Currently, there are at least 34 cricket stadiums in USA (including grounds, parks, etc.), two of which have been certified by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and 24 local cricket grounds are being used by Minor League Cricket teams. Additionally, five more upcoming stadiums are currently being planned.
These stadiums are located all across the US, from California to Florida, North Carolina to Texas, and Georgia to name a few. Their sizes range from large-scale venues with plenty of seating space to small grassy fields that are more intimate in size.
In the United States, cricket has gained more popularity in recent years, leading to the development of cricket stadiums in various parts of the country. This article will discuss how many cricket stadiums are in the United States, which ones they are, and what kind of events they host. Read on to discover more about cricket stadiums in America!
At present, there are at least two international-level cricket stadiums in the United States, with plans to expand the number up to five to ten in the near future.
These include:
Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida (10000 seating capacity, ICC status for ODI & T20 cricket)
Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina (3500 permanent seating with potential expansion to 5000 seats)
AirHogs Stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas (7000 seating capacity with a potential expansion to 20000 seats)
Smart Choice Moosa Stadium in Pearland, Texas (near Houston)
Indianapolis World Sports Park in Indianapolis, Indiana
Leo Magnus Cricket Complex, ‘Woodley’ Park in Los Angeles, California
Each of these stadiums has its own unique history and features that make it an exciting place to watch cricket. Most of them host domestic and international matches, as well as tournaments and development programs for the sport itself.
Upcoming Cricket Stadiums in the USA
Apart from existing cricket stadiums, there are also four upcoming venues in plan — each with varying seating capacities and location.
Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose, California
An upcoming proposed stadium in Orange County, California
New York Oval. in New York
Marine Park in Brooklyn, Spring Creek Park in Queens, or Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens (Shortlisted locations for a possible major cricket stadium in the New York area)
It is expected that the stadiums in the Bay Area and Washington may each seat around 10,000-20,000 spectators with a cost of $30 million combined.
Historic & Smaller Cricket Grounds in the United States
Apart from the major stadiums, there are also numerous smaller cricket grounds in the United States. These grounds have been used by Minor League clubs and other clubs for generations as well as hosting various tournaments over time.
Philadelphia Cricket Club Ground in Wissahickon Heights, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Belmont Cricket Club Ground in Elmwood, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Young America Cricket Club Ground in Stenton, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Germantown Cricket Club Ground in Manheim, Pennsylvania (earlier in Nicetown)
Merion Cricket Club Ground in Haverford, Pennsylvania
Boca Raton Cricket Club Ground in Boca Raton, Florida
Brian Piccolo Park in Cooper City, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
St. George’s Club Ground in Bloomingdale Road, Manhattan, New York
Red House Cricket Ground in Harlem, New York
*Citi Field in New York
*Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas
*Dodger Stadium in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California
*Note, the Cricket All-Stars tournament featuring Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar, Shoaib Akthar, etc. took place at famous baseball grounds—Citi Field, Minute Maid Park, and Dodger Stadium.
Minor League Cricket is a new franchised cricket league in the United States, which was founded in 2019. It currently has 26 teams, most of which have their own home cricket parks.
Handy line up 🏏
World Cup winner Former fastest 100 world record holder U19 World Cup winner and captain USA first IPL player S&C coach 🤣
I am very fortunate and grateful at the same time that I get coach and support all the players.
Established in 2007, the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill is the biggest cricket stadium in the United States. It has two pitches and offers seating for up to 10,000 fans. Every Spring it hosts the American college cricket tournament and is also home to the Ft. Lauderdale Lions of Minor League Cricket.
The Moosa Stadium in Pearland, Texas was established in 2015 and is a rising cricket stadium. It provides seating for up to 2,500 fans with the potential for further expansion. It is the home of Lone Star Athletics.
The AirHogs Stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas is a professional baseball stadium that has been transformed into a cricket ground. It offers seating for up to 7,000 spectators and has the potential for further expansions. This ground has become quite popular with local cricket enthusiasts.
The Indianapolis World Sports Park was built with an investment of $5 million and it hosted the 2015 ICC T20 World Cup Americas Division One qualification tournament.
The Leo Magnus Woodley Park is a sporting complex established in 1978 and named after Jamaican cricketer, Leo Magnus. It comprises five cricket fields (Marder, Severn, Wong, Woodley and Wright) and is home to the Hollywood Master Blasters and Socal Lashings of Minor League Cricket. Historically, it was the home of the Hollywood Cricket Club.
Founded in 1854, Philadelphia Cricket Club Ground is the oldest cricket club in the USA, while Germantown Cricket Club is the second oldest surviving cricket club in the United States. The Belmont Cricket Club (1874-1914), home to one of America’s greatest cricketers, Bart King, was one of the great clubs in American cricket.
The stadiums listed above host a variety of events for both spectators and players.
These include domestic and international matches, tournaments, camps and academies to help with cricket development in the US. The following is a list of some of the events hosted at US cricket stadiums:
International Matches & CPL
A total of 27 ODI matches (12 Moosa, 15 Ft. Lauderhill) and 14 T20I matches (all Ft. Lauderhill) international matches have been hosted by the US.
New Zeland, Sri Lanka, India, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Nepal, Oman, Namibia, and the USA have all played here. Ft. Lauderhill has been used as one of West Indies’ home venue in bilateral series.
Minor League Cricket began in 2020 as the precursor to Major League Cricket, USA’s much anticipated T20 franchise competition. 27 teams took place in the inaugural tournament with Silicon Valley Strikers emerging as the winner.
National Championships and Other tournaments
These tournaments are organized by US cricket associations and involve women’s, men’s, U-19, and other teams from different states across the country.
Apart from major leagues, regional club tournaments, tape ball cricket, and college cricket also occur on a regular basis.
4. Major League Cricket and 2024 T20 World Cup to Take Place Across USA’s Top Cricket Stadiums
In 2023, Major League Cricket (MLC) is set to take place between July 13th and 30th.
The Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas is the main location with franchises from Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, and Washington D.C. The following year in 2024, the 20-team T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States and West Indies.
5. Conclusion – The Growing Popularity of Cricket in America
Cricket is quickly gaining popularity in the United States, with more people becoming aware of and involved in the game.
The US Cricket Association has advocated for the expansion of cricket in America, resulting in cricket stadiums located across the country, academies and clubs to help players hone their skills.
Stadiums such as Church Street Park & Moosa Stadium are paving the way for even more growth. The upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup and Major League Cricket will bring even more attention to the sport, and with continued growth, cricket will become an increasingly popular sport in America.
Maybe the future even holds a partnership with Minor League Baseball stadiums similar to the conversion of the Texas Airhogs stadium.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Cricket Stadiums in USA
How many cricket stadiums in the USA?
Currently, there are at least 33 cricket stadiums in the USA. Two stadiums are ICC certified, 5 are in the planning phase, while the rest are park and local grounds.
Which cricket stadiums will host the 2023 Major League Cricket?
The Airhogs stadium in Dallas, Texas will be the host of the inaugural Major League Cricket held between July 13-30.
How many teams participate in Minor League Cricket in the USA?
26 teams compete in Minor League Cricket (MiLC) in the United States.
How many teams will compete in the 2023 Major League Cricket in the USA?
Six franchises from from Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, and Washington D.C. will compete in the 2023 Major League Cricket (MLC).
It’s time to discuss the greatest cricketers of all time. This ultimate list will feature 151 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?
If you’re looking for a quick skim, scroll down to the Top 25: The Undisputed Legends or #26-50: The Absolute Greats.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.
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 Giantsof 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.
The Stats
So,over 250 cricketers were considered for this list. We consider Tests, ODIs, T20Is, T20 leagues, and first-class cricket played over 145 years.
The goal of this list is that from these 151 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.
England (39), Australia (30), 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 (13), Pakistan (13), South Africa (12), Sri Lanka (10), New Zealand (7), Zimbabwe (1), and Bangladesh (1).
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 next section & extended list of honorable mentions) 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.
152-175 Greatest Cricketers: Unlucky to Miss Out
Several players here are currently playing or recently retired. In a few years, they may well make the Top 151 list as their legacy becomes permanent. Those who were unlucky to miss out were:
Charles Bannerman, Nathan Lyon, Ravichandran Ashwin, Johnny Tyldesley, Rashid Khan, 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
151 Greatest Cricketers of All Time: The Ultimate List
Picking the Top 151 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.
151. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.”
Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Somerset, South Australia
111. 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.
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.
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.
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 matcheswas his specialty.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 matchand 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
67. 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.
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.
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.
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.
63. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
57. 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Greatest 25 Cricketers of All Time: The Undisputable Legends
Time for the Undisputable Legends. These players are truly the greatest cricketers of all time.
25. 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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*.
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.”
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
The best off-spinner of all-time and the most prolific international wicket taker of all-time with 1347 wickets. Takingthe 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
The greatest batsman the world in the modern era. Over 34,000 international runs, 100 hundreds, World Cup winner, and a beacon of hope for a billion people for over two decades.
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.
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.
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
New Zealand: Tim Southee, Glenn Turner, 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
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.
*My deepest condolences to India’s legend Lata Mangeshkar, Nightingale of India, who unfortunately passed away this morning at the age of 92. Rest in peace. Here are some her greatest hits.
That’s right—Time for another World XI with Twists – Musical Cricketers Edition.
@robelinda2@cricket_broken@Fancricket12@bertyashley Cricketers who were good with musical instruments as well 🤔 John Wright was an able strummer apparently 🎸 Dale Steyn & Ambrose did have a go at🎶 🎹🪗🎺🎻🪕🥁🎤🎶 Leaving it to a set of fanatics to have a go at it : )
My process was a bit different this time around, driven by the tweet above. As a violinist-slash-mathematician-in-training-slash-dude-attempting-to-write-about-cricket, this topic attracted me immediately. Here is my interpretation of “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic.
With ideas from other individuals in the Twitter thread, we were able to find several cricketers who played musical instruments. Due to COVID induced lockdown and the growth of Instagram and other social media handles of various teams and cricketers, we are slowly beginning to see the inner life of these cricketers.
Today I bring to you a compilation of musician cricketers. Videos and musical bits are attached with every nominee in the list. Wait till the end to see my XIs.
After we list the cricketers with musical talent below, the goal is to make a few playing XIs out of all the options. Here are the rules:
Make an XI such that each cricketer:
Either plays a musical instrument
Or has sung in a professional music video/major stage
This XI needs to have a wicketkeeper
5 bowling options are necessary
*Note: This list only contains men’s cricketers, but another list can be created for women’s cricket (Jemimah Rodrigues, Laura Wolvaardt, etc.)
The Catch
We usually like to take the challenge to another level with these additional tasks:
Make a Versatile XI that can withstand anytime or format from the Bodyline series to the IPL.
Can you make a professional band or orchestra out of this XI? Try to create your list with as many different instruments in the XI as possible (There are several guitar options so try to limit them to 3-4).
Music has no language. Take it up a notch and see if you can involve players from as many nations in the XI if possible
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Here is the list of cricketers with musical talent. We will use this list of 22 players to come up with some XIs. The options are divided intl (1) Openers, (2) Middle Order Batters, (3) Wicketkeepers, (4) All-Rounders, (5) Spinner, and (6) Fast Bowlers.
There is probably a correlation between fast bowlers and innate musical genius. So many options….Prepare to be surprised. Some pretty great music below in a variety of genres.
** DRUM ROLLS PLEASE ** (See what I did there? Okay just kidding, let’s get started)
Major Teams: New Zealand, Canterbury, Northern Districts, Auckland, Derbyshire, India (Coach)
Years Played: 1978-1993 (International), 1975-1993 (Overall)
Key Stats: 82 Tests, 5334 runs, 12/23 (100s/50s), best of 185, 149 ODIs, 3891 runs, 1/24 (100s/50s), best of 101
Instrument: Guitar
Musical Claim to Fame:
“Music and sports seem to go together,” says John Wright in this Cricinfo interview, where he shares the connection between music & cricket over the years.Going to university in the 1970s, the Beatles and Rolling Stones were the talk of the town which prompted him to play music alongside cricket & rugby.He has now gone pro and converted his hobby into a few albums. Here is “Christmas Away Blues” from his album Red Skies.
Major Teams: Australia, Australia A, Australia U-19, New South Wales, Queensland, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings (IPL), Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder, Syndey Sixers (BBL), St. Lucia Zouks, Dhaka Dynamites, Rangpur Rangers, Quetta Gladiators,
Years Played: 2002-2016 (International), 2000-2020 (Overall)
Key Stats: 59 Tests, 3731 Runs/75 Wickets, 4/24 (100s/50s), best of 176 & 6/33, 190 ODIs, 5757 Runs/ 168 Wickets, 9/33, best of 185* & 4/36, 58 T20Is, 1462 Runs/ 48 Wickets, best of 124* & 4/15
Achievements In Cricket: Player of the Tournament (T20 WC 2012, IPL 2008, IPL 2012), 2007 & 2015 World Cup Winner
Instrument: Guitar
Musical Claim to Fame:
The IPL was a key part of Shane Watson’s cricketing career. The 2008 IPL revived his international career, and he did not look back ever since, becoming a modern Australian legend. The IPL also gave him a platform to fulfill his musical desires. Most of his guitar & singing clips can be found via the Rajasthan Royals or Royal Challengers Bangalore handles, where he has performed in several team events.
Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, South Australia
Years Played: 1928-1948
Key Stats:99.94 average, 6996 runs, 29/13, best of 334, 52 Tests (First Class: 28, 067 runs, 117/69, best of 452* at a relatively poor average of 95.14, 234 matches)
Instrument Played: Piano
Musical Claim to Fame:
Sir Donald Bradman has the honor of both playing music & have music written on him. He was a pianist and in 1930, wrote & published “Every Day is a Rainbow Day for Me.” John Williamson, Paul Kelly, and Jack O’Hagan have written some memorable pieces on him. Below is a recording of Don Bradman’s piano work as well his granddaughter, Greta Bradman, a famous opera soprano, singing Don Bradman’s composition.
Major Teams: England, England Lions, England U-19s, Essex
Years Played: 2006-2018 (International), 2003-2021* (Overall)
Key Stats: 161 Tests, 12472 Runs, 45.35 Average, 33/57, best of 294, 92 ODIs, 3204 runs, 5/19, best of 137
Instrument: Clarinet, Saxophone, Piano
Musical Claim to Fame:
From a cricketing point of view, Alastair Cook might not be termed an ‘all-rounder,’ but in real-life, he definitely is one. Turns out, England’s greatest opener (a rarity in the England circuit these days) also has a few hidden talents. He grew up going to boarding school and explored his musical side. He was in a choir (video below) and learned how to play the clarinet (from the age 8-13).Later he added piano and saxophone to his repertoire.
No wonder he can focus in tough batting conditions for hours and hours.
Years Played: 1997-2004 (International), 1992-2009 (Overall)
Key Stats: 71 Tests, 4288 runs, 8/23, best of 173*
Instrument: Guitar
Musical Claim to Fame:
If you YouTube Mark Butcher right now, it is likely you will see more of his music videos than cricket even though he is an Ashes hero and has played 71 Tests. His musical career came to the public’s eye when he sang You’re Never Gone on cricketer’s Ben Hollioake’s funeral, who died in a car crash at the age of 24. Since his retirement, he has released multiple albums. Apart from his commentary stints, he regularly tours around England and performs. Here is just one of his videos. His passion for music really shines through.
The Fabulous Middle Order Strummers
Kane Williamson, Joe Root, and Steve Smith are not only competing in the Fab 4/Fab 5 best-batters-of-the-generation debate, but they are also fighting out for a spot in the Musicians XI.
6. Kane Williamson (Guitar/ Ukulele)
Major Teams: New Zealand, New Zealand A, New Zealand U-19s, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Yorkshire, Barbados Tridents
Years Played: 2010-2022* (still playing), 2007 – domestic debut
Key Stats: 86 Tests, 7272 runs, 53.47 average, 24/33, best of 251, 151 ODIs, 6173 runs, 13/39, best of 148, 74 T20Is, 2021 runs, best of 95, 32.59 average
Cricket Achievements:World Test Champion, Player of the Tournament (2019 CWC), Finalists – 2015/2019 CWC, Most Runs IPL 2018 (735)
Instrument: Guitar/Ukulele
Musical Claim to Fame:
Social Media, Instagram, and YouTube is the reason we know about Kane Williamson’s musical talent. Here are a couple of his video below.
Major Teams: England, England Lions, England U-19s, Yorkshire, Trent Rockets
Years Played: 2012-2022* (still playing), 2009 – domestic debut
Key Stats: 114 Tests, 9600 runs, 23/53, 49.23 average, best of 254, 152 ODIs, 6109 runs, 16/35, best of 133*, 51.33 average
Instrument: Ukulele
Musical Claim to Fame:
Before the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Joe Root started to learn the ukulele on the side to ‘unwind‘ from cricket. First because he does not consider singing his strong suite and because the ukulele is more portable for overseas tours than a guitar.
Major Teams: Australia, Australia A, Australian XI, New South Wales, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants, Pune Warriors, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Barbados Tridents
Years Played: 2010-2022* (still playing), 2007 – domestic debut
Key Stats:59.87 average (just dropped below 60) 82 Tests, 7784 runs, 27/33, 128 ODIs, 4378 runs, 43.34 average, 11/25, best of 164
Instrument: Guitar
Musical Claim to Fame:
Steve Smith posted the video below during IPL 2020 in Dubai. He is trying to pick up this new hobby and has worked with Australian singer Guy Sebastian on his music skills.
Years Played: 1987-1996 (International), 1984-1998 (Overall)
Key Stats: 37 Tests, 2043 runs, 37.14 average, 4/9, best of 218, 74 ODIs, 1994 runs, 1/15
Musical Claim to Fame:
Sanjay Manjrekar’s musical claim to fame is actually releasing an Indie pop album in 1994 called ‘Restday.’ He revisits some old classical Bollywood songs and gives it his own interpretation. Listen to his collection below. Pretty neat voice.
10. Sir Richie Richardson (Guitar)
Major Teams: West Indies, West Indies B, Leeward Islands, Windward Islands,
Years Played: 1983-1996 (International), 1981-2001 (Overall)
Key Stats: 86 Tests, 5949 runs, 44.39 average, 16/27, best of 194, 224 ODIs, 5248 runs, 5/44, best of 122
Instrument: Guitar
Musical Claim to Fame:
Sir Richie Richardson has been in his several roles with West Indian cricket, but when he is not in the cricket world, he is in his music world with Sir Curtly Ambrose (see below). They have a band named ‘Spirited’ and have been performing locallysince 2009.
Scores runs, keeps wickets, plays instruments, middle school scientist, in one word—genius. A fan favorite. We all know his deep roots with Royal Challengers Bangalore, but over the years he has jammed casually alongside his wife, Danielle de Villiers. Here is one of those videos.
Major Teams: Pakistan, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, Barbados Royals
Years Played: 2021-2022* (still playing), 2018 – domestic debut
Key Stats: 67 T20s, 145.70 SR
Instrument: Guitar
Musical Claim to Fame:
Azam Khan is the free-spirited finisher every T20 team needs in their lower order. Definitely a bright star for Pakistan in the coming years, he is also a great guitarist. The bubble life and PSL has helped the world see his inner talent.
The first player from Anguilla to play for the West indies, Omari Banks has had quite an interesting life so far. He comes from a musical family (His father is Bankie Bankx – the Anguillan Bob Dylan). Post cricket, he has become a professional entertainer, touring around the world with his music. His genre is a mix of reggae music & blues, and Bob Marley is one of his inspirations.
In his own words, “I want people to enjoy the music and to be able to dance to the music” with the message of “peace, love, togetherness.”
14. Dwayne Bravo (Singer/Rapper – Music Video)
Major Teams: West Indies, Trinbago Knight Riders, St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, ICC World XI, and a million more
Years Played: 2004-2021 (International), 2001-2022 (Overall)
Key Stats: 517 T20s, 563 wickets/6685 runs, 20 fifties, best of 5/23 & 70*, 40 Tests, 86 wickets/2200 runs, 3-100s/13-50s, best of 6/55 & 113; 164 ODIs, 199 wickets/2968 runs, 2/10, best of 6/43 & 112*, 91 T20Is, 78 wickets, 1255 runs, best of 4/19 & 66*
Cricket Achievements: 2012 & 2016 T20 World Cup Winner, Most T20 Championships around the world (Pollard 2nd), 167 wickets in IPL (2nd Best), Purple Cap (2013, 215 – CSK)
Musical Claim to Fame:
With 122 million views, I am sure you already know the ‘Champion,’ DJ Bravo. Not only did it take Bravo’s image as an entertainer to the next level, it also became the main theme song synonymous with the great World Cup winning T20 generation of the 2010s for the West Indies.
15. Corey Anderson (Guitar)
Major Teams: New Zealand, NZ A, NZ U-19, Auckland, Canterbury, Northern Districts, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Lahore Qalandars, Barbados Tridents, Somerset, singed with US Major League Cricket
Years Played: 2012-2018 (NZ International Career), 2007-2020 (Overall – might still lay in the United States; only 31 years old)
Key Stats: 49 ODIs, 1109 runs/ 60 wickets, 1/4, best of 131*, 31 T20I, 2-50s, best of 94*, 13 Tests, 1-100/4-50s, best of 116
In our squad, we already have Omari Banks as an off-spinner with Joe Root-Kane Williamson-Steve Smith can turn the ball as well, but here is our lone spinner with some degree of international bowling experience.
The spinner in England’s golden generation of Test cricket (before Mitchell Johnson ended half their careers in 2013), his career post cricket seems to have taken off in the media industry—commentator, dancer in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, and is the lead singer in a band. He is in a band called Dr. Comfort And The Lurid Revelations and has performed several times. In this interview with the Guardian, it is revealed that he taught Jimmy Anderson how to play the guitar (and Timmy Ambrose is another teammate with some guitar talent).
Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Sydney Sixers, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Otago, Wellington
Years Played: 1999-2012 (International), 1997-2015 (Overall)
Key Stats: 76 Tests, 310 wickets, best of 5/30 (inns) & 9/171 (match), 17 – 4w/10 -5w, 221 ODIs, 380 wickets, best of 5/22, 14/9
Instrument Played: Guitar
Musical Claim to Fame:
Brett Lee ruled the 2000s with his lightning bolts but later in the decade, he captured the imagination of the Indian audience with this music video along with Asha Bhosle below. Beautiful song and with catchy beats. He has a nice voice and plays guitar in his free time.
18. Henry Olonga – This Is the Moment (Singer/Opera on the VOICE)
Years Played: 1995-2003 (International), 1993-2003 (Overall)
Key Stats: 30 Tests, 68 wickets, best of 5/70, 50 ODIs, 58 wickets, best of 6/19
Musical Claim to Fame:
This is my favorite music of the list. Tookme by complete surprise.Henry Olonga, the youngest player and the first black cricketer to play for Zimbabwe, he came to the fore in the 2003 Cricket World. He had to flee to England after his open protest against his country’s dictator. He auditioned for the Voice Australia in 2019 with his deep operatic voice, was selected, and went through to the next couple of rounds as well.
Major Teams: West Indies, Leeward Islands, Northamptonshire
Years Played: 1988-2000 (Interntaional), 1985-2000 (Overall)
Key Stats: 98 Tests, 405 wickets, 21-4w/22-5w/3-10w, best of 8/45 (inn) & 11/84 (match), 176 ODIs, 225 wickets, best of 5/17, 239 FC, 941 wickets
Instrument: Bass Guitar
Musical Claim to Fame:
Bowls with menace & plays music in style, the complete West Indian package.With Richie Richardson, he headlines the band, Spirited, of about 11 musicians and is the bass guitarist. The genre is reggae music.
20. S Sreesanth (Drums)
Major Teams: India, Kerela, Asia XI, Warwickshire, Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerela, Rajasthan Royals
Years Played: 2005-2011 (International), 2002-2021 (Overall)
Key Stats: 27 Tests, 87 wickets, best of 5/40 (inn) & 8/99 (match), 53 ODIs, 75 wickets, best of 6/55
Instrument: Drums
Musical Claim to Fame:
Sreesanth is known for dancing on the field, but he is pretty handy with the drums off the field. He has also come in a few reality TV shows. Entertainer for sure.
21. Trent Boult (Guitar)
Major Teams: New Zealand, NZ A, NZ U-19s, Northern Districts, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians
Years Played: 2011-2022* (still playing), 2008 – domestic debut
Key Stats: 75 Tests, 301 wickets, best of 6/30 (inn), 10/80 (match), 17-4w/9-5w/10w-1, 93 ODIs, wickets 169, best of 7/34, 44 T20I, 62 wickets
Instrument: Guitar
Musical Claim to Fame:
Trent Boult has been central to New Zealand’s progress over the last 5-10 years, but the victory song after the World Test Championship is his claim to fame in his musical life. Great guitar skills right there.
22. Rubel Hossain
Major Teams: Bangladesh, Bangladesh A, Bangladesh U-19s, Chattogram Challengers
Years Played: 2009-2021* (still playing), 2007 – domestic debut
Key Stats: 104 ODIs, 129 wickets, best of 6/26, 27 Tests, 36 wickets, best of 5/166, 28 T20Is, 28 wickets
Musical Claim to Fame:
Rubel Hossain, one of Bangladesh’s pace spearheads in a predominantly left-arm spinning country, he also seems to have sang on the stage in TV show. Very sweet voice.
Honorable Mentions
23. Hardavinder (Harrdy) Sandhu (Singer)
Major Teams: India U-19, Punjab
Year Played: 2005
Key Stats: 3 FC matches, 12 wickets, best of 3/62
Musical Claim to Fame:
You might have seen him playing the role of Madan Lal in the ’83 movie, but did you know, he was actually a cricketer? He was selected alongside Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik, Ambati Rayudu, and Suresh Raina, VRV Singh, and RP Singh. Unfortunately he suffered a career ending elbow injury a couple of years later and his cricket dream was broken. Since 2011, he is a full time professional musician. The video below has 611 million views…maybe things happen for a reason.
According to the Guardian, Parr joined the Merseysippi Jazz Band in 1949 and after his cricketing career, in 1956, he joined the Mick Mulligan band. By the end of the 1960s, his musical career had come to an end. Later, he tried acting and picked up a role in TV series Psychoville (2009) and the acclaimed movie The King’s Speech (2010). He still had cricket in his life and captained a team called the “Ravers,” other cricket team made entirely out of jazz musicians.
Other Members of the Ravers: Ray Smith (Ray’s Jazz Shop, Essex), Jim Godbolt Campbell Burnap (Omega Jazz Band, Derbyshire)
Cricketers With Musical Talent – The XIs
An all-rounders list without Jacques Kallis or Garfield Sobers, who would have thought?
No violinists among these cricketers unfortunately, but we have plenty of options to cricket a band out of an orchestra as well as teams that would do well in any T20 league, ODI World Cup, or World Test Championship.
A Bit of Philosophy Of Course – What Can We Learn from Them?
We can learn various valuable life lessons from these multidimensional cricketers.It is never too late to pursue your dreams as Omari Banks and Henry Olonga have shown with their lives.
There is no one path—try a few things out, invest in different experiences, take risks. It is completely okay to change careers and hit restart on your life.
Finally spend some time for yourself. Learn a new hobby—dancing, music, reading, gardening, anything. The pandemic hit pause in everybody’s lives and the grueling pace of the 21st century. We have been given some time to reflect what is important. Time will pass, things will change, but you can always rely on your family, friends, and a hobby to fall back upon to give you a peace of mind. I will leave you with this one final thought from Dead Poets Society:
“Poetry, beauty, romance, love—these are what we stay alive for….’That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.’ What will your verse be?”
Other Cricketers Singing Videos
Although we had to restrict the singers to the ones that had performed at a semi-professional level, there are still several cricketers who like to sing. Here are some videos of them.
And finally, the West Indies Cricket Team surely knows how to celebrate. Full of singing, dancing, and more! Gangnam Style in 2012 and Champion in 2016.
More World XI with Twists
If you enjoyed this World XI with Twists about cricketers with musical talent, be sure to check out some of my other articles in this category.
Cricketers With Musical Talent – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Cricketers Are Also Singers?
Henry Olonga, Harry Sandhu, John Wright, Alastair Cook, Mark Butcher, Sanjay Manjrekar, Omari Banks, Dwayne Bravo, Graeme Swann, Brett Lee, and Rubel Hossain are cricketers who can also sing.
Which Cricketers can play musical instruments?
Sir Donald Bradman (piano/songwriter), Alastair Cook (saxophone, clarinet, choir), Joe Root (ukulele), S. Sreesanth (drums), and Frank Parr (Jazz Trombone) are some of the many cricketers with musical talent.
Who are the most gifted and talented cricketers outside of cricket?
John Wright, Shane Watson, Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Alastair Cook, Mark Butcher, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Steve Smith, Sanjay Manjrekar, Sir Richie Richardson, AB De Villiers, Azam Khan, Omari Banks, Dwayne Bravo, Corey Anderson, Graeme Swann, Brett Lee, Henry Olonga, Sir Curtly Ambrose, S. Sreesanth, Trent Boult, Rubel Hossain, Harry Sandhu, and Frank Parr are all cricketers with musical talent.
Which Cricketers Can play the guitar?
Shane Watson, Mark Butcher, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Sir Richie Richardson, AB De Villiers, Azam Khan, Corey Anderson, Brett Lee, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Trent Boult are cricketers who can also play the guitar.
Women’s cricket has become mainstream over the last decade, especially with the breakthrough 2017 ODI World Cup and the 2020 T20 World Cup final, but how much do we really about it?
The general public can remember who won the 1979 Cricket World Cup, Kapil Dev’s 1983 catch, Wasim Akram’s 1992 swing, South Africa’s collapses, and Australia’s dominance in men’s cricket. Here we will educate ourselves about the Women’s Cricket World Cup—How many World Cups have happened, what happened in each world cup, who is the highest runs scorer, wicket taker, and much more!
By the end of this article, you will know everything from history to prepare yourself for the upcoming 2022 Cricket World cup.
Cricket’s first ODI World Cup was the 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup, not the 1975 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Denmark played cricket? That’s right. While teams like Ireland and Netherlands made their impact in men’s world cup in the 2000s, teams like Ireland, Denmark, and Netherlands made their Women’s World Cup debut from the 1988 & 1993 world cups onwards.
In the 1973 World Cup, Jamaica & Trinidad and Tobago played as separate nations, not under West Indies.
In the 1973 & 1982 World Cup, an International XI was fielded as one of teams, comprised of players from England, New Zealand, Netherlands, Australia, India, Trinidad, and Jamaica.
Format: Round Robin (3 matches each), 6 matches total
Highest Run-Scorer: Margaret Jennings (127) – Australia
Highest Wicket Taker: Sharyn Hill (7) – Australia
Venue: New Zealand
Fun Fact:Australia won their first cricket world cup….first of their 20 world cups (5 men’s ODI, 1 T20 WC, 3 U-19 WC, 6 women’s ODI WC, 5 T20I WC)…WOW.
3. Hansells Vita Fresh 1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup
Venue: New Zealand
Winner: Australia 🥇
Runners Up: England 🥈
Teams: 5 (Australia, England, New Zealand, India, International XI)
Format: Triple Round Robin + Final (12 matches each), 31 matches total
Highest Run-Scorer: Jan Brittin (391) – England
Highest Wicket Taker: Lyn Fullston (23) – Australia (most in any women’s WC)
Fun Fact:Jackie Lord took 8-2-10-6 against India, women’s cricket best WC bowling figures to date. Electing to bat, NZ were bundled out for 80 in 58.5 overs via Diana Edulji’s 11.5-7-10-3 (60-over match). In reply, Lord helped bundle India for 37 in 35 overes.
Each team played each other THREE TIMES! Can you imagine that in today’s day and age? Also International XI makes a comeback.
Highest Run-Scorer: Debbie Hockley (456) – New Zealand (most in any women’s WC)
Highest Wicket Taker: Katrina Keenan (13) – New Zealand
Fun Fact:Belinda Clark 229* (pushing Australia to 412/7, best WC score ever till date) and Charlotte Edwards’ 173 broke ODI batting world records, Pakistan collapsed for 27/10 (lowest ever WC score), and Jhulan Goswami, on ball duty, was inspired to take up the sport as a child.The beginning of professionalization of women’s cricket (from skirts/culottes to trousers)
Teams: 8 (Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands)
Format: Round Robin + Semi-Finals + Finals, 31 matches total
Player of the Tournament:Lisa Keightley
Highest Run-Scorer: Karen Rolton (393) – Australia
Highest Wicket Taker: Charmaine Mason (17) – Australia
Fun Fact:A classic Australia Vs New Zealand final in New Zealand, who actually won their first (and only) ODI World Cup. The 2015 men’s world cup was actually just a revenge battle.
Teams: 8 (Australia, India, New Zealand, England, West indies, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Ireland)
Format: Round Robin + Semi-Finals + Finals, 31 matches total
Player of the Tournament: Karen Rolton (Australia) (Rolton boasts the best WC average across women’s WC – 74.92)
Highest Run-Scorer: Charlotte Edwards (280)
Highest Wicket Taker: Neetu David (20)
Fun Fact:Featured a star cast—Belinda Clark, Lisa Sthalekar, Karen Rolton, Lisa Keightley, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Charlotte Edwards, Katherine Brunt, Isa Guha, Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra, Neetu David, Anisa Mohammed—a clash of generations.
Teams: 8 (England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan)
Format: 2 Groups + Super Six + Final, 25 matches total
Player of the Tournament:Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
Highest Run-Scorer: Suzie Bates (407) – New Zealand
Highest Wicket Taker: Megan Schutt (15) – Australia
Fun Fact:India & Pakistan were the two teams that failed to qualify for the Super Sixes, while West Indies qualify for the Finals for the first (and only) time.
2021 T20 World Cup Team Review Time. Here is the complete dissection of every team. The best moments, analysis, stats, and what changes need to be made for each team to succeed in the upcoming 2022 T20 World Cup. Comment below on your favorite moment of this T20 World Cup and what you think about their prospects in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
Australia—a name so synonymous to Cricket World Cups it is not even a surprise they somehow managed to win this one. Unlike most times, though, they were not even in Top 5 Favorites this time around. Even Bangladesh & Afghanistan were fancied more since Australia has lost their last 4 T20I bilateral series and were hammered 4-1 in Bangladesh.
Lots of good stories for Justin Langer’s group. A group of lovely characters, marked by Stoinis, Zampa, Wade, Maxwell combined with their star power in Warner-Smith-Cummins-Hazlewood-Starc deliver unlikely victory. Hazlewood’s accuracy, Zampa’s wicket-taking abilities, Warner’s consistency, Mitchell Marsh’s coming of age, Steve Smith’s boundary catching, and Stoinis-Wade’s finishing combined to make this a dangerous T20 side.
Now Australia has won everything—Women’s ODI & T20I World Cups, U-19 World Cups, Men’s ODI & T20 World Cups & Champions Trophy. Looks like life is all good for Australia and free of Paine…
Mitchell Marsh’s Dream Final, Matthew Wade-Marcus Stoinis Partnership, Cummins at the Death
Luck Factor (Or the Lack of)
Aaron Finch Wins All the Tosses
Broken Dreams
Starc 4-0-60-0 in the Final. Does he merit a place in the 2022 T20 World Cup Squad?
What Does Australia Need to Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Home World Cup, expectations on them. No team has won two consecutive T20 World Cups or a T20 World Cup at home. Now, they have a good T20 core group from which they can challenge the rest of the world. The real question here is—Can Australia continue playing the same brand of cricket?
2. New Zealand 2021 T20 World Cup
New Zealand are the best all-format team to beat at the moment, aren’t they? 2 ODI World Cup finals in a row (2015, 2019), current World Test Championship holders, and now the runners up in a T20 World Cup. Just like Australia, not many expected them to get to semi-finals, let alone the finals. With an early loss to Pakistan, things did start positively for them. Credit to them, they strangled India, survived threat against Namibia, and continued on their marching way before the Neesham-Mitchell assault shocked England.
Positives? Mitchell’s inspirational promotion & Top 3’s solo performances (Mitchell’s 72*, Williamson’s 85, & Guptill’s 93, Southee’s economical World Cup, shining Boult & Sodhi (if we take out Sodhi’s final), roaring Milne in his comeback, and Neesham, who finally gets his revenge.
Negatives? Conway-Phillips-Seifert had been one of the reasons for NZ’s success in T20I’s over the past year, but none of them had a stellar performance. Conway played a crucial recovery innings in the semi-finals, Phillips (once a keeper) bowled some tight off spin and hit Zampa for a six in the final, but other than that, nothing much of note. Also Guptill’s 27 (35).…say no more.
Kane Williamson (216) Martin Guptill (208) Daryl Mitchell (208)
Highest Wicket Takers
Trent Boult (13)
X Factors
Daryl Mitchell – the Opener, Neesham – the Finisher, Fielding Unit, Southee Reinvents Himself
Broken Dreams
Lockie Ferguson ruled out before the WC; Devon Conway injures himself by punching his bat after his semi-final dismissals; Misses the Final; New Zealand struggle early on and ends up on the runners up podium again.
What Does New Zealand Need to Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
New Zealand made it to the final on the back of good strategy and smart cricket. However, it is unlikely that this squad will succeed again in 2022 in Australian conditions. Do all three of Ish Sodhi-Todd Astle-Mitchell Santner fit in the 15? Does Martin Guptill continue or will Finn Allen be given a chance? Can both Adam Milne & Lockie Ferguson make the XI? Where does Tim Seifert fit in the equation? So many questions, less than 335 days, as Jimmy Neesham puts it.
3. Pakistan 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Will Pakistan get a better chance? World Cup in the UAE, Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan in the form of their lives, bowling good as usual, fielding better than ever, Asif Ali finally coming into his own, and the 40 year youngsters Hafeez and Malik matching everybody else.
5 group matches, 5 different player of the match awards. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Asif Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shoaib Malik. And the most runs of the tournament by their captain Babar Azam?
How did they get here? By completely dominating the match against India (via Shaheen’s opening spell including that ball to KL Rahul), completed a low scorer against NZ, crushed Afghanistan with Asif Ali’s 4 sixes, and brushed Scotland & Namibia by batting first.
Pakistan, who have been disappointed by NZ and England cricket boards, were writing a lovely beautiful story. However, just as in the 2010 T20 WC semi final against Australia, the story went off track. A left handed middle order batter finished it off with consecutive sixes against Pakistan’s best bowler. It was Mike Hussey Vs Saeed Ajmal 11 years ago. It was Matthew Wade Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi this year.
Shadab Khan (9) Haris Rauf (8) Shaheen Shah Afridi (7)
X Factors
Haris Rauf’s death bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Powerplay, Imad Wasim-Shadab Khan’s miserly spells, Babar-Rizwan partnerhship, Malik-Asif Finishing
Broken Dreams
Hasan Ali’s Form Lose a Close Semi-Final After Winning 5/5 Group Matches and dominating 35 overs of the semi=final
What Does Pakistan Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Although Pakistan were possibly the best team throughout this year, they will have to make several changes next year due to conditions. A 150-160 score may not be defendable, the bowling combinations might need to be tweaked, and some young aggresive batters like Haider Ali will need to be placed in the XI.
4. England 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
I have two points of view on this England campaign. One can say that just like Pakistan, it was an underwhelming campaign since they dominated the group stages and failed to finish the semi-final like the Carlos Brathwaite final 5 years ago.
On the other hand, England were already missing Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Sam Curran. During the tournament, they lost Tymal Mills, their best death bowler, and Jason Roy. The fact that they still dominated the tournament shows the marvelous depth in English cricket right now.
The positives? Moeen Ali’s all round package, Chris Woakes’ opening spells, Tymal Mills’ international comeback, Adil Rashid’s magic, Livingstone’s off-spin/leg-spin, and Jos Buttler’s century.
Adil Rashid (9) Moeen Ali, Tymal Mills, Chris Woakes (7) Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan (6)
X Factors
Tymal Mills’ death bowling, Moeen Ali’s all-round show; The Beast that is Buttler
Broken Dreams
Favorites fail to lift the T20 World Cup again; Tymal Mills & Jason Roy out injured mid-tournament; Morgan-Livingstone underwhelm with the bat
What Does England Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Given Eoin Morgan’s batting form, he is almost nearing the end of his England journey although his captaincy was still top notch. Ashes is around the corner, and it is too soon to predict squads since injuries/retirements/mental health breaks are around the corner due to their grueling schedule. Malan & Moeen might stay, but Morgan might not make the XI if Stokes is back. If England can find depth & consistency in their death bowling (need to look past Jordan & Tom Curran), then this golden generation might have lift the T20 World Cup trophy.
5. South Africa 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
One of the two teams that would go back with positives. Despite the Quinton de Kock Controversy early on, South Africa held themselves up nicely under captain Temba Bavuma.
Anrich Nortje was devastating throughout the tournament, even a sub-par Kagiso Rabada got a hat-trick, Killer Miller came back to win a thriller against Sri Lanka, Rassie Van der Dussen-Aiden Markram made huge strides, and spinners Markram-Maharaj tied down the opposition. The peak of their journey was the final match where they defeated tournament favorites England, and dented their confidence going to the semi-finals.
The only two blips? The narrow loss against Australia in the opening game of the Super 12s and the slow chase against Bangladesh meant they finished they barely failed to qualify due to net run rate.
I had anticipated South Africa would miss ABD, Faf, Tahir, and Morris but evidently they made it work.
Nortje-Shamsi brilliant with the ball, Markram-van der Dussen brilliant with the bat, The Return of Killer Miller, and Temba Bavuma’s captaincy
Broken Dreams
Quinton de Kock & Cricket South Africa’s miscommunication and mini-scandal Failing to Qualify for the Semi-Finals on NRR again
What Does South Africa Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
South Africa need more stability in their middle order. The bowlers can defend middling scores in all conditions, but inconsistency in batting and lack of death is holding them back. They have a good core, if they do not get the Group of Death again, they will definitely be semi-finalist contenders.
6. Sri Lanka 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
The most improved and watchable team of the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka was the only team in the first week to look a class apart. In the Super 12s, they began positively with an improbable chase against Bangladesh and pushed England to the edge. However, they never really recovered from their last over loss against South Africa.
Asalanka & Rajapaska were the pick of the batters, opposition had no clue for their mystery spin, and Lahiru Kumara’s aggressive attitude and speed took opposition by surprise.Wanindu Hasaranga is having a dream year, and he was one of the standouts of this World Cups, both with the bat and the ball.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s All-Round Show, Lahiru Kumara’s aggression, Nissanka-Asalanka-Rajapaksa form core for the future
Broken Dreams
Lose Steam Towards The End After Winning 5 Overall
What Does Sri Lanka Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
From 2015, Sri Lanka had been in grave transition. They finally found a group of players they can persist with in the near future.Hasaranga, Asalanka, & Rajapaksa defined this team with their positive brand of cricket. Finally opener Pathum Nissanka and mystery spinner Theekshana are really good prospects for Sri Lanka. If the seniors—Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, captain Dasun Shanaka, (maybe Chandimal & Matthews as well?) and the pacers Chameera-Kumara can come together, they might be the dark horse for the next World Cup.
Unfortunately just failed the direct qualification to the Super 12s, so have to go through the double qualification once again.
7. India 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
A tough tournament for Indian fans.
A dismal loss against Pakistan, a week long break, no intent against their WC arch-nemesis, New Zealand, and three spirited efforts against Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia to boost their net run rate. However, NZ’s victory against Afghanistan ensured India was never really in the tournament apart from outside mathematical calculations. It was the vulnerability against left arm seamers and good fast bowling once again that left India on the backfoot against Pakistan & NZ respectively.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s control in the middle overs and the intent shown by KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma at the end were some positives for India.
Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja (7) Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami (6)
X Factors
R Ashwin’s economical middle overs; Rahul-Sharma opening partnership (when they played with freedom)
Broken Dreams
India loses against arch-nemesis NZ; First WC Loss to Pakistan; Favorites crash out without a fight; Shami suffers social media abuse; Kohli’ bows out captaincy career without a title
What Does India Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Revamp their whole squad might be a rash decision, but something out of the ordinary is needed. Although some bold decisions were taken for this tournament, more game time is needed for a new-look T20I team. KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma should stay opening partners, Suryakumar, Pant, Bumrah, & Jadeja should remain in the fray, but the rest is up in the air, especially for Australian conditions.
Does Kohli fit in or do India do what England did to Root? Ashwin has been good, but Chahal definitely merits a place back. What about the Hardik Pandya problem? Can India find batters that in the top 4 that can bowl? India have the players, but maybe it is a curse rather than a blessing in ICC tournaments for this immense depth.
8. Afghanistan 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Afghanistan did not have the worst of tournaments and were in contention till the very last day of the Super 12s, but there is a feeling that they could have done better.
In these conditions, Rashid-Mujeeb-Nabi were devastating individually but could not all fire together. The openers gave them spark, but not consistently. Najibullah Zadran was in his peak for, Hamid Hassan was back, and captain Mohammad Nabi batted with responsibility. Muscular Gulbadin Naib had a decent outing, and so did Naveen-ul-Haq. The only team to bat first with confidence and defend scores, their change of strategies in the crunch game against India did not work out for them.
Post the Pakistan game, it all just fell apart. 4 sixes in a row prompted freak retirement announcement by senior batter Asghar Afghan in the middle of the tournament. They could not manage to upset India or NZ, which is all that was needed.
Mystery Spinners; Nabi-Najibullah late order hitting; Zazai-Shahzad provide some good starts
Broken Dreams
Did not upset any of the big 3 in the group—NZ, Pakistan, & India Tough close loss against Pakistan and subsequent retirement of Asghar Afghan in the middle of the tournament derailed their campaign
What Does Afghanistan Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
First they need to ensure no administrative turmoil. For the last two World Cups now, they have had captaincy changes right before the tournament. Afghanistan might be upbeat for next year since many of their players have BBL experience in Australia. All they need ais a couple of fast bowlers and Qais Ahmed back, and this team can outdo any other on a given day.
9. Namibia 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
The story of the tournament by far.
First time qualifying for a cricket world cup since 2003 and guess what? Not only winning one game but THREE GAMES! Defeated the European trio of Ireland (full member), Netherlands, and Scotland and got a direct entry to the 2022 T20 World Cup.
The middle order, led by David Wiese, was their saving grace but their disciplined bowling, led by Trumpelmann & Wiese, kept them in the game, even against the likes of Pakistan and New Zealand. Trumpelmann’s 3-wicket opening over & JJ Smit’s finishing heroics over Scotland was the highlight of their tournament. Kudos to captain Erasmus for playing the tournament with a broken finger.
Jan Frylinck (9) David Wiese (6) Ruben Trumpelmann (6)
X Factors
Lower Middle Order Trumpelmann’s Opening Spells
Broken Dreams
None Really. Except for their opening game against Sri Lanka, they competed well throughout the tournament even against Full Members
What Does Namibia’s Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
If Namibia need to improve and go one step further, they need to add a bit of spice to their bowling attack. For their first 10 overs, they are good but need to keep opposition down at the death.Can they make it to the Super 12s again?
10. Scotland 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Scotland experienced high highs and suffered low lows.
From 53-6 in their opening game against Bangladesh, a Chris Greaves inspired victory gave them victory over Bangladesh. They dominated the early groups with 3 wins in 3 matches. They nosedived with a 130-run loss against Afghanistan’s spin in the first match of the Super 12s and never recovered. Their only hope was against Namibia which they made a game out of, but still lost.
The bowlers came to the party, especially Mark Watt (1/19, 1/23, 1/23, 1/23, 1/22, 1/13, 1/20, 0/41) but their famed batters let them down.
Richie Berrington (177) George Munsey (152) Matthew Cross (135) Michael Leask (130)
Highest Wicket Takers
Josh Davey (9) Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal (8) Mark Watt (7) Chris Greaves (6)
X Factors
Watt’s Economical (6.13) Consistency, Berrington’s Fifties, Fast Bowlers Accurate, Leask’s Power Hitting, The Rise of Chris Greaves, Matt Cross’s Commetnary Behind the Stumps
Broken Dreams
Kyle Coetzer & Heralded Top Order Suffer Collective Failure
What Does Scotland Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Are Scotland’s golden era ageing or was it just the conditions? The good thing is they have qualified for the 2022 T20 World Cup by the virtue of qualifying for the Super 12s. They need batting depth and power hitters to complement their bowlers. Should still make it past the early group into the Super 12s next year.
11. West Indies 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Well the Last Dance was not meant to be. Only one win overall, and that too by 3 runs.
Not only did West Indies not qualify for the semi-finals, they had a horrible time. Bundled out for 55 against England, they never really figured out what their approach will be. Go all guns blazing like Lewis tried or hang in there like Lendl Simmons? Gayle-Pollard-Russell were almost no shows, and Jason Holder as replacement (who should have been in the squad in the first place) was the only spark.
Akeal Hosein was the find for West Indies, filling Fabian Allen’s left arm spin shoe perfectly as were Pooran-Hetmyer briefly. It was good to see Bravo & Gayle having fun in what may be their last T20I.
55 All Out Obed McCoy Injury Lendl Simmons’ Slow Show Dwayne Bravo Retires Chris Gayle (almost) retires Horror show for T20 stars Gayle, Pollard, Russell Hat-trick Dream Unfulfilled
What Does West Indies Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
A completely rejig of the squad is needed. Hetmyer, Pooran, Lewis, Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein, and even Kieron Pollard might stay but it is the end of the road for Gayle, Bravo, Russell? and Rampaul. It would be interesting to see if Roston Chase stays and if ‘rotating the strike’ will come into their T20 philosophy. West Indies of the 2010s changed T20 cricket with their boundary hitting but they need to move on with the times.
12. Bangladesh 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Where do I even start?
I was a fan of the rising Bangladesh ODI team and had them as a semi-finalist possibility, but this team was a complete no-show. Expected to do well in spinning UAE conditions and after dominating Australia & New Zealand at home in dust bowls, this was a huge let down.
For the first time in recent WCs, the seniors did not stand up (Shakib in the first few games apart) which exposed the gaps in the rest of the team. The likes of Liton Das, Soumy Sarkar, and Afif Hossain have not really become consistent cricketers that Bangladesh needed.
The worst part was the last couple of games. Losing a WC happens, but giving up without a fight was truly disappointing as they were skittled for 73 and 84 respectively against Australia & South Africa.
Taskin Ahmed’s comeback spirit and Mahedi Hasan were the only positive.
Shakib Al Hasan (11) Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman (8)
X Factors
Taskin Ahmed’s Energy Mahedi Hasan Shakib Al Hasan in the early stages
Broken Dreams
Mahmudullah’s captaincy decisions Mushfiqur Rahim’s lack of form Liton Das’s Horror Show Youngsters Fail To Rise to the Occasion Mustafizur Expensive Shakib Al Hasan’s Injury
What Does Bangladesh Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
The next generation of Bangladesh cricket need to come in. Already the likes of Saif Hasasn, Najmul Hossain Shanto, leg spinner Aminul Islam, U-19 winning captain Akbar Ali among others have been selected for the Pakistan T20I series while Mushfiqur Rahim is dropped. I expect the Fab 4 to be in the squad in Australia, but maybe not a regular XI spot. This is the step in the right direction, but one year is too less for a T20I team to develop. It may take a few years to bounce back.
13. Oman 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Oman will have mixed feelings from this World Cup.
First of all, they were wonderful hosts and made sure the tournament started off the right foot (beautiful background as well). After winning the first game against PNG comfortably, they would have felt they are almost into the Super 12s, but they let the tense game against Bangladesh slip.
Bilal Khan, Zeeshan Mazsood (5) Kaleemullah, Fayyab Butt (4)
X Factors
Jatinder Singh-Aqib Ilyas Opening Partnership
Broken Dreams
Had a foot in the door early on, but could not maintain momentum; This was a good chance to qualify to the next round since all matches were at home
What Does Oman Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
They need to go back and qualify for the 2022 T20 World Cup. They need to make sure their middle order batters can endure pressure moments. Qualification cycles can be difficult, so we do not know if we will see them again. With Zimbabwe back in the qualifiers, it will just be harder.
14. Ireland 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
All was well and good with the world when Curtis Campher took 4 wickets in 4 balls and Ireland hammered the Netherlands. However, Sri Lanka’s big defeat rocked their NRR and a rising Namibia overthrew them as the ‘Associate giant.’
It was just destiny. Ireland upset the big teams 15 years ago to gain respect for the Associate nations, and now when they are a Full Member, a stronger set of Associate nations are beginning to upset them.
Josh Little the only positive for them apart from Campher.
Curtis Campher, The Double Hat-trick Man (or 4-in-4?)
Broken Dreams
Full Member Ireland seem to be regressing in T20Is despite strides in ODI cricket
What Does Ireland Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
Ireland’s golden generation has ended, and it will take a while for the young guns to pick up but T20 cricket is just not suited to their styles.Probably the end of the road for Kevin O’Brien. Honestly, I do not see Ireland see improving much unless T20 franchise leagues start acquring talent like Paul Stirling and Josh Little.
15. Papua New Guinea 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Papua New Guinea brought the world to the Cricket World Cup. Although they did not win any games, their family-like spirit took the fans by delight.
The partnership between Assad Vala and Charles Amini against Oman displayed that these bunch of players possess a lot of talent if they are given the environment to flourish. Some good hitting at the end by Doriga as well against Scotland to keep the game interesting.
Charles Amini-Assad Vala show the flair in their side Brilliant diving catches and disciplined fielding throughout
Broken Dreams
Go Home With No Wins
What Does Papua New Guinea Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
They have to go through qualification again. The next World Cup is near their home in Oceania, but is their World Cup qualification dream too far?
16. Netherlands 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review
Netherlands were a rising team over the last couple of years, but questionable selections and lack of preparation due to COVID-19 meant they could not carry their form in the tournament.
106/10, 44/10 and losing to Namibia after scoring 164/4. Not much of note apart from Max O’Dowd’s form. They came in with good form and called upon RTD & RVDM, but performances did not add up.
Netherlands’ World Cup In A Nutshell
Result
4th in Group A
Wins/Losses
0/3
Best Match
None
Highest Run Scorers
Max O’Dowd (123)
Highest Wicket Takers
Pieter Seelar, Fred Klaassen, Brandon Glover (2)
X Factors
Max O’Dowd continues his good form
Broken Dreams
The great Ryan Ten Doeschate retires without a proper sendoff (does not get selected for the last match)
What Does Netherlands Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?
They just need to play more between World Cups. They have a South Africa tour coming up. Hopefully they can gain good experience and build confidence. Will need to qualify again however.
Toss: Australia won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Umpires: Langston Rusere & Richard Illingworth
What Actually Happened
Winner: Australia won by 8 wickets
Scores: West Indies 157/7 Australia 161/2
Player of the Match:David Warner 89* (56)
Best Figures
Josh Hazlewood (4-0-39-4)
Akeal Hosein (4-0-29-1), Chris Gayle (1-0-7-1)
Most Runs
Kieron Pollard 44 (31)
David Warner 89* (56)
Moments of The Day: Erratic Batting, Warner Special, Retirements Mark Good Cricketing Day
Final match for the West Indies, and they started all guns blazing. Few fours for Evin Lewis, 2 sixes for Chris Gayle, West Indies 30/0 in 2 overs. Hazlewood’s first over went for 20.
Then came Pat Cummins and took the danger men Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran in over. Hazlewood would himself comeback and take 4 wickets. A few hits by Pollard & Russell ensured WI have a score to defend.
Questions on David Warner’s form will now be squashed. A fifty earlier in the tournament and now a commanding 89* (56) with 4 sixes steamrolled the West Indies. Beware of Mitchell Marsh at #3, . He has played some great nocks during this year and 53* (32) with 5 fours and 2 sixes means he is also coming back to form as Australia approach the semis..
Honorable Mention: Andre Russell’s 111 meter six; Dwayne Bravo hits a six in his final innings;
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Legends Retire
It is unclear if Chris Gayle has retired or not. He wants to play his final game in front of a Jamaica crowd, so there might be still some gas left in him.
Dwayne Bravo, however, has called it a day on his international career, which began way back in 2004. Test debut, 2004 Champions Trophy victory, 2 World T20s, and holds the record for most T20 championships around the world (Pollard second). He will continue to play in T2- leagues ’till his body holds.’
During the game, the atmosphere was beautiful. Chris Gayle signing gloves and giving them to the spectators. Cameras around Gayle and Bravo showed a positive mood. Hugs from teammates and oppositions, and Chris Gayle taking a last wicket of his final ball and hugging Mitchell Marsh (Watch the video below).
Bravo & Gayle In Pictures
Combined international numbers of Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle 👇
T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals
No need to go elsewhere for thePoints Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
West Indies Vs Bangladesh Quick Review — Nicholas Pooran’s quickfire 40, Jason Holder’s all-round package (and height), and Andre Russell’s death bowling ensured West Indies do not go out without a fight, unlike Bangladesh.
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Umpires: Adrian Holdstock & Rod Tucker
What Actually Happened
Winner: West Indies won by 3 runs
Scores: West Indies 142/7 – Bangladesh 139/5
Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran 40 (22)
Best Figures
Shoriful Islam (4-0-20-2), Mahedi Hasan (4-0-20-2)
Jason Holder (4-0-22-1)
Most Runs
Nicholas Pooran 40 (22)
Liton Das 44 (43)
Moments of The Day: Jason Holder’s Selection Inspires Dispirited West Indies
After 12.4 overs, West Indies were going nowhere at 62/4 and Roston Chase replicating Simmons’ role from their previous game. Then came in Nicholas Pooran, a man with more ducks this year than any decent size lake. Today he repaid the faith to the West Indies selectors for keeping faith in him and scored a game changing 40 with 4 sixes. When Harsha Bhogle asked what was the difference between his ball striking and the rest struggling, he said, “That is just my talent.”
Jason Holder, who replaced injured Obed McCoy, was my player of the game today. 15* (5) including 2 sixes at the end, an opening spell of 4-0-22-1, and 2 catches – including Liton Das’ catch (that only a man of his height could have caught). Why wasn’t he selected in the original squad again?
Liton Das finally found some runs and steadied the innings with 44 (43), but captain Mahmudullah took it up another notch. He scored a quickfire 31* (24) before Russell defended 12 runs in the final over.
Proper thriller.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Shakib Al Hasan Injured, Pollard Goes Off, Bangladesh Almost Out
This match had more comedy of errors than actual cricket. Not one broken dream, but four or five. Here they are:
One of the more curious moments of this game was when Kieron Pollard went out when he was struggling at 8 (16) Some people prematurely declared it as a ‘retired out.’ However, it looked like the heat got to Pollard and he had ‘retired ill.’ Fortunately for the Windies, he came back just in time and hit the last ball to the fence. As it turned out those six runs proved to be extra crucial in the context of the match.
The next ball, Russell was run-out at the non-striker’s catch without facing a ball.
My Broken Cricket Dream of the day was the abysmal quality of fielding. Both sides dropped easy chances and missed stumping cost Bangladesh as well. Bangladesh could have 2 wins out of 3 in the Super 12s, but due to their fielding, they are 0 out of 0.
Shakib Al Hasan might have suffered a hamstring injury but he bowled through the pain. He was sent as a pinch hitter to fully optimize his stay. However, he had middling returns today. Bangladesh are almost out of the tournament, but Shakib’s injury makes situations even worse.
Also Read:
T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mahmudullah – 150 runs (Bangladesh, 6 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Australia
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.727
3. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
4. Sri Lanka
2
1
1
0
2
– 0.416
5. West Indies
3
1
2
0
2
– 1.598
6. Bangladesh
3
0
3
0
0
– 1.069
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
3
3
0
0
6
+ 0.638
2. Afghanistan
2
1
1
0
2
+ 3.092
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
West Indies Vs South Africa Quick Review — Bowlers and Reeza-Rassie-Markram take South Africa home as West Indies stagnant.
Quinton de Kock’s absence the talk of the town. What do you think? Comment below on your thoughts regarding QDK and the mandate by cricket South Africa regarding BLM movement.
Aiden Markram 51* (26), Rassie van der Dussen 43* (51), Reeza Hendricks 39* (30)
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: West Indies Get Simmoned
Lendl Simmons has been one of the stars for West Indies for a decade. Even though he has been in and out, he has played some important knocks like in the 2016 Cricket World Cup semi-final.
Today, though, was not his day. Like really. After West Indies were out for 55 against England, WI needed an anchor, but 16 (35) without any boundaries is not inspiring stuff. He could not Tewatia out of this situation, unfortunately.
Moments of The Day: Bowlers, Markram Take South Africa Home
Simmons was slow due to disciplined South African bowling with Rabada (4-0-27-1), Nortje (4-0-14-1), Maharaj (4-0-24-2), and Pretorius (2-0-17-3). Only Shamsi, their best T20I bowler, was expensive.
South Africa’s top order made sure there were no hiccups after Buman’s early run-out. Reeza Hendricks took the challenge as QDK’s replacement with a 39 (30). After the strong start, van der Dussen and Aiden Markram changed the game. While Rassie was the anchor, it was Markram’s 51 (26) with 4 sixes that took them home.
The Elephant in the Room: Quinton de Kock Controversy
Temba Bavuma contended that today was the most difficult day of his captaincy due to off the field stories.
We will break this down in three parts: (1) How it began, (2) What prompted QDK’s actions, and (3) his recent apology.
How It Began
South Africa has had a tough history to contend with. Apartheid, cricket suspension, transformations, quota, and the 2015 World Cup Semi-Final. This year, the hearings from former South African colored players and Mark Boucher’s inner rooms racist pasts have unraveled South African cricket even further.
To honor the Black Lives Matter moment, most teams were taking a knee unanimously. However, in South Africa’s first game, the reaction was not unified – knees, fists, or no reaction.
While Quinton de Kock and his friends are refusing to kneel, other people are kneeling at the #T20WorldCup.
Just a few hours before the game, Cricket South Africa mandated each player requiring them to take the knee. This unsettled Quinton de Kock, after which he made himself ‘unavailable for personal reasons.’
Reeza Hendricks replaced him as a keeper and Klassen as a keeper. Social media went against QDK, calling him a racist.
Several questions here – (1) Was it right for Quinton de Kock to give up on the team right regardless of the reason? End of QDK’s international career? Supporting a movement is okay, but requiring an action – is that a bit too much? After all, not saying anything is freedom of speech/expression in itself.
🇿🇦 Cricket South Africa believes success both on the field and beyond the boundary will be guaranteed if all South Africans stand united to build a new innings based on the pillars of inclusivity, access and excellence.
Quinton de Kock presented a heartfelt statement (if you have not read it yet, please read the 3 pages below). He has agreed to take the knee if it educates the public in a positive manner and furthermore,
I love every one of my teammates…Bavuma is a flipping amazing leader….if he/team/South Africa will have me, I would love nothing more than to play for my country again.”
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Musfiqur Rahim – 135 runs (Bangladesh, 5 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Sri Lanka
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.583
3. Australia
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.253
4. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
5. Bangladesh
2
0
2
0
0
– 1.655
6. West Indies
2
0
2
0
0
– 2.550
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.738
2. Afghanistan
1
1
0
0
2
+ 6.500
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: England won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Umpires: Aleem Dar & Marais Erasmus
What Actually Happened
Winner: England won by 6 wickets
Scores: West Indies 55/10 – England 56/4
Player of the Match: Moeen Ali 2/17
Best Figures
Adil Rashid (2.2-0-2-4)
Akeal Hosein (4-0-24-2)
Most Runs
Chris Gayle – 13 (13)
Jos Buttler – 24 (22)
Moments of The Day: England All the Way
Moeen Ali reaps rewards – Moeen has had an interesting 2 years since COVID. Travelled for 2 years with the squad, did not get much game time. Got exactly one match in the Indian Test series, where he performed well before he was sent home due to miscommunication. A brilliant IPL with CSK at #3, where his role in England T20s was undefined. Finally a Test retirement after the India-England home series. In this game, he opened the bowling, bowled 4 overs in a row, bagged two wickets (including a maiden), batted at #4, and a difficult running catch. Perfect day out for Moeen.
Tymal Mills comes back to the international side after 4-5 years and makes an immediate impression with 4-0-17-2. What a story since his Hundred performances.
Akeal Hosein‘s bowling and marvelous catch captures West Indies’ disciplined fielding effort. Although they got out for a low total, it was good to see that they did not give up. Attacking field settings by Pollard as well.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: West Indies’ Worst Batting Effort
West Indies’ 55 all-out was the third lowest in all T20 World Cups, their 2nd lowest overall, their first loss to England in 6 attempts at T20 World Cups, and their biggest defeat in T20Is.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
IPL is done, international cricket is back, and so is #BCDPredictions! Let us see how good the predictions of our fellow cricket fans on social media is.
We asked our viewers to respond with
#Winner
#Top4
#BestAssociates
#PlayerofWC
#MostRuns
#MostWickets
#BestCatch
#Surprise
#BrokenDream
So what do you say? Will we see any surprises? Are South Africa, Bangladesh, Afghanistan the dark horses for the tournament? How about rising Scotland? Any emerging players? Will we miss Faf, Tahir, Morris, Chahal, Narine, and more?
If you do not have enough information yet to do the predictions, check out these previews below.
#MostRuns: Buttler (may not be an Indian, cannot rule QDK too)
Discussion:
“…With Neesham, Boult, Lockie, Phillips, Kane, Jamieson all playing IPL advantage for them and not Pak…Guptill, Seifert, Kane, Conway, Phillips, Neesham, Santner, Sodhi/Southee, Boult, Ferguson, Kyle.”
“Babar, Rizwan out for less then 20 runs, then Pak may lose 99% if against NZ and India if chasing 170…For India, even after Rahul, Kohli, Pant Surya, Hardik, Jadeja, Shardul are there.”
“I feel having times like SA, Aus, WI, Eng in same group made Group B easy to qualify.”
Rohit-Rahul/Babar-Rizwan most settled opening pair
