a

How Many Cricket Stadiums are there in the USA?

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!

Embed from Getty Images

1. List of Cricket Stadiums in the United States

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:

  1. Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida (10000 seating capacity, ICC status for ODI & T20 cricket)
  2. Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina (3500 permanent seating with potential expansion to 5000 seats)
  3. AirHogs Stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas (7000 seating capacity with a potential expansion to 20000 seats)
  4. Smart Choice Moosa Stadium in Pearland, Texas (near Houston)
  5. Indianapolis World Sports Park in Indianapolis, Indiana
  6. 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.

  1. Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington
  2. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose, California
  3. An upcoming proposed stadium in Orange County, California
  4. New York Oval. in New York
  5. 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.

Embed from Getty Images

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.

  1. Philadelphia Cricket Club Ground in Wissahickon Heights, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  2. Belmont Cricket Club Ground in Elmwood, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  3. Young America Cricket Club Ground in Stenton, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  4. Germantown Cricket Club Ground in Manheim, Pennsylvania (earlier in Nicetown)
  5. Merion Cricket Club Ground in Haverford, Pennsylvania
  6. Boca Raton Cricket Club Ground in Boca Raton, Florida
  7. Brian Piccolo Park in Cooper City, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  8. St. George’s Club Ground in Bloomingdale Road, Manhattan, New York
  9. Red House Cricket Ground in Harlem, New York
  10. *Citi Field in New York
  11. *Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas
  12. *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.

Embed from Getty Images

Home Grounds of Minor League Cricket Teams

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.

  1. Atlanta Cricket Fields in Cumming, Georgia (Atlanta Fire)
  2. Param Veers Cricket Field in Rydal, Georgia (Atlanta Lightning)
  3. Silverstar Recreation Center in Orlando, Florida (Orlando Galaxy)
  4. Veterans Memorial Park in Woodbridge, Virginia (DC Hawks)
  5. Idlewild Park in Rosedale, New York (Empire State Titans)
  6. Canarsie Park in Brooklyn, New York (Manhattan Yorkers)
  7. Keney Park in Hartford, Connecticut (New England Eagles)
  8. Howe Athletic Complex in Somerset, New Jersey (New Jersey Somerset Cavaliers, New Jersey Stallions)
  9. Exton Park in Exton, Pennsylvania (The Philadelphians)
  10. BPL Cricket Stadium in Bolingbrook, Illinois (Chicago Blasters)
  11. Washington Park/Skokie Sports Complex in Chicago, Illinois (Chicago Tigers)
  12. McKinney Cricket Ground in McKinney, Texas (Dallas Mustangs)
  13. Prairie View Cricket Complex in Houston, Texas, which will be the first Major League Cricket National Cricket Center ((Houston Hurricanes))
  14. Lyon Oaks Cricket Ground in Wixom, Michigan (Michigan Cricket Stars)
  15. ACAC Park in Wentzville, Missouri (St. Louis Americans)
  16. Santa Clara Cricket Club in Santa Clara, California (East Bay Blazers)
  17. Arroyo Park in Davis, California (Golden State Grizzlies)
  18. Canyon Side Park in San Diego, California (San Diego Surf Riders)
  19. Klahanie Park in Issaquah, Washington (Seattle Thunderbolts)
  20. Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Complex in Morgan Hill, California (Silicon Valley, Strikers)
Embed from Getty Images

Related Articles

2. Facts About the Major Cricket Stadiums in USA

  • 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.
  • Church Street Park has already hosted some matches in the 2018 ICC Americas T20 Qualifier.
  • 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.
Embed from Getty Images

3. Types of Events Hosted at US Cricket Stadiums

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.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has also hosted several matches in the Broward Stadium.

Minor League Cricket

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.

Despite uncertainty regarding a six-team Olympic T20 tournament, investment in U.S.A. Cricket is showing continual growth.

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).

Sources: Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Moosa Cricket Stadium, World Sports Park: A diamond in the rough, About Us – Germantown Cricket Club – Philadelphia, PA, Philadelphia Cricket Club History. USA T20 franchise league MLC projected to spend 110 million on facilities ahead of 2023 launch, Atlanta Paramveers open five cricket fields to promote game, Major League Cricket 2022: Match Schedules, Scores, News & More, Major League Cricket set for July 2023 launch in Dallas

Image Courtesy: RTMGterra, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC, 2023. Originally published on 01/21/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

155 Greatest Cricketers of All Time (Men’s): Who are the Best Players in Cricket History? (Updated 2023)

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

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

Contents

Key Takeaways

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

Also Read:

156-177 Best Cricketers: Unlucky to Miss Out

Those who were unlucky to miss out were:

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

155 Greatest Cricketers of All Time: The Ultimate List

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

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

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

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Freelooters, Trinidad

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

Embed from Getty Images

154. Alan Davidson (Australia, 1949-1963)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

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

Embed from Getty Images

153. Mitchell Starc (Australia, 2009-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

152. Stan McCabe (Australia, 1928-1942)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

150. Godfrey Evans (England, 1939-1967)

Major Teams: England, Kent

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: South Africa, Rhodesia, Natal, Transvaal

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

Embed from Getty Images

147. Sunil Narine (West Indies, 2009-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

145. Richie Benaud (Australia, 1948-1964)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

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

Embed from Getty Images

144. Rohit Sharma (India, 2006-)

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

143. Bob Simpson (Australia, 1952-1978)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia

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

Embed from Getty Images

142. Peter May (England, 1950-1963)

Major Teams: England, Cambridge University, Surrey

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

Embed from Getty Images

141. Saeed Anwar (Pakistan, 1986-2003)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, British Guiana

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

139. Ted Dexter (England, 1956-1968)

Major Teams: England, Sussex, Cambridge University

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados

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

Embed from Getty Images

137. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan, 1994-2011)

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: England, Worcestershire

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

Embed from Getty Images

135. Andy Flower (Zimbabwe, 1986-2006)

Major Teams: Zimbabwe, Essex, South Australia

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Queensland, Trinidad

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

Embed from Getty Images

133. Rod Marsh (Australia, 1968-1984)

Major Teams: Australia, Western Australia

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

Embed from Getty Images

132. VVS Laxman (India, 1992-2012)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

128. Clarrie Grimmett (Australia, 1911-1941)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Wellington

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

Embed from Getty Images

127. Tom Graveney (England, 1948-1972)

Major Teams: England, Queensland, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: Sri Lanka, Sinhalese Sports Club

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

Embed from Getty Images

125. Greg Chappell (Australia, 1966-1984)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

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

Embed from Getty Images

124. David Gower (England, 1975-1993)

Major Teams: England, Hampshire, Leicestershire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

122. Kieron Pollard (West Indies, 2007-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

121. Michael Clarke (Australia, 2000-2015)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

117. Abdul Qadir (Pakistan, 1975-1994)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

115. Brett Lee (Australia, 1999-2012)

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

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

Also See: Shoaib Akthar.

Embed from Getty Images

114. Hashim Amla (South Africa, 2004-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

113. Kevin Pietersen (England, 1997-2018)

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

112. Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan, 1995-2008)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

111. Michael Bevan (Australia, 1989-2006)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

110. Hedley Verity (England, 1930-1939)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

108. Kane Williamson (New Zealand, 2007-)

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

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

Also Read: World Test Championship Final Review 2021

Embed from Getty Images

107. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan, 2015-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

106. Virender Sehwag (India, 1997-2015)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

103. Arthur Morris (Australia, 1940-1955)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

101. Shane Watson (Australia, 2000-2016)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

List of the 100 Greatest Cricketers of All Time

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

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

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

99. Sourav Ganguly (1989-2012)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

98. Monty Noble (Australia, 1893-1920)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Somerset

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

Embed from Getty Images

97. Younis Khan (Pakistan, 1998-2018)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

96. Neil Harvey (Australia, 1946-1963)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Victoria

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: India, Delhi, Northern Punjab, Northamptonshire

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

Embed from Getty Images

94. Nathan Lyon (Australia, 2011-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

91. Dwayne Bravo (West Indies, 2001-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

90. Stuart Broad (England, 2005-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

88. Ravichandran Ashwin (India, 2010-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

87. Jim Laker (England, 1946-1965)

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

Major Teams: England, Essex, Surrey, Auckland

Embed from Getty Images

86. Alan Knott (England, 1964-1985)

Major Teams: England, Kent, Tasmania

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

Embed from Getty Images

85. Ray Lindwall (Australia, 1941-1962)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Queensland

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: England, Gentlemen, Oxford University, Kent

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire, Northern Transvaal

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

80. Ken Barrington (England, 1953-1968)

Major Teams: England, Surrey

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

Embed from Getty Images

79. Graham Gooch (England, 1973-2000)

Major Teams: England, Essex, Western Province

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Hampshire

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

Also See: Desmond Haynes (#69)

Embed from Getty Images

75. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh, 2005-)

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

73. Matthew Hayden (Australia, 1991-2012)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

72. Alec Bedser (England, 1939-1960)

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

Major Teams: England, Surrey

Embed from Getty Images

71. Sir Alastair Cook (England, 2003-)

Major Teams: England, Essex

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

69. Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan, 1996-2011)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Lahore, Lancashire, Warwickshire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: England, Surrey, Warwickshire, Northern Transvaal

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

Embed from Getty Images

67. Joe Root (England, 2010-)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire, Trent Rockets

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Also See: Kumar Sangakkara (#51)

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, British Guiana, Lancashire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Victoria

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

Embed from Getty Images

63. Harold Larwood (England, 1924-1938)

Major Teams: England, Nottinghamshire

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

Embed from Getty Images

62. Steve Smith (Australia, 2007-)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

59. Tom Richardson (England, 1892-1905)

Major Teams: England, Somerset, Surrey, London County

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

57. MS Dhoni (India, 1999-)

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

55. Javed Miandad (Pakistan, 1975-1996)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

54. Brian Statham (England, 1950-1968)

Major Teams: England, Lancashire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: England, Kent

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: England, Surrey

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

Embed from Getty Images

Top 50 Cricketers of All Time: The Absolute Greats

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

50. Steve Waugh (Australia, 1984-2004)

Major Teams: Australia, South Australia, Kent, Somerset

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

48. Anil Kumble (India, 1989-2010)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

46. Victor Trumper (Australia, 1894-1914)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

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

Embed from Getty Images

45. Rahul Dravid (India, 1992-2013)

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

44. Hanif Mohammad (Pakistan, 1951-1976)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Karachi

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

Embed from Getty Images

43. Zaheer Abbas (Pakistan, 1965-1987)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Karachi, Sind, Gloucestershire

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

Embed from Getty Images

42. Denis Compton (England, 1936-1964)

Major Teams: England, Middlesex

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

Embed from Getty Images

41. Adam Gilchrist (Australia, 1992-2013)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Jamaica, Gloucestershire

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

Embed from Getty Images

39. Allan Border (Australia, 1976-1996)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

38. Waqar Younis (Pakistan, 1987-2003)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: New Zealand, Canterbury, Nottinghamshire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

35. Virat Kohli (India, 2008-)

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

34. Imran Khan (Pakistan, 1969-1992)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Sussex, Worcestershire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

32. Kapil Dev (India, 1977-1995)

Major Teams: India, Haryana, Northamptonshire, Worcestershire

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: England, Lancashire, England U-19

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Jamaica

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: England, Kent

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

Embed from Getty Images

28. Sunil Gavaskar (India, 1966-1987)

Major Teams: India, Mumbai, Somerset

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

Embed from Getty Images

27. Fred Trueman (England, 1949-1972)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire, Derbyshire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

25. Les Ames (England, 1926-1951)

Major Teams: England, Kent

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

Embed from Getty Images

24. Glenn McGrath (Australia, 1992-2007)

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales

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

Embed from Getty Images

23. Dennis Lillee (Australia, 1967-1988)

Major Teams: Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Northamptonshire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

21. Herbert Sutcliffe (England, 1919-1945)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Hampshire

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

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

18. Wasim Akram (Pakistan, 1984-2003)

Major Teams: Pakistan, Hampshire, Lancashire

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

Embed from Getty Images

17. Frank Wooley (England, 1906-1938)

Major Teams: England, Kent

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago

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

Also Read: Most Stylish Batsman Of The Modern Era

Embed from Getty Images

15. Ricky Ponting (Australia, 1992-2013)

Major Teams: Australia, Tasmania

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

12. Wilfred Rhodes (England, 1899-1930)

Major Teams: England, Yorkshire

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

Also Read: Top 55 All-Rounders in Cricket History List (The Complete Guide)

Embed from Getty Images

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

Alternative spelling: Muthiah Muralidaran

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

Major Teams: Sri Lanka

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

8. Sydney Barnes (England, 1894-1930)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: West Indies, Barbados, Jamaica

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

Embed from Getty Images

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

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

5. Shane Warne (Australia, 1990-2013)

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

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

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

3. Sachin Tendulkar (India, 1989-2013)

Major Teams: India, Mumbai, Mumbai Indians

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

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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

Major Teams: Australia, New South Wales, South Australia

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

Embed from Getty Images

Extended List (By Country): The Honorable Mentions

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

Greatest Players of All Time #175-270

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

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

Who are the greatest Australian cricketers of all-time?

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

Who are the English cricketers of all-time?

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

Who are the greatest Indian cricketers of all-time?

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

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

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

Also Read: Top 21 West Indian Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest West Indies Fast Bowlers of All Time (Updated 2024), Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023)

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

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

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

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

Who are the greatest Pakistan cricketers of all-time?

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

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

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

Who are the greatest Bangladesh cricketers of all-time?

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

Who are the greatest Afghanistan cricketers of all-time?

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

Who are the greatest Zimbabwe cricketers of all-time?

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

The Criteria

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading the Greatest Cricketers of All Time. Do consider subscribing for more such content.

Frequently Asked Questions: Greatest Cricketers of All Time

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

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

Who is the best cricketer of all time?

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

Who is the best batsman of all time?

Sir Donald Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Jack Hobbs, Sir Frank Worrell, and Sir Viv Richards are the best batsman of all time. Sir Len Hutton, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, Barry Richards, and Graeme Pollock are close behind.

Who is the best bowler of all time?

Shane Warne are Sydney Barnes are the best bowlers of all time. Behind them are Muralitharan, Wasim Akram, Malcolm Marshall, Bill O’Reilly, Glenn Mcgrath, Fred Trueman, Jimmy Anderson, Dale Steyn, and Waqar Younis.

Who is the best all-rounder of all time?

Sir Garfield Sobers is the best all-rounder of all time with Jacques Kallis close behind. Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, Imran Khan, Richard Hadlee, Jayasuriya, Shakib Al Hasan, Miller, and Faulkner also make the list.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2022. Originally published on 12/10/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

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

By Nitesh Mathur, Broken Cricket Dreams, 2/5/2022 With Inspiration from Marquess Raj, Berty Ashley, and Bharat Ramaraj.

*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.

After a serious article last week contemplating the problems cricket needs to fix in the next decade, let us relax and have some fun. What does that mean?

That’s right—Time for another World XI with TwistsMusical Cricketers Edition.

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.

Contents

The Playing XI Rules

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

Before you check out the cricketers with musical talent list, consider subscribing below and following Broken Cricket Dreams’ other social media platforms. It will be a big boost to us so we can continue to create this type of content. All you need to do is to type your email address below and hit subscribe.

Follow us here if you are on Medium or Bloglovin‘.

Embed from Getty Images

List of 22 Cricketers with Musical Talent

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)

The Openers

1. John Wright (Singer/ Songwriter/Guitar)

Music Website: John Wright (johnwrightmusic.co.nz) Spotify Link: Spotify – Red Skies

  • 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.

2. Shane Watson (Guitar)

Selected Videos: Shane Watson and Danielle de Villiers (RCB) – Titanium, Watson singing at RR event

  • 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.

3. Sir Donald Bradman (Piano/Songwriter)

Music About Don Bradman: John Williamson’s Sir Don (Pipe Dream album), Jack O’Hagan’s Our Don Bradman (1930), Bradman (Leaps and Bounds) by Paul Kelly (1987)

  • 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.

Embed from Getty Images

4. Sir Alastair Cook (Saxophone/Clarinet/Choir)

  • 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.

*Still playing in County Cricket

5. Mark Butcher (Guitar/Singer – Professional)

Other Videos: Jamming Session with Jemimah, I am still in Love With You

Music Website: Mark Butcher Music YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/mb173

  • Major Teams: England, Surrey
  • 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.

YouTube Video: Kane Williamson Jams on the GrayNics Guitar (bat shaped)

7. Joe Root (Ukulele)

  • 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.

8. Steve Smith (Guitar)

Other Videos: Steve Smith in conversation with Guy Sebastian

  • 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.

9. Sanjay Manjrekar (Singer)

Album Summary: Sanjay Manjrekar’s – Restday (1994, CD) – Discogs

  • Major Teams: India, Mumbai
  • 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 locally since 2009.

Wicketkeepers

11. AB de Villiers (Guitar)

Other Video: AB de Villiers singing a Hindi song

  • Major Teams: South Africa, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils, Lahore Qalandars, Brisbane Heat, Rangpur Riders, Titans
  • Years Played: 2004-2018 (International), 2003-2021 (Overall)
  • Key Stats: 114 Tests, 50.66 Average, 8765 runs, 22/46, 228 ODIs, 9577 Runs, 53.50 Average/101.09 SR, 25/53, 78 T20I, 1672 runs, 135.16 SR, 340 T20s, 9424 runs, 37.24 average/150.13 SR, 4/69, best of 133*
  • Instrument: Guitar
  • Musical Claim to Fame:

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.

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

12. Azam Khan (Guitar)

  • 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.

Lower Order Allrounders

13. Omari Banks (Singer/Official Band)

Music Websites: MUSIC – Omari Banks, Bankie Banx (Father’s) Website

YouTube Channel: Omari Banks – YouTube Interview: Cricinfo

  • Major Teams: West Indies, West Indies U-19s, Anguilla, Leeward Islands, Leicestershire, Somerset
  • Years Played: 2003-2005 (International), 2000-2010 (Overall)
  • Key Stats: 10 Tests, 28 Wickets, best of 4/87, best of 50* (along with 5 ODIs), 204 wickets in 80 first class matches with best of 7/41
  • Cricket Claim to Fame: 47* in the record 418/7 chases against Australia, Most prized Wickets: Hayden, Langer, Dravid, Sangakkara, Dilshan
  • Instrument: Guitar
  • Musical Claim to Fame:

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
  • Cricket Claim to Fame: 36-ball 100 (131* (47), 95* (44) chasing 190 in 14.3 overs to take Mumbai Indians to the playoffs last-minute
  • Instrument: Guitar
  • Musical Claim to Fame:

I only found one 15-second video of Corey Anderson, but he seems to have a good country singer voice and is mature in his guitar skills as well.

Also Read: USA Cricket: The Next NFL Or NBA – Trillion Dollar Bet?

Spinner

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.

16. Graeme Swann (Singer in a Band)

Music Facebook Page: Dr. Comfort And The Lurid Revelations Band

  • Major Teams: England, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire
  • Years Played: 2000-2013 (International), 19980-2013 (Overall)
  • Key Stats: 60 Tests, 255 wickets, 6/64 best innings (10/132 best match), 14 – 4w/17 – 5w, 3- 10w, 79 ODIs, 104 wickets, 39 T20Is, 51 wickets, 252 FC games, 739 wickets
  • Instrument: Guitar
  • Musical Claim to Fame:

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).

The Fast Bowlers

17. Brett Lee (Guitar/Singer)

Other Videos: Brett Lee singing/playing guitar in Rendezvous with Simi Garewal

  • 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)

Other Videos: “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” Magic Spell in 1999.

  • Major Teams: Zimbabwe, Mashonaland, Matabeleland
  • 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. Took me 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.

19. Sir Curtly Ambrose (Bass Guitar)

Website: http://curtlyambrose.com/my-music.php

YouTube Video Collection: All Stars Cricket Concert- Grenada – Oct 10, 2010 – YouTube

  • 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.

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

259 Million Views…

24. Frank Parr (Jazz Trombone)

  • Major Teams: Lancashire
  • Role: Wicketkeeper
  • Years Played: 1951-1954
  • Key Stats: 49 FC matches, 507 runs, 71 catches, 20 stumpings
  • Musical Claim To Fame:

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.

Coach (Player/Mentor): John Wright

Versatile XI

  1. Shane Watson
  2. Sir Donald Bradman
  3. Kane Williamson (C)
  4. Joe Root
  5. AB De Villiers (WK)
  6. Steve Smith
  7. Dwayne Bravo
  8. Graeme Swann
  9. Brett Lee
  10. Curtly Ambrose
  11. Trent Boult

Cricket Band XI

  1. John Wright (Singer/Songwriter)
  2. Alastair Cook (Saxophone)
  3. Sir Donald Bradman (Piano)
  4. Joe Root (Ukulele)
  5. Richie Richardson (Guitar/Band Manager)
  6. Dwayne Bravo (Music Producer)
  7. Graeme Swann (Lead Singer)
  8. Omari Banks (Singer/Producer/Director)
  9. Henry Olonga (Opera Singer)
  10. Curtly Ambrose (Bass Guitar)
  11. S Sreesanth (Drums)

T20 Franchise XI

  1. Shane Watson
  2. Kane Williamson
  3. Steve Smith
  4. AB De Villiers
  5. Corey Anderson
  6. Azam Khan (WK)
  7. Dwayne Bravo
  8. Graeme Swann
  9. Brett Lee
  10. S Sreesanth
  11. Trent Boult

ODI World Cup XI

  1. John Wright (1992 SF)
  2. Shane Watson (2007/2015)
  3. Kane Williamson (C) (2015/2019 Finals)
  4. Joe Root (2019)
  5. Steve Smith (2015)
  6. AB De Villiers (WK) (2007/ 2015 SF)
  7. Dwayne Bravo
  8. Henry Olonga
  9. Brett Lee (2003)
  10. Curtly Ambrose (1996 SF)
  11. Trent Boult (2015/2019 Finals)
  12. Rubel Hossain (knocked England out 2015)

Test XI

  1. Sir Alastair Cook
  2. Sir Donald Bradman
  3. Kane Williamson
  4. Steve Smith
  5. AB De Villiers
  6. Sanjay Manjrekar
  7. Omari Banks
  8. Graeme Swann
  9. Curtly Ambrose
  10. Trent Boult
  11. S Sreesanth

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 hobbydancing, 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.

  1. Most Beautiful Stadiums in Each of the 12 Countries
  2. South African Cricketers Who Play For Other Countries
  3. Commentators XI
  4. Most Stylish Batsman Of The Modern Era: Which Player Plays Each Shot Best – Tendulkar’s Drive, Ponting’s Pull, Lara…?
  5. Kolpak South African Players Eligible for National Comeback
  6. Best Cricket Fielders in the Modern Generation
  7. 11 Cricketers Who Retired Too Early – The Lost Generation of Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, AB De Villiers, Hashim Amla, and Michael Clarke
  8. Who Are the Most Underrated Cricketers? Create Your Own XI. Here is Mine.
  9. 22 Unlucky Cricketers Wasted Talents: Alex Hales, Fawad Alam, Robin Uthappa, Can You Guess The Rest?
  10. All-Time XI Cricket – World Cup Edition
  11. Cricket All-Time World XI – With a Twist
  12. My Favorite Player from Each Country
  13. List of 42 Players in the West Indian T20I World Cup Squad
  14. 44 Contenders For 23-Men England T20 World Cup Squad
  15. Indian Cricket Team Depth of 75 Players
  16. English Cricket Team Depth of 50 Players

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.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 02/05/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

History of Women’s Cricket World Cup: List of Winners, Hosts, Statistics, Most Runs, Most Wickets

The 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup is right around the corner, and we are here all for it!

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.

Table of Contents

Facts About Women’s Cricket World Cup

Did You Know?

  1. Cricket’s first ODI World Cup was the 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup, not the 1975 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
  2. 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.
  3. In the 1973 World Cup, Jamaica & Trinidad and Tobago played as separate nations, not under West Indies.
  4. Belinda Clark scored 229* in the 1997 World Cup vs Denmark, the highest ODI score across cricket at that time.
  5. 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.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

Also Read:

  1. 20 Years of Mithali Raj And Jhulan Goswami: Eternal Legends for Indian & Women Cricket
  2. Greatest Women’s Cricketers of All Time
  3. What If India had won the 2017 ODI World Cup?
  4. What Can Ellyse Perry Not Do?
  5. Case For 5-Day Tests In Women’s Cricket?
  6. Need For Change in Women’s Cricket: Hoping Against Hope
  7. Controversy Alert: Who Cares About Women’s Cricket Anyway?

Stats

Most Wins

How Many Times Have They Won?Runners-Up
Australia6 (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013)2 (1973, 2000)
England4 (1973, 1993, 2009, 2017)3 (1978, 1982, 1988)
New Zealand1 (2000)3 (1993, 1997, 2009)
India02 (2005, 2017)
West Indies01 (2013)

Most Runs

World CupsMatchesRunsBestAverage50s/100s
Debbie Hockley (New Zealand)1982-2000451501100*42.8810/2
Jan Brittin (England)1982-1997361299138*43.303/4
Charlotte Edwards (England)1997-2013301231173*53.527/4
Belinda Clark
(Australia)
1993-2005311151229*60.576/1
Mithali Raj
(India)
2000-202231*113910954.239/2

*will be playing the 2022 ODI World Cup

Most Wickets

World CupsMatchesWicketsBest Figures4/5
Lyn Fullston
(Australia)
1982-198820395/272/2
Carole Hodges
(England)
1982-199324374/33/0
Clare Taylor
(England)
1988-200525364/132/0
Jhulan Goswami
(India)
2005-200228364/162/0
Cathryn Fitzpatrick
(Australia)
1993-200525333/182/0

Most Dismissals

World CupsMatchesDismissals
(Catches/Stumpings)
Best
Jane Smit
(England)
1993-20052940 (22/18)4 (2/2)
Rebecca Rolls
(New Zealand)
1997-20052232 (24/8)4 (4/0)
Anju Jain
(India)
1993-20052431 (14/17)5 (3/2)

Most Catches

World CupsMatchesCatches
Jan Brittin
(England)
1982-19973619
Jhulan Goswami
(India)
2005-20172816
Lydia Greenway
(England)
2005-20131814

1. 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: England

Winner: England 🥇

Runners Up: Australia 🥈

  • Teams: 7 (England, Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Young England, International XI)
  • Format: Round Robin (6 matches each), 21 matches total
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Enid Bakewell (264) – England
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Rosalind Heggs (12) – Young England

Fun Fact: England were captained by Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who is quoted to be the “WG Grace of women’s cricket.”

Embed from Getty Images

2. 1978 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: India

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: England 🥈

  • Teams: 4 (Australia, England, New Zealand, India)
  • 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.

Embed from Getty Images

4. Shell Bicentennial 1988 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: Australia

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: England 🥈

  • Teams: 5 (Australia, England, New Zealand, Ireland, Netherlands)
  • Format: Double Round Robin + Playoffs (8 matches each), 22 matches total
  • Player of the Tournament: Carole Hodges (England)
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Lindsay Reeler (448) – Australia
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Lyn Fullston (16) – Australia

Fun Fact: Ireland & Netherlands make their cricket world cup debut.

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

5. 1993 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: England

Winner: England

Runners Up: New Zealand

  • Teams: 8 (Australia, England, Australia, India, Ireland, West Indies, Denmark, Netherlands)
  • Format: Round Robin + Playoffs (7 matches each), 29 matches total
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Jan Brittin (416) – England
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Julie Harris (15) – New Zealand, Karen Smithies (England)

Fun Fact: The 1993 WWC was on the verge of being cancelled before a last minute £90,000 donation. Denmark comes into the cricketing market.

Embed from Getty Images

6. Hero Honda 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: India

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: New Zealand🥈

  • Teams: 11 (Australia, England, South Africa, Ireland, Denmark, Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, West Indies)
  • Format: Round Robin (2 groups) + Quarter-Finals + Semi-Finals + Finals, 33 matches totals
  • 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)

Embed from Getty Images

If you like this content on Captain Virat Kohli, please subscribe above for FREE and follow us on our social media accounts.

Follow us here if you are on Medium or Bloglovin‘.

7. CricInfo 2000 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: New Zealand

Winner: New Zealand 🥇

Runners Up: Australia 🥈

  • 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.

Embed from Getty Images

8. 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: South Africa

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: India 🥈

  • 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 Mohammeda clash of generations.

Embed from Getty Images

9. ICC 2009 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: Australia

Winner: England 🥇

Runners Up: New Zealand 🥈

  • Teams: 8 (New Zealand, Australia, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies)
  • Format: 2 Groups + Super Six + Final, 25 matches total
  • Player of the Tournament: Claire Taylor (England)
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Claire Taylor (324) – England
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Laura Marsh (16) – England

ICC Team of the Tournament:

  1. Suzie Bates (NZ), 2. Shelley Nitschke (Aus), 3. Claire Taylor (Eng), 4. Mithali raj (Ind), 5. Charlotte Edwards (C – Eng), 6. Kate Pulford (NZ), 7. Sarah Taylor (WK – Eng), 8. Amita Sharma (Ind), 9. Katherine Brunt (Eng), 10. Priyanka Roy (Ind), 11. Laura Marsh (Eng), 12. Sophie Devine (NZ)

Fun Fact: Ellyse Perry makes her ODI World Cup debut at the age of 18 taking 3/40 in Australia’s first match of the World Cup.

Embed from Getty Images

10. ICC 2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: India

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: West Indies 🥈

  • 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.

Embed from Getty Images

11. ICC 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: England & Wales

Winner: England

Runners Up: India

  • Teams: 8 (Australia, England, New Zealand, West indies, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan)
  • Format: Round Robin + Final
  • Player of the Tournament: Tammy Beaumont (England)
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Tammy Beaumont (410) – England
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Dane van Niekerk (15) – South Africa

ICC Team of the Tournament:

  1. Tammy Beaumont (Eng), 2. Laura Wolvaardt (SA), 3. Mithali Raj (C- Ind), 4. Ellyse Perry, 5. Sarah Taylor (WK – Eng), 6. Harmanpreet Kaur, 7. Deepti Sharma, 8. Marizanne Kapp (SA), 9. Anya Shrubsole (Eng), 10. Alex Hartley (Eng), 12. Natalie Sciver (Eng)

Fun Fact: Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171* in the semi-finals caught Australia. India lit up the tournament only to fall short due to a Shrubsole caused collapse in the final. Game changer for women’s cricket, bringing new fans to the game.

Embed from Getty Images

Sources: ICC History, Cricinfo

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 01/19/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Strongest Team in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup ? All 16 Complete Team Reviews

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.

Table of Contents

1. Australia 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

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…

Australia’s World Cup In a Nutshell

ResultWinners (1st)
Wins/Losses6/1
Best MatchSemi-Finals Vs Pakistan
(Feat Wade’s 3 consecutive sixes to Shaheen Afridi)
Highest Run ScorersDavid Warner (289)
Highest Wicket TakersAdam Zampa (13), Josh Hazlewood (13)
X FactorsMitchell 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 DreamsStarc 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.

New Zealand’s World Cup In a Nutshell

ResultRunners Up (2nd)
Wins/Losses5/2
Best MatchSemi Finals Vs England
Highest Run ScorersKane Williamson (216)
Martin Guptill (208)
Daryl Mitchell (208)
Highest Wicket TakersTrent Boult (13)
X FactorsDaryl Mitchell – the Opener, Neesham – the Finisher, Fielding Unit, Southee Reinvents Himself
Broken DreamsLockie 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.

Pakistan’s World Cup In A Nutshell

ResultSemi-Finalists
Top of Group 2
Wins/Losses5/6
Best MatchBreak WC Jinx Vs India
Asif Ali’s 4 Sixes Crushes Afghan Spirits
Highest Run ScorersBabar Azam (303)
Mohammad Rizwan (281)
Highest Wicket TakersShadab Khan (9)
Haris Rauf (8)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (7)
X FactorsHaris Rauf’s death bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Powerplay, Imad Wasim-Shadab Khan’s miserly spells, Babar-Rizwan partnerhship, Malik-Asif Finishing
Broken DreamsHasan 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.

England’s World Cup In A Nutshell

ResultSemi-Finalists
Top of Group 1
Wins/Losses4/6
Best MatchDestroying the West Indies for 55
Semi-Finalist Vs NZ (Loss)
Highest Run ScorersJos Buttler (269)
Highest Wicket TakersAdil Rashid (9)
Moeen Ali, Tymal Mills, Chris Woakes (7)
Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan (6)
X FactorsTymal Mills’ death bowling, Moeen Ali’s all-round show; The Beast that is Buttler
Broken DreamsFavorites 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.

South Africa’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result3rd in Group 1
Wins/Losses4/5
Best MatchDefeat Tournament Favorites England
Highest Run ScorersRassie van der Dussen (177)
Aiden Markram (162)
Highest Wicket TakersAnrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius (9)
Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada (8)
X FactorsNortje-Shamsi brilliant with the ball, Markram-van der Dussen brilliant with the bat, The Return of Killer Miller, and Temba Bavuma’s captaincy
Broken DreamsQuinton 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.

Sri Lanka’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result4th in Group 1
1st in Group A
Wins/Losses5/3 (Overall)
2/3 (Super 12s)
Best MatchChase 172 Vs Bangladesh Against All Odds
Highest Run ScorersCharith Asalanka (231)
Pathum Nissanka (221)
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (155)
Highest Wicket TakersWanindu Hasaranga (16)
Mahesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara (8)
X FactorsWanindu Hasaranga’s All-Round Show, Lahiru Kumara’s aggression, Nissanka-Asalanka-Rajapaksa form core for the future
Broken DreamsLose 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.

India’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result3rd in Group 2
Wins/Losses3/2
Best MatchChase 89 Vs Scotland In 7.3 Overs
Highest Run ScorersKL Rahul (194)
Rohit Sharma (174)
Highest Wicket TakersJasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja (7)
Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami (6)
X FactorsR Ashwin’s economical middle overs; Rahul-Sharma opening partnership (when they played with freedom)
Broken DreamsIndia 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.

Afghanistan’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result4th In Group 2
Wins/Losses2/3
Best MatchCrush Scotland By 130 Runs
Highest Run ScorersNajibullah Zadran (172)
Mohammad Nabi (127)
Highest Wicket TakersRashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (8)
X FactorsMystery Spinners; Nabi-Najibullah late order hitting; Zazai-Shahzad provide some good starts
Broken DreamsDid 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.

Namibia’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result5th in Group 2
2nd in Group A
Wins/Losses3/5 (Overall)
1/4 (Super 12s)
Best MatchDefeat Full Member Ireland
Win First Super 12 Match (Vs Scotland)
Highest Run ScorersDavid Wiese (227)
Gerhard Erasmus (151)
Highest Wicket TakersJan Frylinck (9)
David Wiese (6)
Ruben Trumpelmann (6)
X FactorsLower Middle Order
Trumpelmann’s Opening Spells
Broken DreamsNone 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.

Scotland’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result6th in Group 2
1st in Group A
Wins/Losses3/5 (Overall)
0/5 (Super 12s)
Best MatchStun Bangladesh (Feat Chris Greaves)
Highest Run ScorersRichie Berrington (177)
George Munsey (152)
Matthew Cross (135)
Michael Leask (130)
Highest Wicket TakersJosh Davey (9)
Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal (8)
Mark Watt (7)
Chris Greaves (6)
X FactorsWatt’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 DreamsKyle 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.

West Indies’ World Cup In A Nutshell

Result5th In Group 1
Wins/Losses1/4
Best MatchWins a Low Scoring Thriller Vs Bangladesh
Highest Run ScorersShimron Hetmyer (127)
Highest Wicket TakersAkeal Hosein (5)
X FactorsAkeal Hosein’s Opening spells & fielding; Pooran-Hetmyer
Holder’s comeback
Broken Dreams55 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.

Bangladesh’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result6th in Group 1
2nd in Group B
Wins/Losses2/6 (Overall)
0/5 (Super 12s)
Best MatchBangladesh Survive Oman Scare
Highest Run ScorersMohammad Naim (174)
Mahmudullah (169)
Highest Wicket TakersShakib Al Hasan (11)
Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman (8)
X FactorsTaskin Ahmed’s Energy
Mahedi Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan in the early stages
Broken DreamsMahmudullah’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.

Captain Zeeshan Maqsood’s 3 wicket over, Jainder Singh-Aqib Ilyas’ opening partnership, Singh’s celebrations, and Bilal Khan’s pinpoint yorkers marked Oman’s tournament.

Oman’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result3rd in Group B
Wins/Losses1/2
Best MatchZeeshan Maqsood, Oman’s openers crush rusty PNG
Highest Run ScorersJatinder Singh (113)
Aqib Ilyas (93)
Highest Wicket TakersBilal Khan, Zeeshan Mazsood (5)
Kaleemullah, Fayyab Butt (4)
X FactorsJatinder Singh-Aqib Ilyas Opening Partnership
Broken DreamsHad 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.

Ireland’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result3rd in Group A
Wins/Losses1/2
Best MatchCurtis Campher, Mark Adair Destroy Netherlands
Highest Run ScorersPaul Stirling (75)
Highest Wicket TakersCurtis Campher (6)
Josh Little, Mark Adair (5)
X FactorsCurtis Campher, The Double Hat-trick Man (or 4-in-4?)
Broken DreamsFull 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.

Papua New Guinea’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result4th in Group B
Wins/Losses0/3
Best MatchScotland Vs Papua New Guinea
Highest Run ScorersAssad Vala (80)
Kiplin Doriga (64)
Highest Wicket TakersKabua Morea (6)
X FactorsCharles Amini-Assad Vala show the flair in their side
Brilliant diving catches and disciplined fielding throughout
Broken DreamsGo 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

Result4th in Group A
Wins/Losses0/3
Best MatchNone
Highest Run ScorersMax O’Dowd (123)
Highest Wicket TakersPieter Seelar, Fred Klaassen, Brandon Glover (2)
X FactorsMax O’Dowd continues his good form
Broken DreamsThe 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.

If you like this content, please subscribe above for FREE and follow us on our social media accounts.

Follow us here if you are on Medium or Bloglovin‘.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 11/21/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Australia Vs West Indies – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #38 Quick Review!

Australia Vs West Indies Quick Review – DJ Bravo (and most likely, Chris Gayle) retires from international cricket in a Warner-induced loss.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: Australia Vs West Indies Video Highlights

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

Also Read: 200th Article Special: 5 Things I have Learned From My Journey of Cricket Writing

T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals

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!

  • Babar Azam – 264 runs (Pakistan, 5 Matches)
  • Wanindu Hasaranga – 16 wickets (Sri Lanka, 8 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod 8 catches (Scotland, 7 Matches)
  • Matthew Wade – 8 dismissals (Australia, 5 Matches)

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England54108+ 2.464
2. Australia54108+ 1.216
3. South Africa54108+ 0.739
4. Sri Lanka52304– 0.269
5. West Indies51402– 1.641
6. Bangladesh50500– 2.383
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan550010+ 1.583
2. New Zealand54108+ 1.162
3. India42204+ 1.619
4. Afghanistan52304+ 1.053
5. Namibia41302– 1.851
6. Scotland50500– 3.543
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:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 11/07/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » West Indies

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 – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #23 Quick Review! Both Teams Were So Bad That At The End, It Was Actually Good

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.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: West Indies Vs Bangladesh Video Highlights

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 142/7Bangladesh 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

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England22004+ 3.614
2. Australia22004+ 0.727
3. South Africa21102+ 0.179
4. Sri Lanka21102– 0.416
5. West Indies31202– 1.598
6. Bangladesh30300– 1.069
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan33006+ 0.638
2. Afghanistan21102+ 3.092
3. Namibia10102+ 0.550
4. New Zealand10100– 0.532
5. India10100– 0.973
6. Scotland20002– 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:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 10/29/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » West Indies

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 – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #18 Quick Review! SA Win Despite Quinton de Kock Controversy

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.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: West Indies Vs South Africa Video Highlights

Toss: South Africa won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE

Umpires: Aleem Dar & Paul Reiffel

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: South Africa won by 8 wickets
  • Scores: India 151/7Pakistan 152/0
  • Player of the Match: Anrich Nortje 1/14
  • Best Figures
    • Dwaine Pretorious (2-0-17-3), Anrich Nortje (4-0-14-1)
    • Akeal Hosein (4-0-27-1)
  • Most Runs
    • Evin Lewis 56 (35)
    • 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.

Also Read: 44 Contenders For 23-Men England T20 World Cup Squad: Who’s In, Who Misses Out?

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.

Here is a link to Faf-ABD’s career that dives into ‘the match that broke South Africa.’ Also check out Jarrod Kimber’s video summarizing the history and connections with QDK today.

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.

II. QDK Reacts on CSA Mandate

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.

III. The Statement

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.”

– Quinton de Kock

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!

  • 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

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England22004+ 3.614
2. Sri Lanka11002+ 0.583
3. Australia11002+ 0.253
4. South Africa21102+ 0.179
5. Bangladesh20200– 1.655
6. West Indies20200– 2.550
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan22004+ 0.738
2. Afghanistan11002+ 6.500
3. Namibia10102+ 0.550
4. New Zealand10100– 0.532
5. India10100– 0.973
6. Scotland20002– 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:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 10/28/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » West Indies

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 England – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #14 Quick Review! Defending Champions Capitulate for 55

West Indies Vs England Quick Review – An underwhelming short contest that was built up as the rewind of the 2016 World T20 finals.

West Indies decimated by England. In other words, they self-exploded.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: West Indies Vs England Video Highlights

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 55/10England 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.

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran, A Story of Pain, Hope, & Inspiration: The Next Big Thing of West Indies & World Cricket

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!

  • Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
  • Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod, Jatinder Singh (Scotland/Oman, 3 Matches) – 5 catches
  • Nurul Hasan (Bangladesh) – 5 dismissals

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England11002+ 3.970
2. Sri Lanka11002+ 0.583
3. Australia11002+ 0.253
4. South Africa10100– 0.253
5. Bangladesh10100– 0.583
6. West Indies10100– 3.970
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 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:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 10/26/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » West Indies

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

T20 World Cup Predictions: Winner, Top 4, Best Associates, MVP, Most Runs & Wickets, Surprises,…Can You Guess It All?

Welcome to T20 World Cup Predictions 😊

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.

Groups:

My IPL Predictions

Here are my predictions. Old World Cups photos and everyone’s predictions & analysis are stated below for comparison.

T20 World Cup 2021 Predictions

Chapter I: India Hold The Edge?

  1. Veer 🏏 (@CricCrazyVeer)
  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, NZ, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Ire/Neth
  • #PlayerofWC: Jadeja
  • #MostRuns: Rizwan
  • #MostWickets: Shamsi
  • #BestCatch: Fabian Allen
  • #Surprise: Scotland, Afghanistan
  • #BrokenDream: Hafeez retires

2. Mohd Shamir Ansari (@ShamirMohd)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Ind, WI, Eng, NZ
  • #BestAssociates: Oman
  • #PlayerofWC: Jadeja
  • #MostRuns: Rohit Sharma
  • #MostWickets: Ish Sodhi
  • #BestCatch: Glenn Maxwell
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan
  • #BrokenDream: Gayle and Bravo retire.

3. Sourabh Sanyal -Mask & Vaccination (💉x😷) is must (@sourabhsanyal)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, Pak, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland
  • #PlayerofWC: Boom (Bumrah)
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Starc
  • #BestCatch: Jaddu/Kohhli
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan
  • #BrokenDream: Bangladesh
Embed from Getty Images

Chapter 2: Is This World Cup Too Close To Call?

4. Anand Abhirup // 🤩⚔️ ︎ (@AnandHR_Odia)

  • #Winner: West Indies
  • #Top4: Ind, WI, Aus, NZ
  • #BestAssociates: Afghanistan
  • #PlayerofWC: KL Rahul
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Varun Chakravarthy
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan

5.Sourabh Negi (@im_sourabh_Negi)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Ind, WI, Aus, NZ
  • #BestAssociates: Afghanistan
  • #PlayerofWC: KL Rahul
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: S Thakur/ Rashid Khan
  • #BestCatch: Fabian Allen/Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan

6. Paras (@ParasGirdhar22)

  • #Winner: Hard to Say
  • #Top4: Ind, Pak/NZ, Aus/Eng, WI
  • #MostRuns: Rohit
  • #MostWickets: Starc
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Same (as mine)
Embed from Getty Images

Chapter 3: Can England Or WI Extend Their Limited Overs Dominance?

7. Deepak Kumar Panda (@Deepsdkp)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, Pak, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Netherlands
  • #PlayerofWC: Rahul/jadeja
  • #MostRuns: Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Tymal Mills
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan
  • #BrokenDream: Bravo and Gayle retire

8.Kickit Wicket (@KickitWicket)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: NZ, WI, Aus, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Netherlands
  • #PlayerofWC: Jadeja
  • #MostRuns: Maxwell
  • #MostWickets: Shamsi
  • #BestCatch: Williamson
  • #Surprise: NZ
  • #BrokenDream: Morgan duck in final innings

9.𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙮𝙪𝙨𝙝 (@ps26_11)

  • #Winner: England
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, NZ, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Netherlands
  • #PlayerofWC: Maxwell
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Nortje
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan/Scotland
  • #BrokenDream: Malik/Morgan retire
Embed from Getty Images

Chapter 4: Virat Kohli Vs Babar Azam Vs Kane Williamson Vs KL Rahul For Most Runs?

10. Wisdom

  • #Winner: Pakistan
  • #Top4: Aus, Eng, Pak, NZ
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland, Ireland
  • #PlayerofWC: Babar Azam
  • #MostRuns: Babar Azam
  • #MostWickets: Southee
  • #BestCatch: Fabian Allen
  • #Surprise: Fabian Allen
  • #BrokenDream: Virat Kohli

11. Chalupa

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Aus, NZ, WI, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland
  • #PlayerofWC: Kane Williamson
  • #MostRuns: Virat Kohli
  • #MostWickets: Bumrah
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Scotland
  • #BrokenDream: Pakistan

12. Wow

  • #Winner: NZ
  • #Top4: NZ, WI, Ban, Afg
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland
  • #PlayerofWC: Rashid Khan
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Shardul Thakur
  • #BestCatch: Glenn Maxwell
  • #Surprise: India win
  • #BrokenDream: NZ out

13. Vandit

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Ind, Pak, Eng, WI
  • #BestAssociates: Netherlands
  • #PlayerofWC: KL Rahul
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Adil Rashid
  • #BestCatch: Shimron Hetmyer
  • #Surprise: R Ashwin
  • #BrokenDream: Sri Lanka or Bangladesh might not make it to the Super 12s

14. Short Leg Cricket

  • #Winner: Pakistan
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, Pak, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland
  • #PlayerofWC: Maxi
  • #MostRuns: Babar
  • #MostWickets: Rabada
  • #BestCatch: Jordan
  • #Surprise: NZ
  • #BrokenDream: Virat Kohli

15. Harrison

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Ind, Eng, Pak, WI
  • #BestAssociates: Ireland
  • #PlayerofWC: KL Rahul
  • #MostRuns: Glenn Maxwell
  • #MostWickets: Adil Rashid
  • #BestCatch: Fabian Allen
  • #Surprise: Bangladesh
  • #BrokenDream: England & being double white ball champions
Embed from Getty Images

Discussions I

16. CRICKET 2021 (@INDIA21653180)

  • #Top4: Ind,WI, Eng, NZ (without a doubt)
  • #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.”
    1. Rohit-Rahul/Babar-Rizwan most settled opening pair
    2. Moeen Ali/Kohli best at 3
    3. Conway/Phillips best at 4/5
    4. Pant/Hardik/Jadeja for late order hitting.”
    5. Rashid Khan/Nabi/Mujeeb/Varun/Chahar/Jadeja – Spinners
    6. Nortje/Boult/Shaheen/Bhuvi – Powerplay Bowler
    7. Bumrah – Death Bowler
    8. Mawell/Surya/Inglis – 360 or unorthodox
    9. Pooran/Hetmyer/Pollard/Russel/Allen/DJ Bravo – Power hitters
Embed from Getty Images

T20 World Cup Prediction Quotes

“If India want to win India’s top three form is very crucial.”

Sourabh

“Yes surely looking at great spin condition in UAE. [Sodhi] is definitely going to have a good impact in this WC for NZ…”

Mohd Shamir Ansari

“Seeing how the pitches played out in most games in IPL, expect Tymal’s variations to come in handy.”

Deepak Kumar Panda

“The problem with NZ might be the UAE conditions. Guptill couldn’t bat UAE conditions in the second leg of PSL.”

Asad Ali

“Namibia or PNG may qualify for the main draw. Afghanistan may eliminate one of the Asian teams and reach semis. It can be an #IndvNZ final.”

The Falling Sweep

“With Faf, Morris, & Tahir not in team, it is a huge task for SA.”

Bhagyesh Joshi