Phil Salt leads England to easy first T20 win against Ireland
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Phil Salt leads England to easy first T20 win against Ireland
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Revealed: The 9 most prolific bowlers in Caribbean Premier League history – there’s a brand new leader
Who has taken the most wickets in the Caribbean Premier League?
Get all the latest information about the CPL’s leading wicket-takers.
Read on for more about the top bowlers in CPL history.
1. Sunil Narine: 130 CPL wickets
- CPL career: 2013-2025
- Innings: 122
- Average: 20.13
Sunil Narine has been one of the most economical bowlers in T20 history, and his CPL numbers are no different. While his economy rate often steals the headlines, the Trinidadian spinner has also been prolific in taking wickets, with 123 to his name.
His ability to bowl in the powerplay and strangle scoring rates sets up opportunities for breakthroughs, and his subtle changes of pace keep even the most aggressive batters guessing.
Narine’s double role as a pinch-hitter has also made him a pivotal all-round contributor in CPL cricket. Narine will be looking to add to his wicket tally in 2025 as he turns out once again for the Knight Riders.
2. Dwayne Bravo: 129 CPL wickets
- CPL career: 2013-2024
- Innings: 97
- Average: 23.02
The ultimate T20 all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo’s record in the CPL is as much about consistency as it is about big-match temperament. Renowned for his slower balls, yorkers and variations, Bravo was the go-to bowler in the death overs for more than a decade.
His 129 wickets came across spells with both the Patriots and the Knight Riders, with his ability to adapt to conditions making him a nightmare for opposition batters.
Even in the twilight of his career in his late 30s, Bravo’s knack for delivering under pressure remained unmatched. No longer playing, Bravo will still be involved in 2025 as the coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders.
3. Imran Tahir: 107 CPL wickets
- CPL career: 2018-2024
- Innings: 77
- Average: 17.80
Since his debut in the competition, Imran Tahir has brought his trademark energy and attacking mindset to the CPL. The South Africa leg-spinner thrives on taking wickets in the middle overs, and his average of under 18 speaks volumes about his impact.
Tahir’s deceptive googly and relentless pursuit of wickets have made him a standout performer for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. He’s also been instrumental in several of the team’s playoff runs, using his experience to outfox batters across Caribbean pitches.
Now 4 -years old Tahir is still going strong and seemingly loving his cricket as much as he always has. He will be back in CPL in 2025 turning out for Guyana once again.
Also read: Fastest to 300 ODI wickets: 7 legendary fast-bowling names and 2 lonely spinners
4. Jason Holder: 97 CPL wickets
- CPL career: 2013-2024
- Innings: 102
- Average: 28.05
Jason Holder’s bowling in T20 cricket is about more than just pace; it’s about control and intelligence. Often tasked with opening the bowling and returning at the death, the former West Indies Test captain has developed into a reliable wicket-taker in the CPL.
Holder’s height gives him extra bounce, which can be difficult to handle on Caribbean pitches. While his average is higher than some on this list, his knack for breaking partnerships and delivering under pressure has been invaluable for the Barbados Royals.
Holder will be playing for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2025.
5. Rayad Emrit: 96 CPL wickets
- CPL career: 2013-2020
- Innings: 84
- Average: 22.75
With a handful of white-ball caps for the West Indies, Rayad Emrit was a stalwart of the CPL in its formative years. A canny medium-pacer, Emrit relied on accuracy, variation and reading the game rather than outright speed.
His 96 wickets came across multiple franchises, with his ability to bowl in any phase of the innings making him a captain’s dream.
Though retired from the competition since 2020, his place among the leading wicket-takers is testament to the impact he made over eight seasons.
6. Sheldon Cottrell: 87 CPL wickets
- CPL career: 2013-2023
- Innings: 74
- Average: 22.85
Sheldon Cottrell’s left-arm pace and distinctive salute celebration were staples of the CPL for a decade. Equally effective with the new ball and at the death, Cottrell’s ability to swing the ball early has brought him plenty of wickets in the powerplay.
His competitive edge and knack for delivering crucial breakthroughs have helped the Patriots on multiple deep runs in the competition. Injuries have interrupted his career at times, but his strike rate remains among the best in CPL history.
7. Andre Russell: 87 CPL wickets
- CPL career: 2013-2024
- Innings: 90
- Average: 26.17
Better known for his explosive batting, Andre Russell’s bowling has also been a decisive factor in CPL matches. Operating mainly in short bursts, Russell’s sharp pace, well-directed bouncers and clever slower balls have helped him pick up 87 wickets.
His aggressive approach with the ball mirrors his batting style – looking to make an immediate impact. For the Knight Riders and Tallawahs, Russell has often delivered key wickets when the game is on the line. Now 37-years-old, Russell is in the twilight of his career.
He will be back in CPL again in 2025 turning out once again for TKR.
8. Krishmar Santokie: 85 CPL wickets
- CPL career: 2013-2019
- Innings: 58
- Average: 19.90
One of the most effective new-ball bowlers in the early years of the CPL, Krishmar Santokie combined swing with pinpoint accuracy. His 85 wickets in just 58 innings give him one of the best strike rates in the competition’s history.
Santokie’s inswing to right-handers was particularly lethal, often leaving top orders in disarray. Though his CPL career ended in 2019, his name remains etched in the record books thanks to his consistent wicket-taking ability.
9. Kesrick Williams: 83 CPL wickets
- CPL career: 2016-2022
- Innings: 64
- Average: 22.39
Famous for his ‘notebook’ celebration, Kesrick Williams was one of the most dangerous seamers in recent CPL history. His 83 wickets came largely through clever changes of pace and an ability to disguise his slower balls very well.
Williams thrived in the middle and late overs, often frustrating batters who tried to attack him. While he has not featured in the most recent editions, his strike rate remains among the sharpest in the league’s history.
Most Caribbean Premier League wickets – top 9 summary list
1. Sunil Narine: 130 CPL wickets
2. Dwayne Bravo: 129 CPL wickets
3. Imran Tahir: 107 CPL wickets
4. Jason Holder: 97 CPL wickets
5. Rayad Emrit: 96 CPL wickets
6. Sheldon Cottrell: 87 CPL wickets
7. Andre Russell: 87 CPL wickets
8. Krishmar Santokie: 85 CPL wickets
9. Kesrick Williams: 83 CPL wickets
Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?
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Jacob Bethell joins this elite list of youngest ever international cricket captains
Zach Vukusic became the youngest international cricket captain when he led Croatia against Cyprus in a T20I in early August 2025.
Jacob Bethell was appointed England’s youngest ever T20I captain in the same month.
Find out more about the youngest captains in international cricket.
Youngest captains in T20Is
You’ll see several small nations on this list. Keep in mind that the International Cricket Council gave T20I cricket status to all member nations in early 2019.
The youngest T20I captain among ICC full member nations, though, is Pakistan’s Qasim Akram. He was put in charge during the 2023 Asian Games, leading other more experienced players – in cricket and in life – as a 20-year-old.
France have two players among the top 10 youngest captains in T20Is. Noman Amjad did it as an 18 year old and Gustav McKeon as a 20 year old. Mckeon holds another record – he is the only man to hit consecutive centuries in T20I cricket.
Youngest captains in T20Is – top 10 summary list
1. Zach Vukusic (Croatia) – 17 years, 311 days
2. Noman Amjad (France) – 18 years, 24 days
3. Carl Hartmann (Isle of Man) – 18 years, 276 days
4. Luwsanzundui Erdenebulgan (Mongolia) – 18 years, 324 days
5. Didier Ndikubwimana (Rwanda) – 19 years, 327 days
6. Aaftab Limdawala (Malawi) – 20 years, 18 days
7. George Ngegba (Sierra Leone) – 20 years, 19 days
8. Burhan Niaz (Belgium) – 20 years, 103 days
9. Virandeep Singh (Malaysia) – 20 years, 190 days
10. Gustav Mckeon (France) – 20 years, 204 days
Youngest captains in ODIs
Rashid Khan is at the top of the youngest ODI and youngest Test captains lists. He is effectively the poster child for Afghanistan cricket – and was thrust into the leadership of both formats at an early age.
He was their best bowler, among their best batters and one of their best tacticians at the time. His leadership roles have since come, gone and returned in various iterations amid his increasing T20 domestic responsibilities away from his country.
Nepal, meanwhile, have two captains among the top 10 youngest in ODI cricket. Among the big nations, batter Kane Williamson was the youngest for New Zealand and fast bowler Waqar Younis the youngest for Pakistan.
Youngest captains in ODIs – top 10 summary list
1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 19 years, 165 days
2. Rohit Paudel (Nepal) – 20 years, 73 days
3. Rajin Saleh (Bangladesh) – 20 years, 297 days
4. Anshuman Rath (Hong Kong) – 20 years, 315 days
5. Tatenda Taibu (Zimbabwe) – 20 years, 342 days
6. Vriitya Aravind (United Arab Emirates) – 21 years, 21 days
7. Prosper Utseya (Zimbabwe) – 21 years, 125 days
8. Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal) – 21 years, 226 days
9. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 21 years, 332 days
10. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 21 years, 354 days
Youngest captains in Tests
Younis also occupies a position among the youngest Test captains, but possibly the most famous of all in this top 10 list is South Africa’s Graeme Smith. He went on to become the most successful captain in the history of Test cricket.
Smith had a lot of fans to oblige and even more critics to silence during his opening years of Test captaincy. He did just that, welcoming this huge responsibility by hitting two double-centuries during 2003’s tour of England.
It was a remarkable feat for such a young man. Yet he embraced the pressure with confidence and ease beyond his young 22 years. South Africa and, indeed, any other Test cricket country have yet to see such a successful batting captain since.
Youngest captains in Tests – top 10 summary list
1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 20 years, 350 days
2. Tatenda Taibu (Zimbabwe) – 20 years, 358 days
3. Mansur Pataudi (India) – 21 years, 77 days
4. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 22 years, 15 days
5. Graeme Smith (South Africa) – 22 years, 82 days
6. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 22 years, 115 days
7. Ian Craig (Australia) – 22 years, 194 days
8. Javed Miandad (Pakistan) – 22 years, 260 days
9. Murray Bisset (South Africa) – 22 years, 306 days
10. Mohammad Ashraful (Bangladesh) – 22 years, 353 days
Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?
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Cricket365’s T20 Blast Team of the Tournament
The Vitality Blast 2025 started all the way back in May and finally came to an end in September as Somerset defeated Hampshire by six wickets.
Along the way there were some fantastic performances and a whole lot of excitement with some incredible talent on show.
With this popular T20 cricket competition recently completed, we took a moment to pick our team of the tournament.
1. Toby Albert (Hampshire)
- 633 runs from 17 innings with an average of 48.69 at a strike rate of 150.00
The competition’s leading run scorer with 633 runs. He also boasts one of the top averages in the competition ending with 48.69 per knock.
With form like this it is no surprise that Hampshire made the final. Albert’s highest score of the season was an undefeated 98 and he went at a strike rate of 150. He made 85 in the final and he kept wicket. It’s hard not to pick him.
2. Aneurin Donald (Derbyshire)
- 449 runs from 14 innings with an average of 32.07 at a strike rate of 216.90
Another wicketkeeper who opens the batting, Donald finished with the highest strike rate in the competition – the only batter to go at over two per ball. in total he managed six half-centuries, scored 449 with a highest score of 85, an average of 32.07 and strike rate of 216.90.
With Donald and Albert at the top of the order quick starts look a certainty.
3. Will Smeed (Somerset)
- 620 runs from 17 innings with an average of 41.33 at a strike rate of 144.85
Usually opening the batting, we have him coming in at three. Smeed is an excellent T20 player, and he ended the season as the competition’s second highest scorer. Still only 23-years-old Smeed is already sought after player on the franchise circuit.
His knock of 94 from 58 in the final in what was a Man of the Match performance make it easy to see why he is such a coveted figure in leagues around the world.
4. Ravi Bopara (Northamptonshire)
- 462 runs from 16 innings with an average of 42.00 at a strike rate of 145.28
The veteran former England man is now on the wrong side of 40 but he still has plenty to offer. His undefeated knock of 105 was one of the tournament’s highlights.
But Bopara wasn’t just a one innings wonder, he performed consistently throughout, averaging 42 runs per innings at a strike rate of 145.28.
Also read: Full review of the 2025 Duleep Trophy – which batters and bowlers starred?
5. Will Jacks (Surrey)
- 504 runs from 10 innings with an average of 50.40 at a strike rate of 164.70
The England and Surrey man was the only player to finish the season with a batting average of more than 50. Not only that, but he also scored his runs at a rate of 164.70.
His highest score of the season was 100 runs, and he also weighed in with some handy wickets. Jacks is one of the first picks for this side.
6. Tom Moores (Nottinghamshire)
- 459 runs from 14 innings with an average of 45.90 at a strike rate of 157.19
He can play as a wicketkeeper or as a batsman. Moores is another excellent T20 player who is rapidly growing his reputation at franchise level. He ended the season with an average of 45.9 at a strike rate of 157,19.
A versatile player, Moores, has the ability to score quickly in the middle order.
7. Chris Green (Lancashire)
- 180 runs from 14 innings with an average of 25.71 at a strike rate of 145.16
- 21 wickets at an average of 18.61, a strike rate of 15.14 and an economy of 7.37
The South Africa-born Australian international, Green is a perfect T20 allrounder where he weighs in with power hitting runs and handy wickets – usually taken at the top of the order where he has set himself up as a T20 powerplay bowler.
Green finished the season with a batting average of 25.71 and a bowling average of 18,61 for his 21 wickets.
8. Ian Holland (Leicestershire)
- 2 wickets at an average of 9.5, a strike rate of 12.0 and an economy of 4.75
Taking wickets in T20 cricket is critical, but limiting runs is also important. In this respect USA international Holland was the best in the tournament, finishing with an economy rate of just 4.75.
Admittedly he didn’t play very much in the competition, but when he got his chance, he certainly took it.
9. Scott Currie (Hampshire)
- 27 wickets at an average of 19.33, a strike rate of 13.4 and an economy of 8.65
The second highest wicket taker in the competition, Currie, claimed 27 scalps at an average of 19.33.
A threat whenever he bowled, Currie bagged two of the four Somerset wickets that fell in the final (he removed Will Smeed and James Rew) – a great effort, but not enough to swing the game in Hampshire’s favour.
10. Riley Meredith (Somerset)
- 28 wickets at an average of 16.32, a strike rate of 11.35 and an economy of 8.62
Tasmanian quick Meredith was the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 28 scalps from 14 games at an average of 16.32.
He didn’t play in the final but by then he had done the hard yards to secure a place for his side. His strike rate of 11.35 was one of the best in the competition.
11. Ben Sanderson (Northamptonshire)
- 26 wickets at an average of 17.61, a strike rate of 13.11 and an economy of 8.05
One of just a handful of bowlers to send down a maiden in the competition, Sanderson was also the third highest wicket-taker, just two shy of Meredith at the top of the table.
With 26 wickets at an average of 17.61 Sanderson showed that at nearly 37-years-old he still has what it takes to operate at the highest level.
Read next: Why Arshdeep Singh is India’s greatest ever T20I bowler
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Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Full review of the 2025 Duleep Trophy – which batters and bowlers starred?
The Duleep Trophy, India’s premier domestic first-class cricket competition came to it’s conclusion with Central Zone beating South Zone in the final of the competition’s 62nd staging.
But who were the stars and what were the key takeaways?
Let’s take a moment to look back on season 62 of the Duleep trophy.
How does the Duleep Trophy work?
For 2025 the Duleep Trophy reverted to its traditional zonal format, with six teams: Central, East, North, Northeast, South and West all competing in a knockout competition.
Squads were selected by the national selectors. South Zone and West Zone were handed direct passage to the semi-finals, while the remaining four zones contested the quarterfinals to kick off the event.
The return to the zonal structure was widely welcomed as a move to reinvigorate India’s premier red-ball competition.
Which stars were on show?
Kuldeep Yadav (Central Zone)
A seasoned Indian international with 168 for the national team across all formats, Kuldeep Yadav is one of India’s premier spinners.
Despite that, he went wicketless in 32 overs he bowled against Northeast Zone – his only game in the competition.
Riyan Parag (East Zone)
The flamboyant Assam all-rounder skippered the East Zone team. While he hasn’t played a Test for India, Parag has represented the national team in both ODIs and T20I.
Known largely for his IPL exploits, Parag banged a quickfire 39 from 47 in what was a losing cause against North Zone.
Devdutt Padikkal (South Zone)
With four caps for India, two in Tests and two in T20I, elegant left-hander Devdutt Padikkal is one of India’s top batters.
He scored 56 in South Zone’s win over the North.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (West Zone)
One of India’s most exciting young batters, Jaiswal is already a mainstay in India’s Test side where his ability to make big scores has underlined his appetite for long innings.
Jaiswal is the fifth ranked Test batsman in the world.
Shreyas Iyer (West Zone)
Shreyas Iyer, the stylish Mumbai batter, offered West Zone stability and flair.
Known for his exploits in the IPL Shreyas has a Test average of 36.86 and a First-Class average of 48.12
Leading run-scorers in Duleep Trophy
Rajat Patidar (Central Zone): 382 runs at an average of 76.40
A good captain always leads from the front and Patidar was imperious for the eventual winners.
Patidar made double figures in each of his six knocks posting scores of 125, 66, 77, 101 and 13.
Yash Rathod (Central Zone): 374 runs at an average of 124.66
The former India U19 star gave people plenty to think about as he found excellent form for Central Zone with scores of 87*, 78, 2, 194 and 13*.
He was named Player of the Match in the final.
Danish Malewar (Central Zone): 352 at an average of 70.40
Malewar makes the list in third spot largely due to his massive knock of 203 (he retired out) against Northeast Zone.
Leading wicket-takers in Duleep Trophy
Saransh Jain (Central Zone): 16 wickets at an average of 24.00
Off-spinner Jain was one of the stars of the tournament as he claimed eight wickets in each of the two games he played – claiming two five wicket hauls in the process.
He also weighed in with valuable runs to eventually be named Player of the Series
Gurjapneet Singh (Southern Zone): 10 wickets at an average of 24.10
At almost 27-years-old Gurjapneet has played just six First Class games.
Despite his limited experience he starred for Southern Zone with two four-wicket hauls and a brace.
Harsh Dubey (Central Zone): 10 wickets at an average of 28.70
The left arm orthodox spinner worked hard for his wickets, sending down a total of 93 overs for his ten wickets.
Playing alongside Jain, Dubey was the perfect spin-twin foil for his Central Zone teammate.
How the Duleep Trophy final unfolded
Central Zone secured their first Duleep Trophy title in nearly 11 years with a six-wicket win over South Zone in Bengaluru, thanks to standout performances from Yash Rathod, Saransh Jain and Rajat Patidar.
Chasing just 65 on the final morning, Central endured early nerves as Ankit Sharma and Gurjapneet Singh exploited bounce and movement to reduce them to 24 for 3.
Danish Malewar and Shubham Sharma both fell cheaply, while Jain’s brief promotion up the order also ended in disappointment.
Patidar, fresh from a rapid first-innings century, counter-attacked alongside captain Akshay Wadkar to steady the chase.
Though he survived some nervy moments and even a stumping chance, Patidar’s positive intent kept South on the back foot until he fell with 16 still required.
Wadkar and Rathod, who had already scored a career-best 194 earlier in the match, calmly completed the chase, with Rathod striking the winning runs through the covers in the 21st over.
The victory was built on Rathod’s marathon innings in the first dig, Jain’s all-round display (he scored 69 runs and claimed a match haul of 8 for 179), and Patidar’s fluent hundred that gave Central a commanding lead.
South’s spinners, led by Ankit, briefly threatened to turn the final into a contest, but the modest target proved too small.
It was Central’s seventh Duleep Trophy crown, and their first since beating the same opposition in the 2014-15 season, ending a decade-long wait for silverware in India’s premier zonal competition.
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Monday, September 15, 2025
Rated: 9 international cricketers with geniune X-factor
Cricket has always celebrated its steady run-makers and reliable wicket-takers, those who are able to perform consistently.
But the players who capture the imagination most are those with the ability to change a game in an instant.
These are the cricketers with genuine X-factor – men who possess the rare ability to transform a contest with a burst of brilliance, whether through explosive batting, unplayable bowling, or sheer audacity in the field.
Here are seven current players who embody that elusive quality.
1. Suryakumar Yadav (India)
- X-factor rating: 9/10
Although he has represented India in all formats of the game, there are few modern batsmen who have adapted to the T20I format quite like Suryakumar Yadav.
With his astonishing range of strokes, scoops, ramps, and flicks that often defy logic, he has become India’s premier short-format innovator.
His ability to maintain a strike rate over 170 while batting in the middle order gives India and the Mumbai Indians something unique: a player who can dominate the closing overs without requiring a long sighter.
Every time Suryakumar comes to the crease, fans know they are about to see something unconventional and unforgettable. Yadav, the Indian T20I skipper is the sixth ranked T20I batsman in the world.
2. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
- X-factor rating: 9/10
While it may feel like Rashid Khan has been around forever, he is still only in his mid-twenties and is already among the most impactful bowlers in world cricket.
His whippy action, subtle variations, and mastery of the googly make him one of the toughest spinners to face, especially in T20s – where he is the leading wicket-taker in the format.
But Rashid is more than just a bowler: his athletic fielding and late-order hitting add to his armoury – as does his leadership.
Whenever he plays, there is the genuine possibility of a game being flipped on its head – whether through a series of quick wickets, a flying catch, or a quickfire cameo with the bat. It is no wonder that he is such a sought-after commodity on the franchise circuit.
3. Jofra Archer (England)
- X-factor rating: 9/10
When fit, Jofra Archer epitomises the modern fast-bowling superstar. Capable of bowling thunderbolts at 95mph, yet equally adept at deceptive slower balls, Archer has all the tools to rattle top-order batsmen.
His composure under pressure was on full display during England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, where he bowled the decisive Super Over in the final.
Injury setbacks have interrupted his career, but whenever Archer is in rhythm, few sights are as electrifying – he is the type of bowler who can turn matches within an over.
4. Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)
- X-factor rating: 9/10
Nicholas Pooran combines power with panache. Whether playing for the West Indies or in franchise leagues around the world, he has built a reputation as one of the most destructive middle-order hitters in T20 cricket.
Pooran can clear the ropes with ease but also innovate with deft touches behind the wicket. His strike rate hovers among the elite, and he often produces his best on big occasions.
Add in his sharp wicketkeeping and dynamic fielding, and Pooran has the full package of an X-factor cricketer.
Also read: Which of these 7 batters would you have bat for your life?
5. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
- X-factor rating: 8/10
They don’t call him the ‘Big Show’ for nothing. Glenn Maxwell’s career has been defined by his ability to do the outrageous. With the bat, he is capable of reverse-sweeping seamers for six or launching spinners into the stands with seemingly no effort.
His bowling, though often underrated, provides handy breakthroughs, while his fielding is among the very best in the game. Maxwell thrives in chaos – he relishes tight chases and pressure situations.
For Australia and the Melbourne Stars, he remains the player most likely to produce the extraordinary when it is most needed. While he does blow hot and cold, when he is on, he is the type of player that fans pay the big money to watch.
6. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
- X-factor rating: 7/10
Shaheen Afridi has become the spearhead of Pakistan’s attack with a simple yet devastating formula: early swing at high pace. His ability to strike in the first over of a match makes him one of the most dangerous new-ball bowlers in world cricket.
But Shaheen is more than just a first-spell threat, his yorkers at the death are lethal, and his energy on the field lifts those around him. Still only in his mid-twenties, he already has the aura of a bowler opponents dread facing, the hallmark of genuine X-factor.
7. Tristan Stubbs (South Africa)
- X-factor rating: 7/10
Among cricket’s newer faces, Tristan Stubbs has quickly built a reputation as a natural game-changer. A powerful striker of the ball, he is capable of clearing boundaries from ball one and has shown flashes of brilliance both for South Africa and in franchise cricket.
Stubbs is also an outstanding fielder, often stationed in the hot spots where reflex catches and run outs can swing momentum. Still at the start of his career, he embodies the modern X-factor cricketer: fearless, inventive, and unpredictable.
8. Rishabh Pant (India)
- X-factor rating: 7/10
Few players embody unpredictability and game-changing ability like Rishabh Pant. His fearless batting has already produced some of the most memorable Test innings of recent years, including match-turning knocks in Australia and England.
Pant is capable of dismantling even the most disciplined attacks with audacious stroke play – reverse-sweeping spinners, charging quicks, and finding gaps where none seem to exist.
Beyond the runs, it’s his attitude and all-format ability that make him a star. Unflappable under pressure and always willing to take the bold option he is one of modern cricket’s purest X-factor players.
9. Ben Stokes (England)
- X-factor rating: 6/10
If there is one player who thrives on the biggest stages, it is Ben Stokes. His heroics in the 2019 World Cup final and the Headingley Ashes Test the same summer have already entered cricketing folklore.
With bat or ball, Stokes can change the narrative of a match in a matter of minutes. His relentless competitiveness and ability to rise when the pressure is greatest make him the ultimate X-factor allrounder – a player opponents fear because he so often delivers the improbable.
His leadership also has that X-factor element to it – he is unconventional and inspiring and the perfect partner for coach Brendon McCullum in the roll-out of Baz-Ball.
Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?
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9 inferior cricket brothers: ‘At least I am the best cricketer in my family’
There’s a famous anecdote that may or may not be true (what happens on the field is meant to stay there), but there is probably an element of truth to it somewhere along the line.
Some say it was New Zealand’s Adam Parore who uttered the immortal words, others credit England’s James Ormond as the man who said it.
Either way, the story goes that when they walked out to bat against Australia, Mark Waugh, standing at slip, let rip with some prize sledges. The crux of his barrage was that the opponent simply wasn’t good enough to be playing Test cricket against Australia.
Tough words indeed. But it is the retort that won the day as Waugh’s victim is said to have fired back in double quick time: “I may not be good enough to play against Australia, but at least I am the best cricketer in my family.” Talk about a burn!
With that legendary sledge in mind, let’s take a moment to profile some players who can join Mark Waugh on the list of players who weren’t the best in their family. Some had excellent careers in their own right, others barely scratched the surface. But all of them found themselves forever compared to a sibling who achieved more.
1. Albie Morkel
- Morne Morkel’s brother
Albie Morkel was one of South Africa’s best-known white-ball allrounders in the late 2000s. A powerful left-handed hitter, particularly strong down the ground, and a medium-pacer capable of taking early wickets, he made his mark in T20 cricket long before the IPL boom really took off. His hitting prowess for Chennai Super Kings turned him into something a cult figure.
But Albie never quite translated that promise into consistent international success. In 58 ODIs, he averaged under 24 with the bat and over 37 with the ball – solid but unspectacular. His Test career lasted just one match.
Morne Morkel, by contrast, was a genuine match-winner in all formats. A tall, intimidating fast bowler, Morne finished with over 300 Test wickets, forming part of one of South Africa’s great bowling line-ups alongside Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. Where Albie was a good player, Morne was an elite one, a legacy that will always overshadow his older brother’s efforts.
2. Shane Lee
- Brett Lee’s brother
Shane Lee was an accomplished cricketer in his own right. A bustling allrounder, he played 45 ODIs for Australia between 1995 and 2001, chipping in with useful runs and wickets. He was a reliable presence in the one-day set-up, often doing the unglamorous work.
But then there was Brett. The younger Lee became one of the fastest bowlers of all time, terrifying batters with deliveries regularly topping 150 kph. Brett played 76 Tests, 221 ODIs, and claimed over 700 international wickets. His speed, charisma, and longevity cemented his place as an icon of Australian cricket.
By comparison, Shane’s steady all round abilities faded quickly from memory once Brett became a superstar. In cricketing folklore, Brett Lee’s legacy towers over Shane’s contributions.
Also read: Which of these 7 batters would you have bat for your life?
3. Nathan McCullum
- Brendon McCullum’s brother
Nathan McCullum was a dependable limited-overs player for New Zealand. A wily off-spinner and an athletic fielder, he was a useful option in white-ball formats, making over 80 ODI appearances. He could also clear the ropes with the bat in tight finishes.
Yet he played in the shadow of his younger brother, Brendon. “Baz” transformed New Zealand cricket, captaining them to a World Cup final, revolutionising their aggressive approach, and retiring with over 6,000 Test runs at a strike rate that changed perceptions of what was possible in the longest format. He remains one of the game’s great entertainers and now coaches England’s Test side in their bold “Bazball” era.
Nathan may be remembered fondly as a steady contributor, but Brendon is remembered as a game-changer.
4. Krunal Pandya
- Hardik Pandya’s brother
Krunal Pandya has carved out a good T20 career, particularly in the IPL with Mumbai Indians. A left-arm spinner who can bat in the middle order, he has represented India in limited-overs formats.
But Hardik Pandya’s rise has been meteoric. A genuine seam-bowling allrounder capable of winning matches with both bat and ball, Hardik has become one of India’s most important players in white-ball cricket. He has captained India, led Gujarat Titans to IPL glory, and filled the long-standing void of a pace-bowling allrounder.
While Krunal remains a respected domestic and franchise player, Hardik has been elevated to star status.
5. David Hussey
- Mike Hussey’s brother
David Hussey was a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket and a strong performer in T20 leagues worldwide. He played 69 ODIs and 39 T20Is for Australia, often as a hard-hitting middle-order batter.
But Mike Hussey, also known as ‘Mr Cricket’ was something else entirely. Making his Test debut at 30, Mike went on to average over 51 in Tests and 48 in ODIs, becoming one of Australia’s most reliable and respected batters of the 2000s. His calm, consistency, and late-career brilliance earned him a special place in Australian cricketing history.
David was good; Mike was great.
6. Shaun Marsh
- Mitchell Marsh’s brother
This one is interesting because both Marsh brothers have had rollercoaster careers. Shaun Marsh was blessed with elegant stroke play and began with a century on Test debut. But inconsistency plagued him, and though he played 38 Tests and averaged 34, he never lived up to his potential.
Mitchell Marsh, too, spent much of his career under scrutiny. Injuries and fluctuating form held him back, but in recent years he has blossomed into a destructive hitter and wily captain, especially in white-ball formats. His player-of-the-match performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup final cemented his reputation.
For years, Shaun was the more accomplished Marsh. Now, Mitchell has arguably overtaken him.
7. Grant Flower
- Andy Flower’s brother
Grant Flower was a solid cricketer for Zimbabwe, with over 6,500 international runs and useful left-arm spin. He was dependable, but rarely spectacular.
His brother Andy, however, is widely considered Zimbabwe’s greatest player. Averaging over 50 in Tests and close to 36 in ODIs, Andy was a world-class wicketkeeper-batter at a time when Zimbabwe often struggled. His leadership and batting made him an icon, and his post-playing career as England coach enhanced his reputation further.
8. Duan Jansen
- Marco Jansen’s brother
Duane Jansen is still carving out his career, mostly in domestic cricket. A left-arm seamer like his twin brother, he has yet to break into South Africa’s senior team.
Marco Jansen, on the other hand, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in world cricket. At 6ft 8in, with pace, bounce, and skill, he has already played Test cricket for South Africa and made a significant impact in the IPL.
Duane may yet develop, but Marco’s trajectory suggests he will be the standout of the two.
9. Trevor Chappell
- Greg Chappell’s brother
Few cricketing siblings have been as decorated as the Chappells. Ian was a hard-nosed captain and batting stalwart, Greg one of Australia’s greatest-ever batters.
Trevor, sadly, is remembered almost exclusively for one infamous act: bowling the underarm delivery against New Zealand in 1981 at the instruction of his brother Greg. His own career – 3 Tests and 20 ODIs – never reached the heights of his siblings.
Trevor played international cricket, which in itself is no mean feat. But Ian and Greg were genuine greats.
Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?
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