Ranking the best all-rounders in the history of cricket
Jacques Kallis is widely considered as the greatest all-rounder, the game has produced in both Tests and ODIs. Kallis was a rare treat for all the cricket fans. The all-rounder displayed his prowess in both batting and bowling. The South African hero turned 44 this month. We pay a tribute to Kallis by listing the best all-rounders.
Kallis the best all-rounder of all time
Kallis started as a bowling all-rounder and clocked speeds of 140 kmph consistently since making his debut in 1995. After injuries, he cut down on his pace in the next phase of his career. But that didn't hinder him from picking up wickets. As a batsman, his contribution was always monumental. Kallis was regarded in the same bracket as legends Sachin, Lara and Ponting.
The numbers speak for themselves
Kallis showed his impact in both Tests and ODIs. He amassed 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37 and also took 292 wickets in 166 Tests. In ODI cricket, he scored 11,579 runs at an average of 44.36. He ended with 273 wickets in 328 ODI matches. Kallis is also the 5th highest run-scorer in international cricket with 25,534 runs. He amassed 62 tons.
England's Flintoff was a rare gem
Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is best known for his heroics in the 2005 Ashes series that saw England win for the first time since the 1986/87. Flintoff took 226 wickets at an average of 32.78 in Tests. He averaged 31.07, including five centuries and 26 half-centuries. He featured in 141 ODIs and claimed 169 scalps, besides scoring 3,394 runs.
Kapil Dev: India's best all-rounder ever
India's greatest all-rounder ever, Kapil Dev was a revelation in the 1980s. His show in the 1983 World Cup final will always be remembered. He had a prolific Test career spanning 16 years. Kapil claimed 434 Test wickets and scored 5,234 runs that included eight centuries and 27 half-centuries. He also claimed 253 ODI scalps and scored 3,783 runs with a best of 175*.
West Indies' Sir Garfield Sobers was a legendary Test all-rounder
Sir Garfield Sobers was a true all-rounder. He could bowl both fast-medium and spin and was effective with both. But it was as a spinner that Sobers was first picked for Windies. He claimed 235 wickets at an average of 34.03. Sobers amassed 26 Test centuries and 30 half-centuries. He was a superb fielder and led the side for several years.
Stokes and Botham have been England's superheroes
Ben Stokes is a true great all-rounder in the modern era. His heroics helped England win the ICC World Cup 2019. Stokes also stood out for England in the 2019 Ashes series and helped his side draw 2-2. Former England hero Ian Botham was an inspiration. His 1981 Ashes heroics will forever be remembered. He claimed 383 Test wickets and scored 14 tons.
