Do you know that cricket originated in South England in the 16th Century? Yes, the second most famous game in the world has origins in England. But now, it has become a heartthrob for many cricket lovers globally. The history of cricket has seen the birth of many legendary players. Even if you watch only the recorded matches, you will find many exciting gameplays. The nations where cricket’s popularity has skyrocketed are:-
- India
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- West Indies
- Pakistan.
Still, these are not the only countries where cricket engages youth and elders alike.
We will be talking about the legendary players that have shaped the game throughout its long history. You will find the list of top players from different nations who have contributed significantly to the game.
It has been over two centuries since the first game caught the fans’ attention.
Legends have been born over and over again in cricket. Here is a table of the top run-scorers.
| Players | Tenure | Matches | Inns | Runs | |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar (India) | 1989-2013 | 200 | 329 | 15,921 |
| 2 | Ricky Ponting (Aus) | 1995-2012 | 168 | 287 | 13,378 |
| 3 | Jacques Kallis (Sth Africa) | 1995-2013 | 166 | 280 | 13,289 |
| 4 | Rahul Dravid (India) | 1996-2012 | 164 | 286 | 13,288 |
| 5 | Alastair Cook (England) | 2006-2018 | 161 | 291 | 12,472 |
| 6 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 2000-2015 | 134 | 233 | 12,400 |
| 7 | Brian Lara (WI) | 1990-2006 | 131 | 232 | 11,953 |
| 8 | S Chanderpaul (WI) | 1994-2015 | 164 | 280 | 11,867 |
| 9 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 1997-2014 | 149 | 252 | 11,814 |
| 10 | Alan Border (Aus) | 1978-1994 | 156 | 265 | 11,174 |
Top 10 Greatest Players in the History of Cricket
The above list contains the top scorers from different nations. But, the legends in the history of cricket are not limited to one single list only. Don Bradman, Garfield Sobers, and Sir Viv Richards are but a few names that have made space in cricket fans’ hearts.
The game itself is legendary, with leagues and competitions happening globally. Are you also a cricket enthusiast who loves to watch every game, from the World Cup to Ashens League? Or are you partial to IPL like South Asian fans?
We understand everyone’s love for the game and appreciate how you all express it differently. But what makes the game so special? Is it the different field strategies? Or do the bowlers excite you when watching a game?
We have considered everyone’s feelings and brought you the list of legendary wicket-takers. Have a look at the table showcasing the bowling skills of players from different nations. You will not be disappointed with the list as we have made sure to collect quality content only.
| S.No | Player | Tenure | Matches Played | Innings | Runs | Wickets | Best |
| 1 | M Muralitharan (SL) | 1992-2010 | 133 | 230 | 18180 | 800 | 9/51 |
| 2 | Shane Warne (Aus) | 1992-2007 | 145 | 273 | 17995 | 708 | 8/71 |
| 3 | JM Anderson (Eng) | 2003-2021 | 166 | 309 | 16827 | 632 | 7/42 |
| 4 | Anil Kumble (India) | 1990-2008 | 132 | 236 | 18355 | 619 | 10/74 |
| 5 | Glenn McGrath (Aus) | 1993-2007 | 124 | 243 | 12186 | 563 | 8/24 |
| 6 | SCJ Broad (Eng) | 2007-2021 | 149 | 274 | 14590 | 524 | 8/15 |
| 7 | Courtney Walsh (WI) | 1984-2001 | 132 | 242 | 12688 | 519 | 7/37 |
| 8 | DW Steyn (SA) | 2004-2019 | 93 | 171 | 10077 | 439 | 7/51 |
| 9 | Kapil Dev (India) | 1978-1994 | 131 | 227 | 12867 | 434 | 9/83 |
| 10 | HMRKB Herath (SL) | 1999-2018 | 93 | 170 | 12157 | 433 | 9/127 |
Legendary Players – Brief Introduction
We are now sharing brief introductions of the five legendary players who are said to be the best of all times.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is an Indian batsman known as the ‘God of Cricket”. He is one of the two players to score a double century in a limited-over match.
Sir Don Bradman
He is the greatest hitter of all times in the history of cricket, with an average of 100. None of the modern-day explosive players can match his rankings.
Shane Warne
He is the greatest bowler and considered unparalleled in the leg shooting. He set the benchmark for all leg spinners active presently.
Adam Gilchrist
Do you know who the best range hitter in cricket history is? Adam Gilchrist is the name that comes to mind. An aggressive left-hand hitter who single-handedly terrorized the opening bowling line-ups of the best teams.
Chris Gayle
He is the most powerful hitter globally and in the history of cricket. He is someone who can hit six sixes in an over.
