Cricket is a sport that demands mental strength and skill, where being one step ahead of the opponent and utilizing the conditions well are key. While a player’s height may not drastically affect their performance, being tall has certain advantages, especially for bowlers who can extract extra bounce from their height, troubling the batsmen. We have compiled a list of the top 10 tallest cricketers of all time, all of whom are bowlers. It’s worth noting that Peter Fulton (New Zealand) and Tony Greig (England) were among the tallest batsmen to have played international cricket.
1. Mohammad Irfan (Pakistan) – Towering Presence on the Field
At a towering 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm), Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan stands as the tallest player to have ever played cricket. His imposing height makes him an intimidating sight as he runs to the crease and delivers the ball with remarkable bounce. His normal-length deliveries rise up to the chest height for most batsmen, posing a challenge for even the best of them.
2. Boyd Rankin (Ireland) – A Giant with Dual Representation
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (204 cm), Boyd Rankin is an Irish fast bowler who began his career in rugby but ultimately chose cricket as his true passion. Modeled on the likes of Glenn McGrath and Curtly Ambrose, Rankin is a hit-the-deck bowler who extracts considerable bounce and lateral movement, unsettling batsmen’s minds.
3. Cameron Cuffy (West Indies) – Unfulfilled Promise of Extraordinary Bounce
Cameron Cuffy, at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm), displayed great promise in extracting unimaginable bounce even from length deliveries. Unfortunately, despite his talent, competition from stalwarts like Walsh, Ambrose, and Benjamin limited his opportunities. Injuries and inconsistency further hindered his career.
4. Joel Garner (West Indies) – The Big Bird’s Fearsome Pace
At 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm), Joel Garner was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his time. He earned the nickname “Big Bird” and was renowned for delivering pinpoint yorkers that hit the base of the stumps, combined with menacing bounce from his towering height.
5. Peter George (Australia) – A Lanky Bowler with Raw Pace
Peter George, another Australian on this list, stands at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm). Likened to Glenn McGrath due to his action and height, George had the potential to become a great fast bowler. However, a short international career and injuries limited his opportunities.
6. Bruce Reid (Australia) – A Swing Specialist Cut Short by Injuries
Bruce Reid, a left-arm fast bowler from Australia, stood tall at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm). Known for consistent swing and bounce, Reid could have been an invaluable asset to the Australian team. Sadly, a series of injuries forced him to retire prematurely at just 29 years of age.
7. Marco Jansen (South Africa) – Towering Presence in South African Pace Attack
At 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm), Marco Jansen has emerged as a proven performer for South Africa in Test cricket. He extracts bounce from docile surfaces and has also displayed talent with the bat, playing crucial knocks down the order.
8. Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand) – A Rising Star with All-Round Prowess
New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson, a tall pacer at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm), gained prominence for his height and all-round abilities. Making a significant impact with both bat and ball, Jamieson’s stellar performances have earned him a place in the Test squad and a bright future ahead.
9. Sulieman Benn (West Indies) – The Controversial Left-Arm Spinner
Sulieman Benn, a fierce left-arm spinner at 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm), is known for his aggressive character and controversies. His tall frame helps him deliver the ball at an awkward angle, and he has claimed 144 international wickets across all formats.
10. Jason Holder (West Indies) – The Tall Windies Skipper
At 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm), Jason Holder is not only the current Windies Test and ODI skipper but also a tall cricketer with immense talent. A fast learner with a disciplined bowling approach, Holder’s height allows him to extract bounce and contribute as a handy batsman down the order.
While height alone may not determine a player’s success, these towering cricketers have undoubtedly left their mark on the game, using their height advantage to trouble batsmen and make a lasting impact on the field.
