Greatest Australian Cricketers of All Time: Australia has a rich cricket history, filled with legendary players from different times. Deciding who’s the greatest sparks heated discussions, as every era has its standout heroes. Whether it’s Bradman’s incredible batting, Warne’s magic with the ball, or Ponting’s strong leadership, each left a mark on the iconic MCG grounds.
This journey explores cricket legends, considering their achievements, legacies, and impact on the Australian spirit. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just appreciate cricket brilliance, get ready for a tribute to those who shaped Australian cricket, leaving a lasting impression. Brace yourself for the debate on the greatest Australian cricketer of all time.
Greatest Australian Cricketers of All Time
Now, in this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 bowlers, 10 batsmen, and 5 all-rounders in Australian cricket history.
Greatest Australian Bowlers
10. Josh Hazlewood
- Born: 8 January 1991 (33)
- Height: 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)
- Bowling: Right-arm fast-medium
Starting off our list of the “Best Australian Bowlers” at the 10th spot is Josh Hazlewood. He’s a tall pace bowler known for being really accurate and has been compared to the former Australian paceman Glenn McGrath.
Currently, he holds the 2nd position in ODIs, 12th in T20Is, and 11th in Tests in the ICC Men’s Player Rankings. Hazlewood was part of the Australian team that won the Cricket World Cups in 2015 and 2023, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021, and the ICC World Test Championship from 2021 to 2023.
9. Jason Gillespie
- Born: 19 April 1975 (48)
- Height: 195 cm (6 ft 5 in)
- Bowling: Right-arm fast
Securing the 9th position among the “Greatest Australian Bowlers” is Jason Gillespie, known for his role as a right-arm fast bowler and a reliable lower-order batsman.
His notable achievements includes an unbeaten 201 in his final Test match, setting the record for the highest score by a night-watchman in international cricket.
Gillespie made his mark in One Day Internationals in 1996 against Sri Lanka and entered Test cricket later that year against the West Indies. Playing for South Australia, Yorkshire, and Glamorgan in first-class cricket, he also held an AIS Australian Cricket Academy scholarship in 1995.
8. Mitchell Johnson
- Born: 2 November 1981 (42)
- Height: 189 cm (6 ft 2 in)
- Bowling: Left-arm fast
Securing the 8th position among the “Greatest Australian Bowlers” is Mitchell Johnson, a left-arm fast bowler and left-handed batsman who represented Australia from 2005 to 2015.
Renowned as one of the finest fast bowlers of his time, Johnson played a crucial role in Australia’s victories, including multiple ICC titles and dominant performances in the 2013–14 Ashes series.
Despite facing a temporary setback in 2013, he made a remarkable comeback, earning awards such as the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2009 and the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy in 2014.
7. Brett Lee
- Born: 8 November 1976 (47)
- Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Bowling: Right-arm fast
At the 7th spot among the “Greatest Australian Bowlers” is Brett Lee, renowned for his exceptional pace, often exceeding 140 km/h (87 mph). Though not the fastest ever, he consistently bowled at impressive speeds, occasionally reaching beyond 150 km/h (93 mph). Lee faced challenges due to the strain on his body, leading to stress fractures, but adapted his strategy effectively. He diversified his deliveries, not solely relying on pace, and achieved notable success.
Representing Australia, Lee contributed significantly to the team’s triumphs, winning multiple ICC titles, including the 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cups. He holds the distinction of being the first bowler to secure a hat-trick in T20 cricket during the 2007 ICC World Twenty20.
Additionally, he was the first Australian bowler to achieve a hat-trick in a Cricket World Cup match in 2003. Lee’s career spanned from 1999 to his international retirement in 2012, concluding with 310 Test and 380 One Day International wickets.
6. Dennis Lillee
- Born: 18 July 1949 (74)
- Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Bowling: Right-arm fast
At the 6th position among the “Greatest Australian Bowlers” is Dennis Lillee, widely regarded as the “outstanding fast bowler of his generation.” Lillee, in partnership with Jeff Thomson, formed one of the greatest bowling pairs in cricket history. His early career was marked by exceptional speed, but a series of stress fractures in his back posed a serious threat to his cricketing journey.
Upon his retirement in 1984, Lillee held the world record for the most Test wickets, totaling 355. His contribution to Australian cricket and sports, in general, made him one of the most iconic figures in the country.
Recognizing his impact, a 2017 fan poll conducted by Cricket Australia named Lillee in the country’s best Ashes XI of the previous 40 years. Additionally, in December 2009, Lillee was rightfully inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the cricketing greats.
5. Nathan Lyon
- Born: 20 November 1987 (36)
- Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Bowling: Right-arm off break
At the 5th spot among the “Greatest Australian Bowlers” is Nathan Lyon, known for his off-spin bowling skills and right-handed batting in the lower order. Lyon is hailed as the most successful off-spin bowler for Australia, breaking Hugh Trumble’s record for the most Test wickets by an Australian off-spin bowler in 2015.
Lyon stands as Australia’s third-highest Test wicket-taker of all time, surpassing 500 wickets and ranking eighth globally in Test cricket. His career includes being part of the Australian team that secured victory in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final.
Lyon’s remarkable performances have earned him several accolades, including three appearances in the ICC Test Team of the Year and the Australian Men’s Test Player of the Year award in 2019. In January 2021, Lyon marked his 100th Test match during Australia’s series against India, adding another milestone to his distinguished career.
4. Mitchell Starc
- Born: 30 January 1990 (33)
- Height: 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in)
- Bowling: Left-arm fast
Ranked 4th among the “Greatest Australian Bowlers” is Mitchell Starc, a left-arm fast bowler and lower-order left-handed batsman. Recognized for his prowess in white-ball cricket and notable performances in ICC Cricket World Cups, Starc has been a consistent force in all three international formats for Australia.
His standout moments include being named Player of the Tournament in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, contributing to the 2019 Cricket World Cup victory with a record-breaking 27 wickets, and playing a key role in winning the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Starc’s speed is unmatched, holding records for the fastest bowler in ODIs to reach 150 and 200 wickets. Additionally, he played crucial roles in Australia’s victories in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final.
3. Pat Cummins
- Born: 8 May 1993 (30)
- Height: 192 cm (6 ft 4 in)
- Bowling: Right-arm fast
At the 3rd spot among the “Greatest Australian Bowlers” is Pat Cummins, an esteemed cricketer who captained Australia to victory in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, Cummins also leads the Australian team in Test and One Day International formats. He held the number one position in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings.
Cummins played crucial roles in Australia’s triumphs in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and captained the team to victories in the 2021–23 ICC World Test Championship and the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
His versatility extends to being a valuable lower-order batsman, and in 2019, he received the Allan Border Medal for being the best Australian cricketer of the year. Cummins took on the role of Australia’s permanent Test captain in November 2021.
2. Shane Warne
- Born: 13 September 1969
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Bowling: Right-arm leg break
Ranked 2nd among the “Greatest Australian Bowlers” is Shane Warne, an iconic cricketer recognized as one of the sport’s all-time greats. In his 145 Test appearances, Warne claimed 708 wickets, setting a Test cricket record until 2007. A crucial member of the 1999 Cricket World Cup-winning Australian team, Warne also contributed as a lower-order batsman with over 3,000 Test runs.
Renowned for revolutionizing leg spin, he played a key role in the Rajasthan Royals’ victory in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Despite off-field controversies, Warne’s cricketing legacy is celebrated with a statue at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a grandstand in his honor, and a posthumous appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his outstanding service to cricket.
1. Glenn McGrath
- Born: 9 February 1970 (53)
- Height: 197 cm (6 ft 6 in)
- Bowling: Right arm fast-medium
Securing the top position among the “Greatest Australian Bowlers” is Glenn McGrath, a legendary fast-medium pace bowler widely regarded as one of the greatest in cricket history. A pivotal figure in Australia’s dominance from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s, McGrath played a crucial role in winning three consecutive World Cup trophies (1999, 2003, and 2007). Known for his precision in maintaining an accurate line and length, McGrath’s consistency made him one of the most economical and successful fast bowlers of his era.
In Test cricket, McGrath ranks as the third-most successful fast bowler in terms of total wickets, behind James Anderson and Stuart Broad. He holds the fifth position on the list of all Test bowlers and boasts the seventh-highest number of one-day international wickets, including a record 71 wickets in the Cricket World Cup.
McGrath announced his retirement from Test cricket in December 2006 and bid farewell to one-day cricket after the 2007 World Cup, where he won the man-of-the-tournament award for his outstanding bowling.
Greatest Australian Batsman
10. Adam Gilchrist
- Born: 14 November 1971 (52)
- Height: 186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
- Batting: Left-handed
Ranking 10th among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen” is Adam Gilchrist, a legendary left-handed batsman and record-breaking wicket-keeper. Renowned for redefining the role of a wicket-keeper-batsman, Gilchrist held the world record for the most dismissals in ODIs until 2015. He played a pivotal role in Australia’s three consecutive World Cup victories (1999, 2003, and 2007) and the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy.
Gilchrist’s aggressive batting style, marked by a high strike rate, included setting records such as being the first to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. His fair play was evident in walking when he deemed himself out, a gesture that became synonymous with his sportsmanship.
With 17 Test centuries and 16 in ODIs, he ranks second only to Kumar Sangakkara among wicket-keepers. His remarkable 149 off 101 balls in the 2007 World Cup final is regarded as one of the greatest World Cup innings.
9. Justin Langer
- Born: 21 November 1970 (53)
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Batting: Left-handed
Ranked 9th among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen” is Justin Langer. Apart from coaching the Australia men’s national team, Langer is celebrated for his remarkable partnership with Matthew Hayden, forming one of Test cricket’s most successful opening pairs.
Known for his left-handed batting, he played a key role in Australia’s triumphs, contributing to three consecutive World Cup victories (1999, 2003, and 2007). Langer’s significant achievement includes holding the record for the most runs scored at the first-class level by an Australian.
After retiring from international cricket in 2007, he took up coaching roles, leading Australia to victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup. However, Langer announced his resignation as head coach in February 2022.
8. Matthew Hayden
- Born: 29 October 1971 (52)
- Height: 188 cm (6 ft 2 in)
- Batting: Left-handed
Ranked 8th among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen” is Matthew Hayden, a powerful left-handed opening batsman known for his aggressive style. Part of Australia’s “golden era” from 2000-2008, Hayden formed impactful partnerships with Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist.
He holds the record for the highest individual score by an Australian batsman in Test cricket, with 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003. Hayden was a key member of the teams that won the 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cups.
He retired in September 2012 and was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2017. Hayden later served as the Batting Coach for Pakistan in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
7. David Warner
- Born: 27 October 1986 (37)
- Batting: Left-handed
Ranked 7th among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen” is David Warner, renowned for his aggressive left-handed batting and proficiency in switch-hitting. As a dominant force in cricket, Warner maintained a high Test strike rate, showcasing his preference for scoring on the off side.
Making history as the first Australian in 132 years to be selected for the national team without first-class cricket experience, Warner played a crucial role in multiple Australian victories, including the 2015 Cricket World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he earned Player of the Tournament.
Warner faced controversy in 2018, receiving suspension and charges for ball tampering during a Test series against South Africa. Cricket Australia imposed a one-year ban and permanent restrictions on leadership roles. In January 2024, Warner played his final Test match and announced retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket.
6. Steven Smith
- Born: 2 June 1989 (34)
- Height: 176 cm (5 ft 9 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
Ranked 6th among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen” is Steven Smith, considered the best Test batsman in the modern era. A key player in Australia’s wins in multiple World Cups, Smith transitioned from a leg spinner to a prominent batsman.
Despite facing a suspension for ball tampering in 2018, he made a successful comeback, captaining Australia in the 2021–22 Ashes series and contributing as the current vice-captain in Tests since 2021.
Smith has earned numerous awards, including ICC Cricketer of the Year and multiple Allan Border Medals for the best player in Australian Cricket.
5. Michael Clarke
- Born: 2 April 1981 (42)
- Height: 178 cm (5 ft 10 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
Michael Clarke, the former Australian cricket captain, secured the 5th spot among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen.” He led the team in Tests and ODIs from 2011 to 2015, winning the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Clarke, nicknamed “Pup,” was a right-handed middle-order batsman and occasional left-arm orthodox spin bowler. He also captained the T20I side from 2007 to 2010, contributing to multiple ICC titles, including the 2007 and 2015 World Cups.
Representing New South Wales in domestic cricket, Clarke retired after the 2015 Ashes series.
4. Allan Border
- Born: 27 July 1955 (68)
- Height: 175 cm (5 ft 9 in)
- Batting: Left-handed
Allan Border, ranked 4th among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen,” was known for his gritty style of play. He captained the Australian cricket team, leading them to victory in the 1987 Cricket World Cup.
Border played 156 Test matches, primarily as a left-hand batsman and occasional left-arm orthodox spinner. His world record of 11,174 Test runs stood for 15 years. Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, he received numerous awards, including being named one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland in 2009.
In 2017, he was recognized in a fan poll as part of the country’s best Ashes XI in the last 40 years.
3. Steve Waugh
- Born: 2 June 1965 (58)
- Height: 179 cm (5 ft 10 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
Steve Waugh holds the 3rd spot among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen.” A right-handed batsman and former captain, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s 1987 Cricket World Cup win and led the team to numerous victories, including 15 consecutive Test wins and the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
Waugh, with 41 Test captaincy victories, is considered the most successful Test captain in history. He played 168 Test matches and scored over 10,000 runs.
Apart from his cricket achievements, Waugh was named Australian of the Year in 2004, inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010, and is recognized as one of Australia’s Living Treasures.
2. Ricky Ponting
- Born: 19 December 1974 (49)
- Height: 175 cm (5 ft 9 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
Ricky Ponting, ranked 2nd among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen,” was a highly aggressive and competitive player. He captained Australia from 2004 to 2011 in Test cricket and 2002 to 2011 in ODIs, boasting a record-breaking 220 victories in 324 matches.
Known for leading Australia to success in multiple ICC tournaments, including the 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cups, Ponting is Australia’s leading run-scorer in both Test and ODI cricket.
Despite occasional challenges against quality spin, he retired with a Test batting average of 51.85 in 2012. Ponting has since taken on coaching and commentary roles and was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2018.
1. Don Bradman
- Born: 27 August 1908
- Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
Don Bradman, ranked 1st among the “Greatest Australian Batsmen,” is widely considered the greatest cricketer ever. Nicknamed “The Don,” his Test batting average of 99.94 is a legendary achievement.
Rising quickly from bush cricket, he became Australia’s sporting idol during the Great Depression. Bradman’s impact extended beyond his playing days, as he served as a captain, administrator, and writer for decades.
Despite a complex and private nature, he remained a national icon, with his image on stamps and coins. In 2009, he was posthumously inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Greatest Australian All-Rounders
5. Marcus Stoinis
- Born: 16 August 1989 (34)
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm medium fast
At number 5 among the “Greatest Australian All-Rounders” is Marcus Stoinis. Known for his contributions in limited overs cricket, Stoinis plays for the Australian national team and is contracted to Western Australia and Melbourne Stars domestically.
He has previously played for Perth Scorchers and Victoria as an all-rounder. Stoinis was a part of the Australian squad that secured victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup and played a role in the 2023 World Cup win.
4. Andrew Symonds
- Born: 9 June 1975
- Height: 187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
At number 4 among the “Greatest Australian All-Rounders” is Andrew Symonds, nicknamed “Roy.” He played a key role in winning the 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cups.
Symonds, known for his right-handed batting, medium pace, and off-spin bowling, was also renowned for exceptional fielding. However, disciplinary issues, including alcohol abuse, led to his exclusion from the team after mid-2008.
Symonds retired from professional cricket in February 2012 to focus on family life. Tragically, he passed away in a car crash at the age of 46 in 2022.
3. Mitchell Marsh
- Born: 20 October 1991 (32)
- Height: 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm medium
At number 3 among the “Greatest Australian All-Rounders” is Mitchell Marsh, who made his debut during the 2011–12 season. He was a key contributor to the Australian team’s victories in two Cricket World Cups (2015, 2023) and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Marsh was appointed captain of the T20 team for the South Africa tour, with potential consideration for a permanent leadership role in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
2. Glenn Maxwell
- Born: 14 October 1988 (35)
- Height: 182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm off break
Ranked at number 2 among the “Greatest Australian All-Rounders” is Glenn Maxwell. Known for his unorthodox batting and right-arm off-break deliveries, Maxwell played for Victoria and Melbourne Stars. He was a key player in Australia’s victories in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Maxwell is renowned for his unconventional shot-making and improvisation. He holds records for the fastest half-century in Australian domestic one-day cricket and the fastest century in a Cricket World Cup. In 2023, he scored a monumental 201* against Afghanistan in the Cricket World Cup, considered one of the greatest innings in ODI cricket history.
Maxwell also equaled the world record for the most centuries in T20I cricket and became the first male Australian batsman to score a double century in ODIs. His extraordinary performances and record-breaking innings have solidified his place among Australia’s greatest all-rounders.
1. Shane Watson
- Born: 17 June 1981 (42)
- Height: 1.83m (6 ft 0 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm fast-medium
Ranked at number 1 among the “Greatest Australian All-Rounders” is Shane Watson. He was one of the most successful all-rounders in international cricket, excelling in limited-overs formats. He achieved the rare feat of scoring 10,000 runs and taking 250 wickets in international cricket by the end of his career in 2016. In ODI cricket, he reached No. 1 as an all-rounder and climbed to a career-high No. 3 in batting rankings. Watson played a crucial role in Australia’s two Cricket World Cup victories (2007 and 2015) and two ICC Champions Trophy triumphs (2006 and 2009).
In T20I cricket, he was a top-ranked all-rounder for two years and earned the title of the player of the tournament in the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup. Watson’s versatility as a right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler contributed to his success. He held the world No. 1 all-rounder spot in Twenty20 Internationals for an unprecedented 120 consecutive weeks.
Watson continued to shine in Twenty20 leagues globally, notably winning player of the tournament twice in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and securing two IPL titles (2008 and 2018). Even after retiring from international cricket in 2016, he remained a force in T20 cricket until his retirement from all forms of the game in 2020.
