Also Read: Faf du Plessis & AB De Villiers’ Friendship: Broken Dreams of Faf and ABD

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46. Victor Trumper (Australia, 1894-1914)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

Wisden reckons that Trumper was “by general consent the best and most brilliant.” Was one of the fastest scorers of all-time at about 40 runs per hour.

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45. Rahul Dravid (India, 1992-2013)

Major Teams: India, Karnataka, Kent, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals

The glue that held India together. ‘The Wall’ played the most balls in the Test history (despite playing seven years less than Tendulkar). His versatility speaks volumes—Kept wickets, became an effective ODI floater, and hit three sixes in T20s. Major contributions in India’s overseas Test victories.

Also Read: What Rahul Dravid Taught Me, An Open Letter From a Cricket Fan to Those In Charge of Indian Cricket

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44. Hanif Mohammad (Pakistan, 1951-1976)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Karachi

The original ‘Little Master’, Hanif’s 970-minute 337 vs West Indies in 1958 is forever etched in history. His highest score was 499 in first class cricket. How unfortunate.

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43. Zaheer Abbas (Pakistan, 1965-1987)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Karachi, Sind, Gloucestershire

‘Known as the Asian Bradman,’ he is still the only Asian batter with 100 first-class hundreds. Prolific and elegant.

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42. Denis Compton (England, 1936-1964)

Major Teams: England, Middlesex

Eerily similar stats to Zaheer Abbas, but a tad ahead. 78 Tests, 5807 runs. and 123 first class hundreds. One of England’s greatest.

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41. Adam Gilchrist (Australia, 1992-2013)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, Deccan Chargers, Kings XI Punjab

Revolutionized the role of the wicketkeeper. 9619 ODI runs at 96.94 SR and 5570 runs at 81.95 SR. After Gilchrist, wicketkeepers were expected to score runs and score them quickly.

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40. Courtney Walsh (West Indies, 1981-2001)

Major Teams: West Indies, Jamaica, Gloucestershire

Before Mcgrath, Anderson, & Broad, Walsh bowled the most balls in his Test career (30019) and took the most wickets by a fast bowler (519). Not to mention 1807 first class wickets.

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39. Allan Border (Australia, 1976-1996)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Essex, Gloucestershire

First captain from Australia to lift the World Cup trophy, he set an example for the Waughs and Pontings to follow. With more than 11,000 Test runs and 156 Test caps (record at the time), he was a constant for Australia for the better part of two decades.

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38. Waqar Younis (Pakistan, 1987-2003)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Surrey, Glamorgan

Credited for the ‘reverse’ swing, his bowled compilations are droolworthy to watch. 373 wickets at a strike rate of 43.4 and 416 ODI wickets puts him at the top of the crop.

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37. Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand, 1971-1990)

Major Teams: New Zealand, Canterbury, Nottinghamshire

The first bowler to 400 Test wickets, he is arguably New Zealand’s greatest cricketer.

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36. Dale Steyn (South Africa, 2004-2021)

Major Teams: South Africa, Cape Cobras, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad

Arguably the best fast bowler of all-time. Fast, pace, swing, consistency, he had it all. With a clean action, he dominated opposition at home and abroad. Unfortunately, freak injuries ended his career. Went past Pollock to become South Africa’s highest Test wicket-taker.

Also Read: Dale Steyn, The Embodiment of Simplicity and Intensity, Retires—The Greatest Fast Bowler of Them All

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35. Virat Kohli (India, 2008-)

Major Teams: India, Delhi, Royal Challengers Bangalore, India U-19

Will go down as the greatest ODI batter of all-time. Definitely the best chaser in the game, his peak across formats was second to none. Twice the T20 player of the World Cup, his aggressive attitude and captaincy was crucial to India’s rise in Test cricket. The King of Cricket in the modern era.

Also Read: Virat Kohli’s 25 Best Innings Across International Formats (RANKED), 5 Ways Captain Virat Kohli Transformed Indian Cricket

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34. Imran Khan (Pakistan, 1969-1992)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Sussex, Worcestershire

The world has never seen an Imran Khan before, and never will again. Fast bowler, effective batter, philanthropist, a Prime Minister, and a top candidate for the best-looking cricketer of all-time.

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33. Ian Terence Botham (England, 1973-1993)

Major Teams: England, Durham, Somerset, Worcestershire, Queensland

In the golden era of all-rounders, Botham was arguably the best of the lot. About 7,000 international runs to go along with 528 wickets.

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32. Kapil Dev (India, 1977-1995)

Major Teams: India, Haryana, Northamptonshire, Worcestershire

Three decades after he retired, India is still looking for another Kapil Dev. A long term fast-bowling all-rounder, he captained India to their first World Cup triumph.

Also Read: 83 Movie Review – Does the Film Do Justice to India’s Unlikely Dream 1983 World Cup Journey?

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31. James ‘Jimmy’ Anderson (England, 2003-)

Major Teams: England, Lancashire, England U-19

The best swing bowler of all-time, it is his longevity and fitness that is remarkable. Two decades, 176 Tests, and 672 wickets. Brilliant!

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30. George Headley (West Indies, 1927-1954)

Major Teams: West Indies, Jamaica

Had it not been for World War II, who knows how much George Headley could have accomplished. Retired with an average of 60.83 after 22 Tests and 69.86 in 103 first class matches. Wisden remarked that “he scored an avalanche of runs with a style and brilliance few of any age have matched.” Must have been wonderful to watch.

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29. Derek ‘ Deadly’ Underwood (1963-1987)

Major Teams: England, Kent

Underwood claimed 2465 first-class wickets after bowling 139,783 balls along with 297 Test wickets.

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28. Sunil Gavaskar (India, 1966-1987)

Major Teams: India, Mumbai, Somerset

The first player to break the 10,000 run Test barrier, the ‘Little Master’ set the standards for opening batsmanship in cricket. Playing without helmets against the West Indies was a daring task for sure.

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27. Fred Trueman (England, 1949-1972)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire, Derbyshire

Trueman was the first cricketer to 300 Test wickets. He had 2304 first class wickets to his name as well.

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26. Bill ‘Tiger’ O’Reilly (Australia, 1927-1946)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

Wisden remarked that O’Reilly was “probably the greatest spin bowler the game has ever produced” and Don Bradman is credited of saying, “he was the greatest bowler he had ever faced or watched.”

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Greatest 25 Cricketers of All Time: The Undisputable Legends, Kings of Cricket

Time for the Undisputable Legends. These players are truly the greatest cricketers of all time.

25. Les Ames (England, 1926-1951)

Major Teams: England, Kent

According to Wisden, Ames was “without a doubt the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman the game [had] so far produced.” 418 stumpings, over 1,000 dismissals, and 102 first-class centuries.

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24. Glenn McGrath (Australia, 1992-2007)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

The greatest line and length bowler the world has ever seen. He was instrumental in Australia’s World Cup wins. Holds the record for most World Cup wickets (71) and was the highest fast bowling Test wicket taker before Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad surpassed him.

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23. Dennis Lillee (Australia, 1967-1988)

Major Teams: Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Northamptonshire

If you can fox the great Sir Viv, you definitely have some skill. Broke the world record at that time and ended with 355 Test wickets.

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22. Robert Graeme Pollock (South Africa, 1960-1987)

Major Teams: South Africa, Eastern Province, Transvaal

ESPNCricinfo reckons that Graeme Pollock was “perhaps the finest left-hand batsman the game has ever produced.” Another casualty of South Africa’s international exile, Pollock’s 60.97 average in his short 23-Test career gave the world a glimpse of his ability to go along his 64 hundreds in 262 first class games.

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21. Herbert Sutcliffe (England, 1919-1945)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire

First to score 4 Test centuries in a series and fastest to 1000 Test runs (12 innings), he was easily one of the greatest. Wisden’s obituary remarks that “he never knew a season of failure” as he would score over 50,000 first class runs with 151 tons.

World War I meant that he lost some early years and only started his career around the age of 25.

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20. Malcolm Marshall (West Indies, 1977-1996)

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Hampshire

The cricket world lost a gem in 1999 when Malcolm Marshall passed away at the young age of 41 due to cancer. However, he will be remembered as one of the most feared fast bowlers of all-time. 376 wickets at a strike rate of 46.7 & 20.94 average. Just watch some of his bouncers.

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19. Barry Anderson Richards (South Africa, 1968-1983)

Major Teams: South Africa, Natal, Transvaal, Gloucestershire, Hampshire

South Africa’s exile meant Barry Richards could only play 4 Test matches, but still showed the world what he got—2 100s, 2 50s, and an average of 72.57. “One of the finest talents of the 20th century“, scoring 28,000 first class runs, 80 tons, and nine centuries before lunch display his greatness.

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18. Wasim Akram (Pakistan, 1984-2003)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Hampshire, Lancashire

Best left-arm fast bowler of all time, key to Pakistan’s rise, and took the most wickets by a fast bowler in ODI cricket. He was the hero of the 1992 World Cup final and with Waqar Younis, formed a pair of the ages. Still holds the highest score by a #8 in Test matches, 257*.

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17. Frank Wooley (England, 1906-1938)

Major Teams: England, Kent

58,959 runs. 145 centuries. 2066 Wickets. 978 first class matches. Wisden describes as “beyond doubt one of the finest and most elegant left-handed all-rounders of all-time.”

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16. Brian Charles Lara (West Indies, 1987-2010)

Major Teams: West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago

Brian Lara was one of the best left-arm batters of all-time His name will forever be etched in record books with 400* (Test) and 501* (first class). More than the numbers, though, you always wanted to watch him bat. Top notch elegance.

Also Read: Most Stylish Batsman Of The Modern Era

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15. Ricky Ponting (Australia, 1992-2013)

Major Teams: Australia, Tasmania

Ricky Ponting was one of the most dominant players of his generation. He ruled the world as a batter, fielder, and captain. Ponting holds the record for the fastest to 12,000 runs in both ODI and Test cricket, only behind Tendulkar. Ended with more than 27,000 international runs, 71 centuries, and 364 catches. However, his legacy is cemented with two World cup wins as captain.

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14. Sir Leonard ‘Len’ Hutton (England, 1934-1955)

129 first class hundreds in 513 matches. Not quite 99.96, but 40,140 runs at 55.51 is quite special. Handy leg spinner as well. Wisden remarked in Hutton’s obituary that he was “one of the greatest batsman the game has produced in all its long history.”

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire

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13. Jacques Kallis (South Africa, 1993-2014)

Major Teams: South Africa, Western Province, Warriors, Cape Cobras, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sydney Thunder, Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, Middlesex, Glamorgan

Once playing against India, a stat came up that aptly described Jacques Kallis contribution in Test cricket. With runs and centuries, Kallis rivalled Tendulkar. With the ball, he was an equal to Zaheer Khan. One of the greatest allrounders of the game, 10,000+ runs in each format, and had a decent T20 career as well. Would take South Africa two players to replace the balance he provided the Proteas.

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12. Wilfred Rhodes (England, 1899-1930)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire

Most prolific first-class wicket-taker of all time. 4204 wickets from 1110 matches. Close to 40,000 first class runs as well. Moreover, he had the longest first-class career with 30 years & 315 days. That’s commitment.

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11. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka, 1989-2014)

Alternative spelling: Muthiah Muralidaran

The best off-spinner of all-time and the most prolific international wicket taker of all-time with 1347 wickets. Taking the 800th Test wicket with his final ball will go down as the one of the iconic moments in the game. A 1996 World Cup winner to cap it off.

Major Teams: Sri Lanka

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10. Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander ‘Viv’ Richards (West Indies)

Major Teams: West Indies, Leeward Islands, Glamorgan, Somerset

Sir Viv Richards had just the right amount of talent, intimidation factor, and swag. One of the central pins of West Indies’ golden generation and way ahead of his time. Pioneer of modern ODI cricket.

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9. Walter Reginald ‘Wally’ Hammond (England, 1920-1951)

Major Teams: England, Gloucestershire

7249 Test runs with 22 hundreds in the era that he played is already a huge achievement. Add to that, 50,551 first-class runs with a mammoth 167 centuries, 185 fifties, and 732 wickets, he is definitely one to be remembered.

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8. Sydney Barnes (England, 1894-1930)

Major Teams: England, Staffordshire, Lancashire, Warwickshire, Wales

6,229 wickets at an average of 8.33 from club to Test matches. Most wickets ever in a Test series (49). S.C. Griffith, secretary of MCC summed it up perfectly, “The extraordinary thing about him was that all his contemporaries considered him the greatest bowler.”

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7. Frank Worrell (West Indies, 1941-1964)

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Jamaica

Sir Learie Constantine described Worrell as, ” a happy man, a good man, and a great one.” Worthy middle order batter & allrounder with a knack of big hundreds, his influence as a social icon was far greater. First long-term black captain of West Indian cricket, he helped unify the islands and moved West Indies move into the success of the 70s & 80s. Unfortunately, passed away at the age of 42 with a rich legacy, nevertheless. Key player in the first Tied Test, the Australia-West Indies series is still named the “Frank Worell Trophy.”

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6. Sir Garfield St Aubrun ‘Garry’ Sobers (West Indies, 1952-1975)

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Nottinghamshire, South Australia

The greatest all-rounder of all time. Shall I say more?

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5. Shane Warne (Australia, 1990-2013)

Major Teams: Australia, Victoria, Rajasthan Royals, Melbourne Stars

If you bowled the ‘Ball of the Century,’ took 708 wickets, and won a World Cup final on your own, you deserve to be in the Top 5 of every list. A larger-than-life icon who revolutionized leg spin. A leader that Australia never had as his later years with the Rajasthan Royals and T20 leagues showed. His death in 2022 shocked one and all.

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4. Sir John Berry ‘Jack’ Hobbs (England,1908-1930)

Major Teams: England, Surrey

Most prolific first-class batter of all-time. 61,760 runs, 199 centuries, 273 fifties, oldest Test centurion (at 46), and opened the batting and bowling in South Africa in 1910. The original ‘Master‘ and first cricketer to receive Knighthood.

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3. Sachin Tendulkar (India, 1989-2013)

Major Teams: India, Mumbai, Mumbai Indians

The greatest batsman the world in the modern era. Over 34,000 international runs, 100 hundreds, World Cup winner. The original God of cricket, and a beacon of hope for a billion people for over two decades.

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2. Dr. William Gilbert ‘WG’ Grace (England, 1865-1908)

Major Teams: England, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Gloucestershire, London County Cricket Club

Without Grace’s grace, we can only imagine how different cricket’s development as an official sport would have been in its early days. 44 years, 870 first class matches, 54,000 runs, 2800 wickets. Also practiced medicine and had that iconic beard.

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1. Sir Donald Bradman (Australia, 1927-1949)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, South Australia

Not only regarded as the greatest Test batter of all-time in the world of cricket but also a well know trivia fact outside of the sport. 99.94. The elusive 4 runs. 6996. In fact, he scored 117 centuries in 234 matches at an average of 95.14 with the best of 452* in all first-class cricket. Technically gifted, daddy hundreds, Test captain, ‘Borderline’ series, leader of the ‘Invincibles’, and the comeback after World War II break. Legend in all senses.

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Extended List (By Country): The Honorable Mentions

These players are one of the best to have played for their nations. Several of these players played over 100 Test matches. However, due to the extensive competition, they did not make the Top 151 Greatest Cricket Players of All Time List.

Greatest Players of All Time #175-270

  • England: Patsy Hendren, Graeme Hick, Phil Mead, Douglas Jardine, Eoin Morgan, Ian Bell, Jos Buttler, Andrew Strauss, Alec Stewart, Dennis Amiss, Bernard Bosanquet, Mike Atherton, Maurice Tate, Graeme Swann, Charlie Parker, Andrew Flintoff, Frank Tyson, Graham Thorpe, Sir Pelham Warner, Bill Lockwood, John Jackson, Johnny Briggs, Hugh Trumble
  • West Indies: Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Carl Hooper, Lawrence Rowe, Roy Fredericks, Vanburn Holder, Charlie Griffith, Andre Russell, Jackie Hendricks, Colin Croft, Ian Bishop
  • Australia: Dean Jones, David Boon, Bill Ponsford, Charles Turner, Bill Lawry, Mark Taylor, Aaron Finch, Clem Hill, Andrew Symonds, Geoffrey Marsh, Mike Hussey, Charlie McCartney, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood
  • India: Lala Amarnath, Mohammad Azharuddin, Erapalli Prasanna, Zaheer Khan, Mohinder Amarnath, Dilip Vengsarkar, S Venkataraghavan, B Chandrasekhar, Vijay Merchant, Gundappa Vishwanath, Vijay Manjrekar, Farokh Engineer, Javagal Srinath
  • South Africa: Trevor Goddard, Herschelle Gibbs, Gary Kirsten, Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Dudley Nourse, Mike Proctor, Jonty Rhodes, John Waite, Faf du Plessis
  • New Zealand: Tim Southee, Glenn Turner, Nathan Astle, Jacob Oram, Scott Styris, Stewie Dempster, Martin Donnely, John R Reid, Shane Bond, Martin Guptill, Ian Smith, Jack Cowie, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Bruce Taylor, Neil Wagner
  • Pakistan: Shoaib Malik, Umar Gul, Fazal Mahmood, Yasir Shah, Saleem Malik, Babar Azam, Mohammad Asif, Misbah Ul-Haq, Rashid Latif
  • Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews
  • Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah
  • Zimbabwe: Grant Flower, Brendon Taylor
  • USA: Bart King

Top 10 Greatest Cricketers of All-Time (By Country)

Who are the greatest Australian cricketers of all-time?

The greatest Australian cricketer of all-time is Sir Donald Bradman (#1). The Top 10 Australian cricketers in history are Don Bradman (#1), Shane Warne (#5), Ricky Ponting (#15), Dennis Lillee (#23), Glenn McGrath (#24), Bill O’Reilly (#26), Allan Border (#39), Adam Gilchrist (#41), Victor Trumper (#46), Steve Waugh (#50).

Who are the English cricketers of all-time?

The greatest England cricketer of all-time is Dr. WG Grace (#2). The Top 10 England cricketers in history are WG Grace (#2), Sir Jack Hobbs (#4), Sydney Barnes (#8), Wally Hammond (#9), Wilfred Rhodes (#12), Sir Len Hutton (#14), Frank Wooley (#17), Herbert Sutcliffe (#21), Les Ames (#25), and Fred Trueman (#27).

Who are the greatest Indian cricketers of all-time?

The greatest Indian cricketer of all-time is Sachin Tendulkar (#3). The Top 10 Indian cricketers in history are Sachin Tendulkar (#3), Sunil Gavaskar (#28), Kapil Dev (#32), Virat Kohli (#35), Rahul Dravid (#45), Anil Kumble (#48), Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji (#56), MS Dhoni (#57), Ravichandran Ashwin (#88), and Bishan Singh Bedi (#95).

Who are the greatest West Indian cricketers of all-time?

The greatest West Indian cricketer of all-time is Sir Garfield Sobers (#6). The Top 10 West Indies cricketers in history are Sir Garfield Sobers (#6), Frank Wooley (#7), Sir Vivian Richards (#10), Brian Lara (#16), Malcolm Marshall (#20), George Headley (#30), Courtney Walsh (#40), Curtly Ambrose (#49), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (#58), and Chris Gayle (#61).

Who are the greatest Sri Lankan cricketers of all-time?

The greatest Sri Lankan cricketer of all-time is Muttiah Muralitharan (#11). The Top 10 Sri Lanka cricketers in history are Muttiah Muralitharan (#11), Kumar Sangakkara (#52), Mahela Jayawardene (#66), Sanath Jayasuriya (#74), Chaminda Vaas (#77), Tillakaratne Dilshan (#100), Lasith Malinga (#102), Rangana Herath (#109), Aravinda de Silva (#119), Arjuna Ranatunga (#126), and Marvin Atapattu (#149).

Who are the greatest South African cricketers of all-time?

The greatest South African cricketer of all-time is Jacques Kallis (#13). The Top 10 South Africa cricketers in history are Jacques Kallis (#13), Barry Richards (#19), Graeme Pollock (#22), Dale Steyn (#36), AB De Villiers (#47), Shaun Pollock (#60), Graeme Smith (#78), Aubrey Faulkner (#81), Hashim Amla (#114), and Allan Donald (#116).

Who are the greatest Pakistan cricketers of all-time?

The greatest Pakistani cricketer of all-time is Wasim Akram (#18). The Top 10 Pakistan cricketers in history are Wasim Akram (#18), Imran Khan (#34), Waqar Younis (#38), Zaheer Abbas (#43), Hanif Mohammad (#44), Javed Miandad (#55), Mohammad Yousuf (#69), Inzamam Ul-Haq (#93), Younis Khan (#97), and Saqlain Mushtaq (#112).

Who are the greatest New Zealand cricketers of all-time?

The greatest New Zealand cricketer of all-time is Sir Richard Hadlee (#37). The Top 10 New Zealand cricketers in history are Richard Hadlee (#37), Daniel Vettori (#89), Ross Taylor (#92), Brendon McCullum (#104), Kane Williamson (#108), Martin Crowe (#129), Stephen Fleming (#131), Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Glenn Turner.

Who are the greatest Bangladesh cricketers of all-time?

The greatest Bangladeshi cricketer of all-time is Shakib Al Hasan (#75).

Who are the greatest Afghanistan cricketers of all-time?

The greatest Afghanistan cricketer of all-time is Rashid Khan (#107).

Who are the greatest Zimbabwe cricketers of all-time?

The greatest Zimbabwean cricketer of all-time is Andy Flower (#132).

The Criteria

The goal of this list is that from these 152 greatest cricketers of all time, you can pick sub-lists of the “Greatest All-Rounders of All-Time,” “Greatest Fast Bowlers of All-Time,” etc.

So how did we pick the greatest cricketers of all time? Well, we considered it all—Impact, captaincy, World Cup contributions, longevity, legacy, and statistics (10,000 runs, player of the match awards, 5-fers, 10-fers, ICC Hall of fame, Wisden cricketer of the century list, etc.)

This was a tougher challenge than I had initially anticipated. So to narrow down our choices, if a player satisfied any of the criteria below, they were automatically added to the list:

  • Member of ICC’s Hall of Fame
  • 10,000 ODI or Test Runs
  • 500 Test Wickets, 400 ODI Wickets
  • Selected as the Six Giants of the Wisden Century or Wisden Cricketers of the Century

To understand a player’s true impact from before the 1950s, excerpts from Wisden’s Almanack and ESPNCricinfo were used (and cited).

*Note: Sydney Barnes, Don Bradman, W.G. Grace, Jack Hobbs, Tom Richardson, and Victor Trumper were selected as the Six Giants of the Wisden Century and Donald Bradman, Garfield Sobers, Jack Hobbs, Shane Warne, and Viv Richards were voted as Wisden Cricketer of the Century in 2000.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Greatest Cricketers of All Time

Sources: Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century, ICC Hall of Fame, ESPN Cricinfo’s All time XIs

Also Read: Top 25 Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History: Where do Ben Stokes, Shakib Al Hasan, and Ravindra Jadeja Rank?, Top 43 Pakistan Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest Pakistani Fast Bowlers of All Time (Updated 2023), Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023)

Who is the best cricketer of all time?

Sir Donald Bradman is considered the best cricketer of all-time, followed closely by WG Grace, Sachin Tendulkar, Jack Hobbs, Shane Warne, Frank Worrell, and Sir Garfield Sobers.

Who is the best batsman of all time?

Sir Donald Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Jack Hobbs, Sir Frank Worrell, and Sir Viv Richards are the best batsman of all time. Sir Len Hutton, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, Barry Richards, and Graeme Pollock are close behind.

Who is the best bowler of all time?

Shane Warne are Sydney Barnes are the best bowlers of all time. Behind them are Muralitharan, Wasim Akram, Malcolm Marshall, Bill O’Reilly, Glenn Mcgrath, Fred Trueman, Jimmy Anderson, Dale Steyn, and Waqar Younis.

Who is the best all-rounder of all time?

Sir Garfield Sobers is the best all-rounder of all time with Jacques Kallis close behind. Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, Imran Khan, Richard Hadlee, Jayasuriya, Shakib Al Hasan, Miller, and Faulkner also make the list.

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