Sachin Tendulkar is widely considered one of the greatest batsmen ever, earning him numerous fans’ reverence as “The God of Cricket”.
Richie Benaud
Benaud was one of the mainstays of northern summer cricket commentary for five decades, his calm yet authoritative tone earning him respect from players and spectators alike. As a journalist, he demonstrated how writing with economy, clarity, and restraint can create suspenseful articles for an audience to devour. As someone who took their craft seriously but not themselves too seriously. Proving himself as both a master of screen and page, he was widely respected as both an ambassador of his game and its values, and mentor to players like Ian Chappell and Shane Warne. His advice to Kerry Packer ahead of World Series Cricket in 1977 cemented his reputation as an influential force of change but alienated some traditional circles.
Benaud made his mark as an innovative leg-spinner, playing in 63 Tests (28 as captain) with 2,201 runs scored and 266 wickets taken, becoming an icon. But his commentary was truly legendary; a master at building tension or relieving it with just the slightest gesture, holding an audience with light delivery that many comedians mimicked while remaining uniquely Benaudian.
Benaud was renowned for creating an atmosphere through silences as much as through words, providing space for your own thoughts or hearing him formulate them. As host of Australia’s version of Wide World of Sport (Australia’s answer to Stephen Wright), he could also be funny with an engaging dry wit honed through years of practice as well as his lifelong enthusiasm for cricket. Sadly he leaves behind his second wife Daphne Surfleet as well as two sons from his first marriage – each has left an indelirium of love in their wake – as well as his second wife Daphne Surfleet leaves him.
Sir Richard Hadlee
Sir Richard Hadlee is one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time and widely considered to be one of its great legends. Playing cricket from an early age with both his father and brothers also playing for New Zealand, Hadlee’s commitment was acknowledged with him being honored with knighthood in 1990 for his dedication and performance at international level – taking 400 test wickets himself while boasting an outstanding batting average over 50! Known as Paddles during his playing days.
He was a right-arm pace bowler with an accurate delivery that generated considerable movement off both wicket and air, and an agile frame that enabled him to deliver powerful deliveries with great control and power.
For the latest Indian sports news, please see the link below:
The “Sultan of Swing” had the ability to defeat even powerful batsmen and led his team to win several important Test matches overseas for New Zealand, contributing significantly in transforming it into an exceptional cricketing force. He is widely credited with transforming New Zealand national cricket team into an excellent force.
Hadlee was an exceptionally intelligent bowler who could strategize the demise of his opponents with ease. His lightening speed and superior footwork enabled him to extract life even from unresponsive pitches; Don Mosey once described him as being “one of the cleverest fast bowlers the game has ever known”.
Hadlee is a staunch proponent of cricket’s future and currently spearheading an appeal to raise the final $1.6 million needed to complete Canterbury Cricket Trust’s state-of-the-art Sir Richard Hadlee Sports Centre alongside Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him to gain more insight into his past, present and future in cricket.
John Knowles
John Knowles was born and raised in Fairmont, West Virginia as part of a middle-class family. This early experience had an indelible impression on his writing later on; A Separate Peace, published in 1959 as his debut novel was an instant classic coming-of-age tale featuring conflicted prep school friendship and winning him the PEN/Faulkner Award.
After graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1947, Knowles attended Yale University to study English.
He depicted them as struggling between their wild side and more pragmatic parts. Knowles employed naturalism and cosmopolitanism heavily throughout his writing career, drawing inspiration from a variety of cultures including those found in West Virginia where he resided.
Knowles had an uncommon style of writing. Rather than adhering to rigid formats or rules, he wrote with his feelings rather than following an outline; organic was his style. According to Knowles, plot development occurs naturally over time – he believed the best writing has its roots deep within previous events.
Mike Procter
Mike Procter has long had an intimate connection to cricket. As a player he helped Gloucestershire win both the Gillette Cup in 1973 and Benson and Hedges Cup final in 1977 under his captaincy; later serving as Director of Cricket for South Africa and Northamptonshire county teams.
South Africa’s isolation from cricket during the 1970s prevented Mike Procter from playing on a national stage; nevertheless he made his name at county level with Gloucestershire CCC as one of its star performers, winning fans with his skillful approach and reliable performances. Mike makes for an engaging cricket speaker, ideal for after dinner speaking events covering topics relating to premier-tier sport as well as anecdotes from his lengthy career that spans several decades.
Mike first joined the club in 1968, quickly making an impressionful statement for Essex county cricket. Within his second season alone he recorded both 1000 runs and 100 wickets with remarkable ability, drawing comparisons with Sir Garfield Sobers.
His impressive all-round skills made him a formidable opponent for any side, from opening batsmen to bowlers. As an opener batsman he scored 1,647 runs at an average of 47 and took 41 wickets at an average bowling average of 15 in first-class cricket and 7 Test matches for South Africa – his unfailing grit and unwavering belief made him such an outstanding player; unfortunately now facing heart surgery with all his determination, we wish him our strength in these difficult times.
David Gower
David Gower was an extraordinary cricketer who helped shape the modern game. Renowned for his spectacular stroke play and clean ball striking, Gower amassed more than 27,000 runs across Tests and ODIs during his career; alongside this incredible batting prowess he also excelled as an outstanding fielder taking many wickets himself; serving as an inspiration to young cricketers while garnering much adulation among fans alike.
Cricket Legends are those players who have changed the spirit of the game and inspired billions to watch it around the world.
History of cricket will tell us that many legendary batsmen have left an indelible mark on its development, inspiring their teams to win major tournaments and becoming some of the best batsmen ever seen on an international stage. Many reputable nations boast great batsmen renowned as some of the finest ever to represent them as national team representatives.
Fans who appreciate quality cricket should not overlook this exciting development in the Legends Ranking system which ranks retired international players. It provides former legends of the game with a tangible goal to work towards, taking into account performance in leagues and tournaments to rank them accordingly and offer incentives to continue playing for their beloved fans and rise through the charts – an exciting development which fans should not ignore!
