Cricket is a cool game known for skill and attitude. Sometimes, a player’s physical features, like height, can matter and make a big impact on the game.
Taller cricketers often have an edge, especially bowlers who can generate more pace and bounce. Let’s delve into the world of cricket giants and explore the top 10 tallest cricketers of all time.
Mohammad Irfan (7’1”) – Pakistan
Mohammad Irfan, the towering left-arm medium-pacer from Pakistan, holds the record as the tallest bowler in cricket history, standing at an impressive 7 feet 1 inch. Making his ODI debut in 2010, Irfan showcased his ability to consistently bowl at 140 km/hr. Despite facing injuries, he left a mark with 83 wickets in 60 ODIs and 10 wickets in 4 Test matches.
Joel Garner (6’8”) – West Indies
Known as the “Big Bird,” Joel Garner, the former West Indies fast bowler, stood tall at 6 feet 8 inches. Garner’s remarkable career saw him taking 259 wickets in 58 Tests with a bowling average of 20.98. His toe-crushing yorkers were devastating in limited-overs cricket, highlighted by his 5 for 39 in the 1979 World Cup final.
Bruce Reid (6’8”) – Australia
Australia’s Bruce Reid, a left-arm fast bowler, shared the same towering height of 6 feet 8 inches with Joel Garner. Unfortunately, injuries cut short his promising career at the age of 29, but he managed to take 113 wickets in 27 Test matches and 63 wickets in 61 ODIs.
Kyle Jamieson (6’8”) – New Zealand
New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson, with a height of 6 feet 8 inches, gained recognition after his impressive performance in the 2014 Under 19 World Cup. Making his international debut in 2020, Jamieson continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world.
Boyd Rankin (6’7”) – England & Ireland
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Boyd Rankin started his career with Ireland in 2007 before representing England. The tall fast bowler played 75 ODIs, taking 107 wickets, and featured in 3 Tests, securing eight wickets.
Chris Tremlett (6’7”) – England
England’s Chris Tremlett, a 6 feet 7 inches tall fast bowler, showcased a deadly combination of pace, bounce, and accuracy. In his 12 Test matches, he took 53 wickets, while in 15 ODIs, he claimed 15 wickets.
Steven Finn (6’7”) – England
A towering figure at 6 feet 7 inches, Steven Finn made his Test debut for England in 2010. Known for consistently hitting speeds of 145 km/hr, Finn has played 36 Tests, 69 ODIs, and 21 T20Is, taking a total of 254 international wickets.
Curtly Ambrose (6’7”) – West Indies
Curtly Ambrose, the “gentle giant” from the West Indies, stood at 6 feet 7 inches. A hall of fame member, Ambrose dominated with 405 Test wickets at an average of 20.99. In ODIs, he claimed 225 wickets in 176 matches.
Sulieman Benn (6’7”) – West Indies
Left-arm orthodox spinner Sulieman Benn, with a height of 6 feet 7 inches, brought aggression to the West Indies bowling attack. With 87 wickets in 26 Tests, 39 wickets in 47 ODIs, and 18 wickets in 24 T20Is, Benn’s towering presence made an impact.
Jason Holder (6’7”) – West Indies
Standing tall at 6 feet 7 inches, Jason Holder is a prominent all-rounder in world cricket. Emerging as a star in the 2010 Under 19 World Cup, Holder became the youngest West Indian to captain in both ODI and Test formats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
- Are Tall Cricketers More Likely To Be Fast Bowlers?
- Absolutely! Tall cricketers have a natural advantage when it comes to generating bounce and pace, making them well-suited for fast bowling.
- Who Is The Tallest Current Cricketer In The World?
- As of July 26th, 2023, the tallest cricketer is Mohammad Irfan from Pakistan, standing at a remarkable 7 feet 1 inch.
- Has Any Tall Cricketer Been Successful As A Spinner?
- Yes, tall cricketers can be successful spinners too. Sulieman Benn is a great example, using his height to extract extra bounce and turn as a left-arm spinner.
- Who Is The Shortest Cricketer Among The Top Players?
- Among the top players mentioned in this list, Chris Gayle is the shortest at 6 feet 2 inches. Despite his relatively shorter height, he’s a powerhouse batsman.
- Do Tall Cricketers Face Any Challenges Due To Their Height?
- While their height provides advantages, tall cricketers might face challenges with agility and injuries due to the extra stress on their bodies.