Who Are The Cricketing All-Time Heroes?
There have been many, many great cricketers over the 100 plus years of Test cricket history. Determining the greatest ever is never a simple challenge. But we met the challenge and here is our list of the best cricketers of all time.
Kevin O’Brien
Throughout the 2011 Cricket World Cup in India, Kevin O’Brien alone destroyed England when they took on Ireland in their Group B match. His 113 off 63 led Ireland to a remarkable three-wicket win as they chased down 328 runs. Ireland won just one other match (against the Netherlands), however O’Brien earned himself cult status with his knock.
Andrew Flintoff
Andrew Flintoff (or better known as Freddy Flintoff) is best known for his heroics in the 2005 Ashes series which saw England win the Ashes for the first time since the 1986/87 season, beating an Australian team who entered as the best in the world.
A fast bowler who is more than capable of bowling in excess of 140 kilometres per hour, Flintoff took 226 wickets at an average rate of 32.78. In addition, he was a fast-scoring batsman capable of some respectable performances, averaging 31.07, including five centuries as well as 26 half-centuries.
However the statistics don’t best demonstrate the contribution Flintoff which made to his team. If you’re not convinced about his greatness, just look at his influence in England’s Ashes winning teams of 2005 and 2009. He would also contribute with both the bat and ball in these performances, ensuring his spot amongst the great all-rounders of all time.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh was a secret weapon for India in his glory days. He began his career by scoring an 80-ball 84 against the powerful Australians. Even though he has had his ups and downs in his career, Singh did well for India in its winning campaigns in the 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup.
In the 2007 World T20, Singh hit six sixes in an over against Stuart Broad and took a 12-ball fifty, the fastest fifty in T20Is. He played one more gem of a knock against Australia by scoring 70 off just 30 balls, as well as five sixes.
In the 2011 World Cup, Singh battled cancer and became the player of the tournament for his all-round display. He scored 362 runs at an average rate of 90.50 and scored 15 wickets at an average of 25.13.
Don Bradman
Also called the Great Don, Bradman finished with an average that has become the most well-known sports record and is as incredible as a Canadian online slots jackpot win. Bradman’s force made him a benchmark in the world of cricket, with every other great batsman being measured against this charming Australian. By surpassing the game that he played, Bradman attained the pinnacles in the world of sports with his superhuman stats, stamping himself as the personification of human success.
Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya transfigured the game of cricket during the 1996 World Cup. His pickup shots over mid-wicket and ripping through the covers reshaped the manual of batting. Sri Lanka won the tournament, with Jayasuriya scoring 221 runs in six matches.