The game has had so many players that are defined as great,but not all great players are renowned for their entertainment value.
Though here are a few that I saw or seeing im an old timer heard that really entertained me
Frank Tyson and Fred Trueman (England)
Frank Tyson was like a lightning bolt in terms of speed and had every cricket fan sitting at the edge of their seat on witnessing him.In the 1954/55 series to Australia he announced his greatness by putting the fear of God into the Aussies.Duly ripping them to absolute ribbons.
The ill advised move by the MCG curator to water the pitch before a days play certainly put a spring in Tyson's step and he duly took 7/27
In the process gaining him the moniker of 'Typhoon' Tyson for his speed and stories there after of how fast he was.....
Many respected cricket pundits including Richie Benaud cited Tyson as the fastest ever and then Frank brought into it in commentary claiming he bowled at 190ks...............
Then after Tyson's untimely early retirement Fred Trueman took the mantle of spear head and firey fast bowler for England.Not only with Tysons express pace,but a truly lethal outswinger that had all the fans applauding.
A holder of the wickets record tally till overtaken by Lance Gibbs
Both in retirement adding to their entertainment value by being iconic commentators
The Indian 4
Its makes this sound like a gang this title but its in reference to the great Indian spin quartet of the late 60's onwards of Bishen Bedi Singh,Erapili Prasana,Venkataraghavan and Bhagwat Chandrasehkhar
All had their on unique style and appeal...
From the traditional beauty of Erapili Prasana's flight and guile in his off spin
Matched by the same genius flight and mastery of deception in Bishen Bedi's left arm Orthodox
Then Chandra unorthodox and often deadly Leg spin
Capped by Venkat's very refined Off spin
For their audience they were such showmen in a time when spin was bowled in a traditional sense.Not the shameful flat darts bowled backed by ultra defensive mindsets
Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee(Australia)
'I liked taking wickets...but I more enjoyed seeing blood spilt on the pitch....'
That saying from Thomson became part of cricket folklore and indeed at the time had people aghast at his blood thirtyness.
Though that was Thommo,who was not only express pace,but the King of intimidation who loved to hear the whack of cricket ball leather on batsmens flesh
He was truly frightening too with his pace and his imfamous sandshow crushing yorker that indeed broke the feet of a few batsmen
Then chiefly responsible for ending England's David Lloyd's career with his brutal pace and the trauma he put Lloyd through in 74/5. Infamously hitting Lloyd in the 'man region' and the force was that great it turned the box inside out!
Then just as firey and fearsome was Dennis Lillee and with added skill from Thommo.So was not only deadly with his pace,but then more threatening with his skill
Arguably the best new ball duo in the games history and definitely a fans favourite
Viv Richards (West Indies)
How can you truly put the 'Master Blaster' Viv Richards into words?
In truth to fully explain how memorable he truly was in an entertainment sense you can't ever do him justice......
Everything about him reaked of charisma and had everyone in awe of him from his swagger to the crease always donning cap and never helmut and chewing his gum incessantly...
Then when he batted............Where do you start?
Well to begin with few had his skill with the willow in hand as the 'Grovel Series' in England in 1976 where he announced himself to super stardom showed
After that we all knew of his genius,but his play was extraordinary.He always went out with the intent to brutalise the bowlers and when he was on no bowler could contain him....
As shown in the fastest ever test century by him scored off just 56 balls
Aside from test cricket he was arguably the man who popularised Limited overs Cricket with his brutal play.
His epic and brutal 138 in the 1979 World Cup Final was the stuff of legend
Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri lanka)
This diminutive Sri Lankan opener truly revolutionised the way openers played in the Odi game after it had been tried by others such as Mark Greatbach and Kris Srikanth previously.
In the process becoming one of the most devastating and destructive players in the Limited overs game.
He truly brutalised attacks with his onslaughts that was a key behind Sri Lanka winning the 96 World Cup
Especially his off side play that was truly breath taking at time by how truly devastating it was
His genius in the art of devastation was seen against India in the 96 World Cup
Kapil Dev (India)
This great Indian was in truth an anything man on a cricket field meaning he could bat,bowl and indeed great in the field too.
Though we all basked in his all round play it was his batting that had everyone hanging of his every move
For he could hit a cricket ball like few others making him one of the biggest hitters in the games history
Just ask England's Eddie Hemmings as you see below!
Abdul Qadir (Pakistan)
When Imran Khan plucked this young leg spinner from obscurity in the late 70's it went against the trend of the time.Where every one wanted to follow the West Indies lead of 4 fast bowlers.
Though this turned out to be truly inspired with Qadir becoming one of the great bowling threats in his career with his very refined and traditional leg spin.
Everything about him was entertainment from his bouncey charismatic run up to his swag full of bowling variation.
Then his googly was truly one of the most lethal deliveries in the 80's
To underline his greatness he not only is chiefly responsible for reintroducing leg spin into the modern game,but was one of the few who had the great West Indies under duress
John Snow (England)
This tear away fast bowler was the epitome of the saying genius verging on madness
No one doubted that he was an exceptional fast bowler as seen in his exploits in the Caribbean in 68 and in Australia in 71.
Though part of the entertainment value of Snow was his propensity for the wild side. Whether it be bumping over men half his size in Sunil Gavaskar or bowling bouncers at his Vice Captain in Pakistan or trying to behead Aussie tailenders and duly endearing himself to the Aussie locals
He was true entertainment and often blood curdling as seen below!
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
In the modern age where everything is flash without much substance Afridi is the poster child
For in the shorter forms of the game there are few who captivate the World wide audience as much as this Pakistani...
He just oozes appeal whether it be his huge hitting...his useful and on occasion deadly leg spin..and his Imran Khan like charisma to make people follow him.
Plus the ladies love him for his looks!
Enjoy some of his swash buckling play though!
Ian Botham (England)
A list of cricket entertainers without Bothams name is like a car without petrol......
He just had the cricket World and its fans and indeed the Cricket Tabloids hanging off his every move in his career
Though as a player whether it be with his thoughtful and very pentrative bowling,his destructive batting or his exceptional slips fielding he was always in the game with everyones eyes on him
Most fans loved his brutal hitting the most though-so here's a Botham treat with a bit of everything that made him great
Chris Cairns (New Zealand)
This New Zealand all rounder was a very decent medium pace bowler.Though as a batsman he was truly a brutal stroke player and not short of skill either
He took on the best and won in particular against the great Aussie bowling duo of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath
His hitting had spectator hanging off his every move
Garfield Sobers (West Indies)
For his all round brilliance on a cricket field its hard to top this great West Indian all rounder
As a batsman he arguably had few better than him in the game aside from Don Bradman
Then with his mixture of medium fast and spin he was good enough to be in the side on that alone
Oh yes one of the best in close fieldsmen of all time
Plus a great man and true keeper of the traditions and honour of the game
One of the greatest entertainers the games seen
Graeme Pollock (South Africa)
Ive watched the game from the 1950's and often try to split which batsmen is the best ive seen.And often amongst my procrastination I usually settle on this great South African
He had it all and it was one of the greatest tragedies that his career was blighted by the evil of apartheid in the respect that during his playing time only Australian,English and New Zealand audiences could see him.Then the ban in 1970 robbing everyone of his genius
But from a purist point of view you can't top viewing Pollock bat.He was in essence attacking perfection
Adam Gilchrist (Australia)
Everyone loves this great Australian wicket keeper/batsman.For he was not only an exceptional player,but a damn fine fellow.
Though in terms of entertainers few had people standing and applauding like Gilly in the wake of his devastation with the willow in hand
David Gower (England)
To watch Gower bat it was like a combination of sublime artistry with sincere genius....He truly had you captivated with his play.That was so effortless and always supremely elegant
VVS Laxman (India)
To me this guy is a modern day genius that I would choose over anyone else to watch.
He is not only a spectacular player to watch but he has that true grit and ice in his veins in a crisis.Few players have that and when they do it is truly a mark of greatness.Im biased and an unashamed purist and in every sense he is a purists pin up boy.In the sense that he never hits the ball in the air and his game is about precision footwork and placement that is of the highest calibre.
One of the modern era's greatest entertainers
Jonty Rhodes (South Africa)
Very decent batsman,but people used to come to watch Jonty in the field!
Imran Khan (Pakistan)
The 70's and 80's was about the great all rounders and arguably Imran was the one lauded the most.As a bowler he had pace and skill and his early years a lovely bit of fire.Then as a batsman he was technically gifted enough to bat in the top 4.Then he had the charisma with the good looks and intelligence to compliment it.Also a great leader that left such a legacy not only to his Nation of Pakistan,but indeed the game itself with things like reverse swing
Though as a player he captivated millions with his brilliance
Alan Knott (England)
For his genius glove work you can't top Englands Knott,who was arguably the best pure gloveman in the games history.Though he was such an entertainer with his aerobic stretches and Yoga moves and then his facial expressions...
Then his unorthodox and damn effective batting you just were entertained by his fight!
The Pakistani 'W's'
Wasim Akram and Waqar Younnis............
Arguably the deadliest new ball bowling duo the games seen?
Probably and most definately this duo was one of the most skilled combining their searing pace with their incredible swing.Both traditional and reverse they were genius at it
In the process entertaining the multitude of fans who love pace combined with skill
Sachin Tendulkar (India)
How can you forget the little Master,who has captivated the cricketing public for over 20 years now.Transforming from a free flowing attack minded batsman in his early years.Then beset by a potentially career ending injury to comeback and be renowned for his sustained excellence.Aguably getting better with age.
His records will probably never be broken and his name will be passed on from generation to generation exalting his exploits
Shane Warne (Australia)
Like him or loathe him you can't deny that when Warne bowled people tuned in to watch
He was just the true genius of a leg spin bowler and his aura was almost impossible to put into words.In a sense he had batsmen beaten before they even faced him by the spectre he had in their minds
Ever since that ball that announced him to super stardom against Mike Gatting
Though he had a swag full of tricks with arguably his flipper as the deadliest weapon.Then he had a fast bowlers aggression to compliment his mastery
Brian Lara (West Indies)
To watch Lara in full flight was to see bowlers being devastated on a level rarely seen.He had it all the shots,the technique and crucially the placement.You could have 7 on the off and he's still dissect them with surgical precision.Plus when he was in the mood he had grit and determination to go with his obvious genius.Culminating in some of the most breath taking winning efforts seen
The Windies Pace Quartet
This had a few different members of the famous pace line up of the 70's and 80's,but the main stars were Michael Holding,Joel Garner,Andy Roberts and Malcolm Marshall.
All truly lethal................!
Starting with Holding he was searing pace delivered from a run up and delivery action that was truly a thing of beauty
The the aptly named 'Big Bird' Joel Garner and his 6'8 of unnerving accuracy,rearing bounce and a lethal yorker
Andy Roberts was one of the deadliest bowlers going around.Truly lethal especially with his two bouncers.The first being a set up ball for the batsmen to hammer and then the 2nd often put the batsmen in hospital for it was about 15ks quicker
Then Malcolm Marshall was arguably the greatest fast bowler in the history of the game with his pace and skill with swing and seam
Here is a taste of Holdings fury
Allan Donald (South Africa)
It isn't just about the express of this great South African that everyone loved.It was everything about the man known as 'White Lightning'
Especially his run up and intimidating leap on delivery and then his eyes.......
There were seriously a cold blooded look in them
In an age where intimidation for a large part has gone out of the game due to pitches and helmuts.
He seriously was one intimidating bowler!
Curtly Ambrose (West Indies)
This big Antiguan was the King of cool with his way and his mannerisms
Never giving an interview and and rarely if ever talking
But he let his actions on the field do the talking and my word did batsmen hear!
He was truly a wrecking ball with his rearing bounce and the fact that he made the ball talk so much off the pitch...
3 Sri Lankan Batting Maestro's
The Sri Lankan trio of Aravinda de Silva,Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene......
You couldn't have three players of such class and style.
Firstly Aravinder who was arguably Sri Lanka's first great batsman and chiefly responsible through his epic hundred in the World Cup Final of 96 for Sri Lanka's ultimate victory
Then Sangakkara,every year churns out the runs at a prolific rate and is such an all round player against all types of bowling with such beautiful strokeplay
Lastly Mahela,the artist of the trio with such exquisite elegance to go with his obvious class.Recently seen in scoring one of the epic World Cup Final centuries
All greats of Sri Lankan's and icons of the game
Dale Steyn (South Africa)
In a time where batsmen are hugely favoured due to pitches and equipment and other factors.This great South African stands tall.He has it all in terms of pace,skill and cricket smarts and barring injury will go down as an all time great.
His tussle with the great Indian batsmen recently in two series were the stuff of legend with the latter series in South Africa having some epic clashes in it.In particular between him and Tendulkar
Muttiah Muralidaran
This genius off spin bowler with the rubber like wrists could spin a ball off glass.And when the conditions suited he spun the ball in a prodigious manner.Though aside from this his variations were truly lethal including the Doosra for which he was a master at.
Holds the Tests wickets record with 800 and entertained millions royally throughout his career
Though here are a few that I saw or seeing im an old timer heard that really entertained me
Frank Tyson and Fred Trueman (England)
Frank Tyson was like a lightning bolt in terms of speed and had every cricket fan sitting at the edge of their seat on witnessing him.In the 1954/55 series to Australia he announced his greatness by putting the fear of God into the Aussies.Duly ripping them to absolute ribbons.
The ill advised move by the MCG curator to water the pitch before a days play certainly put a spring in Tyson's step and he duly took 7/27
In the process gaining him the moniker of 'Typhoon' Tyson for his speed and stories there after of how fast he was.....
Then after Tyson's untimely early retirement Fred Trueman took the mantle of spear head and firey fast bowler for England.Not only with Tysons express pace,but a truly lethal outswinger that had all the fans applauding.
Both in retirement adding to their entertainment value by being iconic commentators
The Indian 4
All had their on unique style and appeal...
From the traditional beauty of Erapili Prasana's flight and guile in his off spin
Matched by the same genius flight and mastery of deception in Bishen Bedi's left arm Orthodox
Then Chandra unorthodox and often deadly Leg spin
Capped by Venkat's very refined Off spin
For their audience they were such showmen in a time when spin was bowled in a traditional sense.Not the shameful flat darts bowled backed by ultra defensive mindsets
Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee(Australia)
'I liked taking wickets...but I more enjoyed seeing blood spilt on the pitch....'
That saying from Thomson became part of cricket folklore and indeed at the time had people aghast at his blood thirtyness.
Though that was Thommo,who was not only express pace,but the King of intimidation who loved to hear the whack of cricket ball leather on batsmens flesh
He was truly frightening too with his pace and his imfamous sandshow crushing yorker that indeed broke the feet of a few batsmen
Then chiefly responsible for ending England's David Lloyd's career with his brutal pace and the trauma he put Lloyd through in 74/5. Infamously hitting Lloyd in the 'man region' and the force was that great it turned the box inside out!
Then just as firey and fearsome was Dennis Lillee and with added skill from Thommo.So was not only deadly with his pace,but then more threatening with his skill
Arguably the best new ball duo in the games history and definitely a fans favourite
How can you truly put the 'Master Blaster' Viv Richards into words?
In truth to fully explain how memorable he truly was in an entertainment sense you can't ever do him justice......
Everything about him reaked of charisma and had everyone in awe of him from his swagger to the crease always donning cap and never helmut and chewing his gum incessantly...
Then when he batted............Where do you start?
Well to begin with few had his skill with the willow in hand as the 'Grovel Series' in England in 1976 where he announced himself to super stardom showed
After that we all knew of his genius,but his play was extraordinary.He always went out with the intent to brutalise the bowlers and when he was on no bowler could contain him....
As shown in the fastest ever test century by him scored off just 56 balls
His epic and brutal 138 in the 1979 World Cup Final was the stuff of legend
This diminutive Sri Lankan opener truly revolutionised the way openers played in the Odi game after it had been tried by others such as Mark Greatbach and Kris Srikanth previously.
In the process becoming one of the most devastating and destructive players in the Limited overs game.
He truly brutalised attacks with his onslaughts that was a key behind Sri Lanka winning the 96 World Cup
Especially his off side play that was truly breath taking at time by how truly devastating it was
His genius in the art of devastation was seen against India in the 96 World Cup
This great Indian was in truth an anything man on a cricket field meaning he could bat,bowl and indeed great in the field too.
Though we all basked in his all round play it was his batting that had everyone hanging of his every move
For he could hit a cricket ball like few others making him one of the biggest hitters in the games history
Just ask England's Eddie Hemmings as you see below!
When Imran Khan plucked this young leg spinner from obscurity in the late 70's it went against the trend of the time.Where every one wanted to follow the West Indies lead of 4 fast bowlers.
Though this turned out to be truly inspired with Qadir becoming one of the great bowling threats in his career with his very refined and traditional leg spin.
Everything about him was entertainment from his bouncey charismatic run up to his swag full of bowling variation.
Then his googly was truly one of the most lethal deliveries in the 80's
To underline his greatness he not only is chiefly responsible for reintroducing leg spin into the modern game,but was one of the few who had the great West Indies under duress
This tear away fast bowler was the epitome of the saying genius verging on madness
No one doubted that he was an exceptional fast bowler as seen in his exploits in the Caribbean in 68 and in Australia in 71.
Though part of the entertainment value of Snow was his propensity for the wild side. Whether it be bumping over men half his size in Sunil Gavaskar or bowling bouncers at his Vice Captain in Pakistan or trying to behead Aussie tailenders and duly endearing himself to the Aussie locals
He was true entertainment and often blood curdling as seen below!
In the modern age where everything is flash without much substance Afridi is the poster child
For in the shorter forms of the game there are few who captivate the World wide audience as much as this Pakistani...
He just oozes appeal whether it be his huge hitting...his useful and on occasion deadly leg spin..and his Imran Khan like charisma to make people follow him.
Plus the ladies love him for his looks!
Enjoy some of his swash buckling play though!
A list of cricket entertainers without Bothams name is like a car without petrol......
He just had the cricket World and its fans and indeed the Cricket Tabloids hanging off his every move in his career
Though as a player whether it be with his thoughtful and very pentrative bowling,his destructive batting or his exceptional slips fielding he was always in the game with everyones eyes on him
Most fans loved his brutal hitting the most though-so here's a Botham treat with a bit of everything that made him great
This New Zealand all rounder was a very decent medium pace bowler.Though as a batsman he was truly a brutal stroke player and not short of skill either
He took on the best and won in particular against the great Aussie bowling duo of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath
His hitting had spectator hanging off his every move
For his all round brilliance on a cricket field its hard to top this great West Indian all rounder
As a batsman he arguably had few better than him in the game aside from Don Bradman
Then with his mixture of medium fast and spin he was good enough to be in the side on that alone
Oh yes one of the best in close fieldsmen of all time
Plus a great man and true keeper of the traditions and honour of the game
One of the greatest entertainers the games seen
Ive watched the game from the 1950's and often try to split which batsmen is the best ive seen.And often amongst my procrastination I usually settle on this great South African
He had it all and it was one of the greatest tragedies that his career was blighted by the evil of apartheid in the respect that during his playing time only Australian,English and New Zealand audiences could see him.Then the ban in 1970 robbing everyone of his genius
But from a purist point of view you can't top viewing Pollock bat.He was in essence attacking perfection
Everyone loves this great Australian wicket keeper/batsman.For he was not only an exceptional player,but a damn fine fellow.
Though in terms of entertainers few had people standing and applauding like Gilly in the wake of his devastation with the willow in hand
To watch Gower bat it was like a combination of sublime artistry with sincere genius....He truly had you captivated with his play.That was so effortless and always supremely elegant
To me this guy is a modern day genius that I would choose over anyone else to watch.
He is not only a spectacular player to watch but he has that true grit and ice in his veins in a crisis.Few players have that and when they do it is truly a mark of greatness.Im biased and an unashamed purist and in every sense he is a purists pin up boy.In the sense that he never hits the ball in the air and his game is about precision footwork and placement that is of the highest calibre.
One of the modern era's greatest entertainers
Very decent batsman,but people used to come to watch Jonty in the field!
The 70's and 80's was about the great all rounders and arguably Imran was the one lauded the most.As a bowler he had pace and skill and his early years a lovely bit of fire.Then as a batsman he was technically gifted enough to bat in the top 4.Then he had the charisma with the good looks and intelligence to compliment it.Also a great leader that left such a legacy not only to his Nation of Pakistan,but indeed the game itself with things like reverse swing
Though as a player he captivated millions with his brilliance
For his genius glove work you can't top Englands Knott,who was arguably the best pure gloveman in the games history.Though he was such an entertainer with his aerobic stretches and Yoga moves and then his facial expressions...
Then his unorthodox and damn effective batting you just were entertained by his fight!
Wasim Akram and Waqar Younnis............
Arguably the deadliest new ball bowling duo the games seen?
Probably and most definately this duo was one of the most skilled combining their searing pace with their incredible swing.Both traditional and reverse they were genius at it
In the process entertaining the multitude of fans who love pace combined with skill
How can you forget the little Master,who has captivated the cricketing public for over 20 years now.Transforming from a free flowing attack minded batsman in his early years.Then beset by a potentially career ending injury to comeback and be renowned for his sustained excellence.Aguably getting better with age.
His records will probably never be broken and his name will be passed on from generation to generation exalting his exploits
Like him or loathe him you can't deny that when Warne bowled people tuned in to watch
He was just the true genius of a leg spin bowler and his aura was almost impossible to put into words.In a sense he had batsmen beaten before they even faced him by the spectre he had in their minds
Ever since that ball that announced him to super stardom against Mike Gatting
Brian Lara (West Indies)
To watch Lara in full flight was to see bowlers being devastated on a level rarely seen.He had it all the shots,the technique and crucially the placement.You could have 7 on the off and he's still dissect them with surgical precision.Plus when he was in the mood he had grit and determination to go with his obvious genius.Culminating in some of the most breath taking winning efforts seen
This had a few different members of the famous pace line up of the 70's and 80's,but the main stars were Michael Holding,Joel Garner,Andy Roberts and Malcolm Marshall.
All truly lethal................!
Starting with Holding he was searing pace delivered from a run up and delivery action that was truly a thing of beauty
The the aptly named 'Big Bird' Joel Garner and his 6'8 of unnerving accuracy,rearing bounce and a lethal yorker
Andy Roberts was one of the deadliest bowlers going around.Truly lethal especially with his two bouncers.The first being a set up ball for the batsmen to hammer and then the 2nd often put the batsmen in hospital for it was about 15ks quicker
Then Malcolm Marshall was arguably the greatest fast bowler in the history of the game with his pace and skill with swing and seam
Here is a taste of Holdings fury
It isn't just about the express of this great South African that everyone loved.It was everything about the man known as 'White Lightning'
Especially his run up and intimidating leap on delivery and then his eyes.......
There were seriously a cold blooded look in them
In an age where intimidation for a large part has gone out of the game due to pitches and helmuts.
He seriously was one intimidating bowler!
This big Antiguan was the King of cool with his way and his mannerisms
Never giving an interview and and rarely if ever talking
But he let his actions on the field do the talking and my word did batsmen hear!
He was truly a wrecking ball with his rearing bounce and the fact that he made the ball talk so much off the pitch...
The Sri Lankan trio of Aravinda de Silva,Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene......
You couldn't have three players of such class and style.
Firstly Aravinder who was arguably Sri Lanka's first great batsman and chiefly responsible through his epic hundred in the World Cup Final of 96 for Sri Lanka's ultimate victory
Then Sangakkara,every year churns out the runs at a prolific rate and is such an all round player against all types of bowling with such beautiful strokeplay
Lastly Mahela,the artist of the trio with such exquisite elegance to go with his obvious class.Recently seen in scoring one of the epic World Cup Final centuries
All greats of Sri Lankan's and icons of the game
In a time where batsmen are hugely favoured due to pitches and equipment and other factors.This great South African stands tall.He has it all in terms of pace,skill and cricket smarts and barring injury will go down as an all time great.
His tussle with the great Indian batsmen recently in two series were the stuff of legend with the latter series in South Africa having some epic clashes in it.In particular between him and Tendulkar
This genius off spin bowler with the rubber like wrists could spin a ball off glass.And when the conditions suited he spun the ball in a prodigious manner.Though aside from this his variations were truly lethal including the Doosra for which he was a master at.
Holds the Tests wickets record with 800 and entertained millions royally throughout his career
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