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Cricketers comes in all shapes and sizes when it comes to international cricket. Today, we take a look at top five overweight cricketers that have played international cricket, be it a single game in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
1. Rahkeem Cornwall
First on the list is the latest addition to the heaviest cricketers that have played international cricket. West Indies Rahkeem Cornwall stands at 6’6 and weighing 140kgs, but that did not stop him from having a fine First-Class record of 260 wickets at an average of 23.90 and scored 2,224 runs at 24.43, even recently winning the Test series against Bangladesh with his nine-for.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya
In the earliest days of his career, people questioned his weight and how would he bat against top sides. It did not matter to former Sri Lankan opener, Sanath Jayasuriya. He changed the mindset of the openers as he used to give a blazing start to his side. The batting all-rounder scored 21,023 internationals runs for Sri Lanka.
3. Inzamam ul-Haq
One of the finest Pakistan cricketers ever, Inzamam ul-Haq was nicknamed “Aloo”, which means Potato in Urdu given his weight. An incident took place in a 1997 Sahara Cup match against India in Toronto. Inzamam assaulted a member of the crowd, Shiv Kumar Thind, a Canadian-based Indian, who had been comparing Inzamam to several kinds of potato over a megaphone.
Inzamam has scored 20,580 international runs for Pakistan.
4. Dwayne Leverock
Bermuda’s Dwayne Leverock made the headlines in the 2007 World Cup when he dismissed Indian opener Robin Uthappa, catching him at slip position, weighing in at 127kgs. Take a look at his unbelievable catch.
5. David Boon
Here is one from Australia, who was one of the greats for his sides. David Boon was no stranger when he comes in the category of heaviest cricketers. The Australian top-order batsman was a big man who fielded mostly at the short-leg. Many remembers his famous moustache though.
6. Mohammad Shahzad
Afghanistan opener Mohammad Shahzad is another opening batsman being heaviest on the side. His fans compare him to Sri Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya given how he gives the start to his side. One of the best batsmen for Afghanistan, Shahzad is a definite candidate for the heaviest cricketers.
7. Monty Panesar
England’s left-arm off-spinner Monty Panesar was one of England’s heaviest cricketers that have represented the side. Monty Panesar has represented England in 77 international matches, which he played 50 of them in Test cricket. He was a fine England Test bowler, taking 167 wickets at almost 35.
Here is a funny incident with Inzamam ul-Haq. Watch it here.
8. Mark Cosgrove
Many may not remember, but Australian batsman Mark Cosgrove was dropped from the side after playing only three ODI matches due to “fitness issues” he had. The batsman scored runs for English county club Leicestershire after he was never picked again.
9. Arjuna Ranantunja
One of the finest Sri Lankan captains, World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga was another man in the side that was heaviest cricketer. But that did not stop him from 12,561 international runs as well as lifting their first World Cup title in 1996.
10. Merv Hughes
Played 53 Tests and 33 ODIs for Australia, Hughes was one of the most colourful characters in the history of Australian cricket. His just keep on gaining weight as the year passes. Look at him now!
Fun fact: When Pakistan’s Javed Miandad called him a fat bus conductor, Hughes proceeded to bowl him next ball and cheekily demanded, “Tickets please!”
Did we miss any? Enjoyed the article? Write down your favourite heaviest cricketers.
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