Cricket, a sport renowned for its diversity and the myriad talents it attracts, has also seen players of varying statures gracing the field. While skills, determination, and teamwork are paramount in cricket, the role of physical attributes, such as height, can’t be overlooked, especially when you are a fast bowler. In this exploration, we delve into the towering figures of cricket, ranking the tallest cricketer from each country and tracing their careers on the international stage.
12. Afghanistan – Shapoor Zadran (6 Feet 2.5 Inches)
Standing 6 feet 2.5 inches tall, Shapoor Zadran is the tallest cricketer to play for the Afghanistan Team. He debuted in International Cricket in 2009 and last played for the national side in 2020.
11. Bangladesh – Shahadat Hossain (6 Feet 5 Inches)
Shahadat Hossain from Bangladesh, standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches. Hossan’s career has been a blend of highs and lows. Known for his brisk pace and bounce, he showcased promise in his early years. His career has been marred by controversies, one of which resulted in him serving jail time.
10. Sri Lanka – Michael Vandort (6 Feet 5 Inches)
Michael Vandort, towering at 6 feet 5 inches, represented Sri Lanka with his solid batting technique. He is the only proper batsman in this list of tallest cricketers. His career for Sri Lanka spanned between 2001 to 2008, playing 20 Test matches during this period.
9. India – Pankaj Singh (6 Feet 6 Inches)
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches, Pankaj Singh is India’s tallest cricketer to play international cricket. With a brief international career, he found limited opportunities amidst fierce competition. The Uttar Pradesh-born pacer played only 3 games for India between 2010 and 2014.
8. England – Chris Tremlett (6 Feet 7 Inches)
The English entry on our list is Chris Tremlett, towering at 6 feet 7 inches. Tremlett’s career witnessed periods of brilliance, especially during the 2010-11 Ashes series, where his height and bounce troubled Australian batsmen. Injuries posed challenges, yet his contributions remain etched in English cricket history. Tremlett announced retirement from all forms in 2015 and currently working as a bodybuilder.
7. New Zealand – Kyle Jamieson (6 Feet 8 Inches)
Standing tall at 6 feet 8 inches, Kyle Jamieson’s introduction to international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. He is among the handful of giant bowlers who are good batsmen too. His all-round abilities have made him a regular member of the Kiwi side. He was part of the team that lifted the ICC World Test Championship mace in 2021.
6. West Indies – Joel Garner (6 Feet 8 Inches)
Joel Garner, famously known as “Big Bird,” stands tall at 6 feet 8 inches. A West Indian legend, his towering presence on the field was matched only by his fearsome bowling. Garner was the batsmen’s nightmare in the 80s as he used to bowl bouncers from a high release position with 150 KMPH speed.
5. Zimbabwe – Blessing Muzarabani (6 Feet 8 Inches)
Blessing Muzarabani’s height of 6 feet 8 inches has made him a formidable asset for Zimbabwe. His pace and bounce, combined with his consistent performances, have provided Zimbabwean cricket a ray of hope. Muzarabani is currently one of the best Zimbabwe players around and he dreams of playing in the IPL.
4. Australia – Billy Stanlake (6 Feet 8 Inches)
Australia’s entry is Billy Stanlake, towering at 6 feet 8 inches. Stanlake’s international career has been marred by injuries, but his potential has been evident. Billy is just 1 centimeter taller than Bruce Reid, the latest cricketer of his time. Billy Stanlake represents Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
3. Ireland – Boyd Rankin (6 Feet 8.5 Inches)
Boyd Rankin, at 6 feet 8.5 inches, has represented both England and Ireland. His height and ability to move the ball made him a vital asset for Ireland’s bowling attack. Rankin’s dedication to Irish cricket has contributed to the team’s growth on the global stage. He is currently retired playing 128 international games.
2. South Africa – Marco Jansen (6 Feet 9 Inches)
South Africa’s towering representative is Marco Jansen, standing tall at 6 feet 9 inches. With a fledgling international career, Jansen’s height and left-arm seam bowling offer South Africa a promising future prospect. Just after his first 28 matches across formats for South Africa, the rookie has left a huge impact. He represents Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and earlier he was part of Mumbai Indians.
1. Pakistan – Mohammad Irfan (7 Feet 1 Inch)
Topping the list is the towering Mohammad Irfan from Pakistan, an astounding 7 feet 1 inch tall. He is the tallest cricketer ever to play at the first-class and international level. 2012 to 2015 was the best phase of his career when he even troubled the likes of Virat Kohli. However, he faced a suspension in 2017 for failing to report an approach to corrupt the game. He last featured in the Pakistan jersey in November 2019 against Australia.