Every sport has amazing performances and legendary careers that young players and up and coming stars aim to beat. It is natural for a competitive athlete to want to be the beast, or at least come close to the greats of old. Depending on the sport, it can be done in a number of ways, but in some sports, it is much more difficult to do so. When a sport is as old and with a rich history and tradition as cricket, carving a name for yourself in the history books is a lot harder.
In India, as the most dominant cricket culture, and throughout the rest of South East Asia and the world, one must be dominant and have a long career to be remembered. With that in mind, we take a look back at the greatest records in cricket, both in terms of amazing performances in games and the best individual careers of all time. If you are a fan of the sport and like learning more about it, this is exactly the kind of thing you will enjoy. Additionally, check this out if you also enjoy online sports betting.
The Greatest Cricket Performances Ever
Over the centuries that it has been played around the world, cricket has seen its fair share of amazing performances. Both in cricket heavy countries like India, Pakistan, and England, and elsewhere, fans were treated to spectacles every so often. These are the best single-game performances ever that have stood the test of time and serve as comparisons for everything that comes next.
Brian Lara-400 vs England
In 2004, at the Test series against England, Brian Lara of the West Indies scored the highest individual score in the history of Tests. He achieved it without a declaration after batting for over 12 hours and dominating bowlers with sheer class and endurance. It is a remarkable feat that will probably never be broken.
Jim Laker-19 wickets in a Test
When England played Australia at Old Trafford in 1956, Laker took 19 out of 20 Australian wickets in a single match. It is a feat unmatched in the history of sports and one of those legendary stats that cannot be broken in modern times because the game is different.
Muttiah Muralitharan-16/220 vs England
In 1998, in a Test Series against England, the Sri Lankan star showcased his skills in a masterclass. His spin bowling almost single handedly won the match for Sri Lanka and humbled the English team.
Sachin Tendulkar-200 vs South Africa
In the One Day International against South Africa in 2010, Tendulkar, the legend himself, scored the first ever double century in the ODI format. It is a landmark in white ball cricket and an instant classic still talked about today.
Glen McGrath-7/15 vs Namibia
At the 2003 ODI World Cup, the fans saw one of the most lethal spells in the history of the prestigious competition. McGrath displayed a masterful performance of accuracy and control and took Australia to the win.
Yuvraj Singh-6 Sixes in an Over vs England
It was the inaugural T20 World Cup when Yuvraj Singh scored 6 Sixes in an over. India was playing England, and the 36 runs off Stuart Broad in one over during the game was electrifying to say the least. Singh became a national hero instantly.
Most Legendary Cricket Careers
Many have tried their luck and proven their skill in the sport, but the legendary status can only be attributed to the select few.
Sachin Tendulkar-India
His career spanned from 1989 to 2013, and he played Test and ODI matches. He has 100 international centuries and 34,357 runs. Known as the “God of Cricket”, Tendulkar’s career remains the benchmark for consistency, longevity, and excellence. He debuted at 16 years old and carried a nation of a billion fans for more than 20 years. He won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy.
Sir Donald Bradman-Australia
When an athlete is knighted, you can tell he did great things for his country. Playing for two decades between 1928 and 1948, the Australian was a legend of Test formats. He had 6996 runs in 52 Tests, an average of 99.94. He won multiple Ashes series and was part of the 1948 Invincibles, the undefeated England tour team. His legacy is timeless, and he helped establish the cricket identity of his country.
Virat Kohli-India
Still playing and still dominating, the Indian superstar has been in the game since 2008. He has played and captained India in all three formats and has over 80 international centuries with 26,000 runs. He won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, and the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024. Kohli is a modern great, famous for his passion, fitness, and consistency. He is the most successful Test captain and a master of run chases in ODIs and T20s.