Australian cricket has always revolved around aggression and their attitude to fight till the end. The “Kangaroos” have been the leader in the sports for the last 7 to 8 decades and they have had the reputation of producing match-winning all-rounders. In his piece, we discuss the 10 best all-rounders in Australian cricket.
These all-rounders have withstood the greatest of challenges thus winning some of the most memorable games for Australia. One of the reasons Australia has managed to produce some of the finest all-rounders is its domestic cricket which is the most competitive in world cricket.
The all-rounders mentioned in the list differed in their playing style. Some were naturally aggressive & flamboyant while some had rock-solid temperaments to overcome the biggest of challenges. They also varied in their technique depending on the playing conditions and wickets but were match-winners in their own sense. We discuss them in detail.
1. Warwick Armstrong
Armstrong was a right-hander batter & leg break bowler. He was technically strong with his stroke play. His partnership with Reggie Doff in 1902 against England was the first ever 10th wicket hundred run partnership in test cricket.
He played for Australia from 1902 to 1921 in 50 tests and played a big role in Australia’s 5-0 win over England in 1920. The right-hander scored 2863 runs and took 87 wickets for Australia. He scored 16158 runs in 269 first-class games.
2. Monty Noble
Noble also was a right-hander and a leg-break bowler. He didn’t turn the ball much but his length was accurate. His calmness while batting was his biggest strength.
Noble scored 1997 runs in 42 tests for Australia with a highest score of 133 and took 121 wickets with best figures of 7/17. The New South Wales all-rounder scored 13975 runs in domestic cricket and took 624 wickets with 7 ten-wicket hauls.
3. Ray Lindwall
Lindwall showcased accuracy with his pace & swing. He had the pace & speed to unsettle the best batter. His yorkers & bouncers would create problems for even a set batsman. As a batter, he highlighted calmness under critical moments. He scored 5042 runs in 228 first-class games taking 794 wickets. Lindwall registered 1502 runs in 61 tests claiming 228 wickets. In 1996 the all-rounder was inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame.
4. Richie Benaud
Arguably one of the most respected figures in the Australian sports industry who inspired many. Benaud’s leg breaks would often put the batsmen in two minds due to the variations while his flight was difficult to judge. Benaud took Australian cricket to the highest level. Benaud contributed heavily as a batsman whenever Australia looked in trouble.
After his retirement, Benaud made a big impression in his commentating career. The all-rounder took 259 wickets in first-class cricket scoring 11719 runs. he scored 2201 runs for Australia scoring 3 centuries and claimed 248 wickets.
5. Keith Miller
Miller played a big role when Australia dominated world cricket as he was a part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad alongside Sir Don Bradman. Miller bowled leg break and was also a pacer. he showcased stubborn defense and his technique was solid.
Miller stood firm whenever Australia was in trouble as a batsman. He scored 14183 runs in first-class cricket claiming 497 wickets. In 59 tests, Miller scored 2958 runs claiming 170 wickets. He made his test debut in 1946 against New Zealand.
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6. Alan Davidson
The left-handed pacer trobled the best batters with his swing and pace. The charismatic all-rounder was a destructive hitter as a batsman as he batted with grit. Davidson was also an electric fielder in all positions. He scored 6804 runs in 193 first-class games registering 9 centuries and taking 672 wickets. He scored 1328 runs claiming 186 wickets in 44 tests. Unfortunately, he couldn’t play for Australia for long due to injuries.
7. George Giffen
Giffen’s lazy elegance and effortless timing were an attraction to the fans. His medium pace consisted of variety and cutters. In 251 first-class games for South Australia, Giffen took 1023 wickets scoring 11758 runs. He was in the Australian Cricketers Hall of Fame. He took 103 wickets in 31 tests scoring 1238 runs while representing Australia.
8. Steve Waugh
Arguably one of the most respected, discipline, and an individual who was the most admired globally. The former skipper was known for his calm & gentle nature. He did a lot of charitable & social work for the poor that was an inspiration for many.
Waugh’s medium pace was deceptive that troubled the best batters. His batting was about elegance as he just timed the ball in the gaps. He scored 24052 runs in 356 first-class games for New South Wales taking 249 wickets. In 168 tests he scored 10927 runs with a highest score of 200 and claimed 92 wickets.
9. Shane Watson
Shane Watson would have completed his career as one of the greatest all-rounders in world cricket had he not suffered so many injuries. The charismatic all-rounder destroyed the best bowling attacks on his day. He had the ability to take wickets during critical moments with his deceptive medium pace.
The burly all-rounder scored 3731 runs in 59 tests and claimed 75 test wickets. He scored 5757 runs in 190 ODIs by scoring 9 centuries and 33 half-centuries and claiming 168 wickets.
10. Shane Warne
The late legendary leg spinner passed away in March 2022 leaving everyone in tears. Warne possessed variety with his leg break, googly, flippers, etc. The 53-year-old was a healthy contributor as a batter at no 8 as he had played some crucial match-saving knocks for Australia lower down the order.
In 301 first-class games, Warne scored 6919 runs claiming 1319 wickets. In 145 tests, the leg spinner took 708 wickets scoring 3154 runs. In 194 ODIs, Warne claimed 293 wickets scoring 1018 runs.
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