mr_mister
Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
13th. Rangana Herath, 226 points
Featured on 23 of 35 lists
Highest finish: 4th (1 time)
Ranking within spin discipline: 4th of 14 (Slow Left Arm Orthodox)
Test WPM ranking: 13th of 43 (4.67)
I talked about how unlucky MacGill was earlier, but Herath can consider himself even more unfortunate even though he managed to take 430 wickets. He only played 14 tests before the age of 30 due to Murali having an obvious monopoly on the lead spinner role for Sri Lanka. When he did play it was only to hold up one end so Murali could work his magic at the other. After Murali's retirement though Herath went from apprentice to master and has had an amazing back half to his career. At 40 years old he'l still be around for a few more months on the test scene, recently announcing his retirement will likely be in November after an England series.
Herath could have easily taken 600+ wickets if it wasn't for Murali and in the last few years especially he's bowled Sri Lanka to countless victories at home. On those dustbowls he is unplayable in a 4th innings. In 2016 especially he was a juggernaut, taking 57 wickets from 9 matches @ the cost of 18.9 a scalp. This included a 28 wicket series against Australia where he bowled SL to a huge series victory with a very young team and was responsible for constant batting collapses by the tourists. He's taken an enormous 34 test five fers and sits at 5th on the all time list. He only needs 3 more to reach 2nd spot, occupied by Warne. It's possible he'll get there considering he really has such little competition for wickets.
However it's not all positive reading. His overall average is a tick under 28, no doubt helped by playing three quarters of his test cricket in Asia where he averages 25. In several parts of the world he's failed to make an impact, averaging over 40 in 5 separate countries. I personally feel this is a bit of a mark against the man and think he may have slighted benefited from being such a fan favorite on CW in this exercise. But there is a lot to love about a 38 year old stocky man running through sides on a regular basis.
Featured on 23 of 35 lists
Highest finish: 4th (1 time)
Ranking within spin discipline: 4th of 14 (Slow Left Arm Orthodox)
Test WPM ranking: 13th of 43 (4.67)
I talked about how unlucky MacGill was earlier, but Herath can consider himself even more unfortunate even though he managed to take 430 wickets. He only played 14 tests before the age of 30 due to Murali having an obvious monopoly on the lead spinner role for Sri Lanka. When he did play it was only to hold up one end so Murali could work his magic at the other. After Murali's retirement though Herath went from apprentice to master and has had an amazing back half to his career. At 40 years old he'l still be around for a few more months on the test scene, recently announcing his retirement will likely be in November after an England series.
Herath could have easily taken 600+ wickets if it wasn't for Murali and in the last few years especially he's bowled Sri Lanka to countless victories at home. On those dustbowls he is unplayable in a 4th innings. In 2016 especially he was a juggernaut, taking 57 wickets from 9 matches @ the cost of 18.9 a scalp. This included a 28 wicket series against Australia where he bowled SL to a huge series victory with a very young team and was responsible for constant batting collapses by the tourists. He's taken an enormous 34 test five fers and sits at 5th on the all time list. He only needs 3 more to reach 2nd spot, occupied by Warne. It's possible he'll get there considering he really has such little competition for wickets.
However it's not all positive reading. His overall average is a tick under 28, no doubt helped by playing three quarters of his test cricket in Asia where he averages 25. In several parts of the world he's failed to make an impact, averaging over 40 in 5 separate countries. I personally feel this is a bit of a mark against the man and think he may have slighted benefited from being such a fan favorite on CW in this exercise. But there is a lot to love about a 38 year old stocky man running through sides on a regular basis.
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