Cricket has been blessed with wonderful West Indian fast bowlers, particularly in the golden era between 70s & the 90s. Join us as we explore the historic menace of West Indian fast bowlers–Who are the greatest? The unluckiest? Who took the most wickets?
By the Numbers: Which West Indian Fast Bowlers Have Taken the Most Wickets Across Formats?
West Indies cricket has a beautiful legacy of fearsome fast bowlers.
Courtney Walsh (746), Curtly Ambrose (630), Malcolm Marshall (533), Joel Garner (405), and Kemar Roach (400) are the Top 5 wicket-takers in West Indies cricket history across formats.
Here is the complete list of the most wickets by West Indian fast bowlers or medium pacers – all formats combined (Test/ODI/T20I).
Most Wickets by West Indies Fast Bowlers
Player
Wickets
Courtney Walsh
746
Curtly Ambrose
630
Malcolm Marshall
533
Joel Garner
405
Kemar Roach
400
Michael Holding
391
Jason Holder
375
Jerome Taylor
291
Andy Roberts
289
Ian Bishop
279
Dwayne Bravo
263
Mervyn Dillon
261
Fidel Edwards
245
Sir Garfield Sobers
236
Alzarri Joseph
225
Daren Sammy
209
Shannon Gabriel
202
Ravi Rampaul
197
Wes Hall
192
Patrick Patterson
183
Corey Collymore
176
Winston Benjamin
161
Daren Powell
158
Colin Croft
155
Pedro Collins
145
Reon King
129
Vanburn Holder
128
Kenny Benjamin
125
Andre Russell
113
Sheldon Cottrell
106
Tino Best
97
Kieron Pollard
97
Charlie Griffith
94
Nixon McLean
90
Ian Bradshaw
87
Phil Simmons
87
Anderson Cummins
86
Cameron Cuffy
84
Winston Davis
84
Vasbert Drakes
84
Franklyn Rose
82
Carlos Brathwaite
75
Dwayne Smith
75
Keith Boyce
73
Frank Worrell
69
Bernard Julien
68
Jermaine Lawson
68
Tony Gray
66
Keemo Paul
65
Wayne Daniel
59
Learie Constantine
58
Gerry Gomez
58
Romario Shepherd
58
Roy Gilchrist
57
Sylvester Clarke
55
Eldine Baptiste
52
Oshane Thomas
50
Kesrick Williams
50
Others: Kyle Mayers (48), Jomel Warrican (46), Obed McCoy (46), Herman Griffith (44), Jayden Seales (43), Manny Martindale (37), George Francis (23)
Top 21 List of Greatest West Indian Fast Bowlers (Ranked)
We considered several aspects while ranking these pacers: (1) Number of Wickets, (2) Longevity, (3) Anecdotes of opposition players, (4) Impact in Test Matches, (5) Impact in World Cups (both ODI/T20I), and (6) Pace/Talent/Swing.
Fast bowling videos linked for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to relieve some of these magical moments!
Honorable Mentions: Sir Garfield Sobers (Not included in the list because he bowled both medium pace & left arm spin), Wayne Daniel, Manny Martindale, George Francis, Learie Constantine, Herman Griffith, Reon King, Franklyn Rose, Phil Simmons, Winston Davis, Mervyn Dillon, Roy Gilchrist, Sylvester Clarke, Tony Gray, Andre Russell, Daren Sammy
When West Indies cricket does well, the world becomes a happy place.
Every cricket fan loves watching highlights of the pace bowlers from the 80s or the T20 World Cup teams of the 2010s. From the fierce five (Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Michael Holding) to the duo of Ambrose-Walsh to the current era of Roach-Gabriel-Holder, it has been wonderful to watch.
I hope future generations of West Indian fast bowlers continue the legacy of the giants that came before them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Greatest West Indian Fast Bowlers
Why does West Indies cricket produce so many fast bowlers?
West Indies cricket continues to produce so many fast bowlers due to their fast-bowling culture, physical attributes (tall & strong), and domestic pitches that historically have produced pitches with pace and bounce.
Who are some of the most famous fast bowlers from the West Indies?
Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop, and Wes Hall are some of the most famous fast bowlers from the West Indies.
Which bowlers have taken the most wickets in West Indian cricket history?
Courtney Walsh (746), Curtly Ambrose (630), Malcolm Marshall (533), Joel Garner (405), and Kemar Roach (400) have taken the most wickets in West Indian cricket history.
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, Shakib Al Hasan, Kapil Dev, Sir Ian Botham, Imran Khan, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Mike Procter, Sir Richard Hadlee, Andrew Flintoff, Shaun Pollock, Daniel Vettori, Sanath Jayasuriya, Wilfred Rhodes, Frank Woolley, Aubrey Faulkner, Clive Rice, and George Hirst have been judged as the Top 20 greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
India (10), England (9), South Africa (9), Pakistan (7), Australia (7), West Indies (4), New Zealand (3), Zimbabwe (2), Sri Lanka (2), Netherlands (1), and Bangladesh (1) make up our list of the Top 55 all-rounders of all-time.
By the Numbers: Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History Across Formats
Here is a list of cricketers with more than 5000 runs and 200 wickets across formats in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket combined.
The results are sorted by most wickets.
Player
Runs
Wickets
Wasim Akram
6615
916
Shaun Pollock
7386
829
Chaminda Vaas
5147
761
Daniel Vettori
6989
705
Shakib Al Hasan
14406
690
Kapil Dev
9031
687
Jacques Kallis
25534
577
Ravindra Jadeja
6017
546
Imran Khan
7516
544
Shahid Afridi
11196
541
Ian Botham
7313
528
Sanath Jayasuriya
21032
440
Chris Cairns
8273
420
Andrew Flintoff
7315
400
Abdul Razzaq
7419
389
Jason Holder
5441
373
Dwayne Bravo
6423
363
Moeen Ali
6558
358
Carl Hooper
11523
307
Ben Stokes
10165
297
Shane Watson
10950
291
Steve Waugh
18496
287
Ravi Shastri
6938
280
Lance Klusener
5482
272
Chris Gayle
19593
260
Mohammad Nabi
5066
257
Mohammad Hafeez
12780
253
Gary Sobers
8032
236
Chris Harris
5156
219
Shoaib Malik
11867
218
Sachin Tendulkar
34357
201
First-Class Cricket All-Round Records
We also consider first-class cricket records, especially for players who played before the 1960s and South African legends who were barred from playing international cricket for over two decades.
This list contains players who have scored over 20,000 first class runs and taken over 2000 wickets.
Wilfred Rhodes – 39969 runs, 4204 wickets
Fred Titmus – 21588 runs, 2830 wickets
WG Grace – 54211 runs, 2809 wickets
Maurice Tate – 21717 runs, 2784 wickets
George Hirst – 36356 runs, 2742 wickets
Ewart Astill – 22735 runs, 2432 wickets
Trevor Bailey – 28641 runs, 2082 wickets
Ray Illingworth – 24134 runs, 2072 wickets
Frank Woolley – 58959 runs, 2066 wickets
List of the Greatest Cricket All Rounders of All-Time (RANKED)
Over a 100 cricketers were considered for this list.
Impact in Tests, World Cups, quality of opposition & era, impact as a match-winner for a team, first-class statistics, anecdotes (especially for earlier eras), 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).
Honorable Mentions: Carl Hooper, Mohammad Hafeez, Bart King, Chaminda Vaas, Trevor Bailey, Wally Hammond, Polly Umrigar, WG Grace, Aravinda de Silva, Sir Vivian Richards, Steve Waugh, Thomas Odoyo, Neil Johnson, Angelo Mathews, Chris Harris, Jacob Oram, Kieron Pollard, Glenn Maxwell, Hardik Pandya, Mudassar Nazar, Learie Constantine, Jack Gregory, Maurice Tate, Hugh Trumble, Jason Holder, Johnny Briggs, George Giffen, Billy Barnes, Billy Bates, Hansie Cronje, Andy Bichel, Greg Chappell, Chris Old, Mohammad Nabi, Chris Gayle, Frank Worrell, Sean Williams, Mike Watkinson, Vernon Philander, JP Duminy, Sachin Tendulkar, Roelof van der Merwe, Kevin O’Brien, David Hussey, Scott Styris, Elton Chigumbura, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Ajit Agarkar, Tim Southee
Let’s begin.
55. Sunil Narine (West Indies, 2011-)
A late bloomer as an all-rounder. Mainly a mystery spinner that reinvented the role of the pinch hitter later in his T20 cricket. One of the pioneers of T20 cricket.
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.
Russell’s impact as an all-rounder is characterized by his explosive power-hitting, accurate yorkers at the death, and instrumental contributions to T20 franchises globally, establishing him as a dynamic force in limited-overs cricket.
The heart and soul of Zimbabwe. His purple patch after Zimbabwe’s snub in the 2019 ODI World Cup has been heartening to see. A true matchwinner for Zimbabwe.
Ryan ten Doeschate’s impact as a Dutch all-rounder is distinguished by his rare achievement of 1,000 runs and 50 wickets in ODIs, coupled with his exemplary leadership, making him a key figure in the Netherlands’ cricketing success. Oh yeah, and don’t forget his ODI average of 67.00.
Amarnath’s impact as an Indian all-rounder is immortalized by his crucial role in the historic 1983 World Cup triumph and his valuable contributions to Indian cricket.
Mohinder Amarnath All-Round Stats
Matches: 248 (FC), 69 (Tests), 85 (ODIs)
Runs: 13747 (FC), 4378 (Tests), 1924 (ODIs)
Wickets: 277 (FC), 32 (Tests), 46 (ODIs)
Mohinder Amarnath Achievements
Won the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009
Even though it was only for a short period of time, India finally had an all-rounder worthy of creating Kapil Dev’s impact. Hat-trick, batting at #3, the yorker to Adam Gilchrist, the banana swing, and the ability to adapt—he had it all. Unfortunately, injuries, drop in pace, and change in action meant he was never the same again.
Irfan Pathan All-Round Stats
Matches: 29 (Tests), 120 (ODIs), 24 (T20Is)
Runs: 1105 (Tests), 1544 (ODIs), 172 (T20Is)
Wickets: 100 (Tests), 173 (ODIs), 28 (T20Is)
Irfan Pathan Achievements
Achieved the historic feat of a hat-trick in the first over of a Test match against Pakistan in 2006.
Played a crucial role in India’s victory in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007
Part of the Indian team that won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2003-04, playing a vital role with both bat and ball.
Inventor of the Dilscoop, Dilshan was the spark that energized the golden generation of Sri Lanka between 2007 & 2015. Completely turned his career around when he was promoted as an opener. Handy off-spinner and the heart & soul of Sri Lanka’s fielding efforts.
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)
One of the most destructive all-round ODI players of all-time. The cog in the Australia machine that made them ruthless. Cricket has lost a great soul.
An all-rounder that aged like fine wine. With the advent of T20 cricket, his value as an all-rounder increased. Could steady an ODI innings, slow down the runs as an off-spinners, and finish it off with a few big sixes.
The senior Amarnath. A pioneer of Indian cricket, Lala Amarnath was the first Indian cricketer to score a Test century, and one of India’s early captains.
Lala Amarnath All-Round Stats
Matches: 186 (FC), 24 (Tests)
Runs: 10426 (FC), 878 (Tests)
Wickets: 463 (FC), 45 (Tests)
Lala Amarnath Achievements
Part of the historic Indian team that won its first Test series in 1952, laying the foundation for future successes.
Goddard’s impact as a South African all-rounder is highlighted by his contributions to the team’s early successes and his legacy as a pioneering figure in South African cricket.
Trevor Goddard All-Round Stats
Matches: 179 (FC), 41 (Tests)
Runs: 11289 (FC), 2516 (Tests)
Wickets: 534 (FC), 123 (Tests)
Trevor Goddard Achievements
Achieved the notable all-rounder milestone of 2500 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket.
One of the great icons of Zimbabwe’s golden generations. 455 international wickets and 4000 international runs, he provided fans with some great memories.
Heath Streak All-Round Stats
Matches: 175 (FC), 65 (Tests), 190 (ODIs)
Runs: 5684 (FC), 2943 (Tests), 1990 (ODIs)
Wickets: 499 (FC), 216 (Tests), 239 (ODIs)
Heath Streak Achievements
Completed the double of 2500 Test runs and 200 wickets.
A larger-than-life character. Shastri’s impact as an Indian all-rounder is characterized by his contributions to team victories, leadership roles, commentary spells, and his continued influence in Indian cricket as a coach and administrator.
Ravi Shastri All-Round Stats
Matches: 245 (FC), 80 (Tests), 150 (ODIs)
Runs: 13202 (FC), 3830 (Tests), 3108 (ODIs)
Wickets: 509 (FC), 151 (Tests), 129 (ODIs)
Ravi Shastri Achievements
Completed the double of 6500 runs and 275 wickets
Averaged 77.75 against Australia
Key contributor in India’s World Championship of Cricket win in 1985
Raja’s impact as a Pakistani cricketer is remembered for his stylish batting, contributions to team successes, and his influence on the field during an era of competitive cricket.
Wasim Raja All-Round Stats
Matches: 250 (FC), 57 (Tests), 54 (ODIs)
Runs: 11434 (FC), 2821 (Tests), 782 (ODIs)
Wickets: 558 (FC), 51 (Tests), 21 (ODIs)
Wasim Raja Achievements
Completed the double of 2500 Test runs & 50 wickets
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.
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.
With over 8000 international runs and 400 wickets, Chris Cairns is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s greatest all-rounders. Among a team of dibbly dobblers, Cairns actually had some pace in him. A big hitter down the order as well.
Chris Cairns All-Round Stats
Matches: 217 (FC), 62 (Tests), 215 (ODIs)
Runs: 10702 (FC), 3320 (Tests), 4950 (ODIs)
Wickets: 647 (FC), 218 (Tests), 201 (ODIs)
Chris Cairns Achievements
Part of the New Zealand team that reached the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1999, showcasing his impact in limited-overs cricket.
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. Also has three first-class triple hundreds. A true modern-day all-rounder.
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!
Vinoo Mankad All-Round Stats
Matches: 233 (FC), 44 (Tests)
Runs: 11591 (FC), 2109 (Tests)
Wickets: 782 (FC), 162 (Tests)
Vinoo Mankad 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.
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, earned him recognition as one of the most complete players of his era. His exceptional ability was evident in every aspect of the game – not to mention his distinguished captaincy, which 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.
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.
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.
Among the most prominent allrounders after South Africa’s readmission.According to ESPNCricinfo, McMillan was “rated by many as the best allrounder in the world in the mid-1990s.”
Brian McMillian All-Round Stats
Matches: 155 (FC), 38 (Tests), 78 (ODIs)
Runs: 7898 (FC), 1968 (Tests), 841 (ODIs)
Wickets: 310 (FC), 75 (Tests), 70 (ODIs)
Brian McMillan Achievements
Achieved the all-rounder milestone of 1000 runs and 75 wickets in Test cricket.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yet another great South African cricketer that missed out on international cricket stardom. His first-class numbers speak volumes with over 26,000 first class runs & 930 wickets.
Clive Rice All-Round Stats
Matches: 482 (FC), 479 (List A)
Runs: 26331 (FC), 13474 (List A)
Wickets: 930 (FC), 517 (List A)
Clive Rice Achievements
Completed the triple of 48 hundreds, 137 wickets, 401 catches
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.
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.
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.
Vettori was a mainstay in the New Zealand cricket team for nearly two decades. Although he was the premier left arm spinner in the world for more than a decade, one of his lasting memories was squeezing Dale Steyn for four to take New Zealand to their first World Cup final. Could be trusted with both bat and ball.
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.
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.
The overs to Ricky Ponting & Jacques Kallis probably summed his career up. Energy and intensity like no other. 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.
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.
Anothertalent 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.
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.
Richie Benaud All-Round Stats
Matches: 259 (FC), 63 (Tests)
Runs: 11719 (FC), 2201 (Tests)
Wickets: 945 (FC), 248 (Tests)
Richie Benaud 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Frequently Asked Questions – Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History
Who are the best all-rounders in cricket history?
Jacques Kallis, Sir Garfield Sobers, Shakib Al Hasan, Kapil Dev, Sir Ian Botham, Imran Khan, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Sir Richard Hadlee, Shaun Pollock, Shahid Afridi, Andrew Flintoff, Mike Procter, and Sanath Jayasuriya were some of the greatest all-rounders of all time.
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.
The list of Pakistan fast bowlers continues to grow—Shaheen Shah 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?
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/T20I).
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.
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, Sohail 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 does 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.
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.
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,
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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)
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).
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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)
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.
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)
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)
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
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.
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
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.
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.
*Note: Richie Richardson won 11/24 Test as 45.83%.
Top 5 Most Catches for West Indies
Most Test catches for WI
Most ODI catches for WI
Most T20I catches for WI
Brian Lara – 164
Chris Gayle – 123
Dwayne Bravo– 44
Viv Richards – 122
Carl Hooper – 120
Kieron Pollard – 42
Carl Hooper – 115
Brian Lara – 117
Lendl Simmons – 34
Garfield Sobers – 109
Viv Richards – 100
Daren Sammy – 30
Chris Gayle – 96
Richie Richardson – 75
Rovman 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
*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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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.”
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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.
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
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.”
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.”
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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
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
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)
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)
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))
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)
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)
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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.
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.
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 include2nd 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)
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-timedismissals 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.
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.
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.
