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The 20 in action

The best of the best

Alan Knott was one in a long line of outstanding Kent wicketkeeper-batsmen and in a decade through to him joining World Series Cricket he was the best in the world. He was at his best standing up to the medium pace of Derek Underwood and his overall glovework was remarkable. He developed into a dependable No. 7 and despite his lack of inches, he showed tremendous courage in the pre-helmet era against Australia and West Indies. In 95 Tests he scored 4389 runs at 32.75 and took a then world record 269 dismissals.
Alan Knott was one in a long line of outstanding Kent wicketkeeper-batsmen and in a decade through to him joining World Series Cricket he was the best in the world. He was at his best standing up to the medium pace of Derek Underwood and his overall glovework was remarkable. He developed into a dependable No. 7 and despite his lack of inches, he showed tremendous courage in the pre-helmet era against Australia and West Indies. In 95 Tests he scored 4389 runs at 32.75 and took a then world record 269 dismissals.•Getty Images
A brilliant, technically correct batsman with the patience of Job, and an under-rated swing bowler who can always be relied on for a breakthrough, Jacques Kallis is perhaps the most prominent allrounder of the past decade. Like Sir Garry Sobers before him, he would be pushing for a place among the batting greats even if he'd never bowled a ball in anger, but his ability to find the edge at good pace is an extra string to his bow.
A brilliant, technically correct batsman with the patience of Job, and an under-rated swing bowler who can always be relied on for a breakthrough, Jacques Kallis is perhaps the most prominent allrounder of the past decade. Like Sir Garry Sobers before him, he would be pushing for a place among the batting greats even if he'd never bowled a ball in anger, but his ability to find the edge at good pace is an extra string to his bow.•Getty Images
To most people, Richie Benaud will always be a TV commentator. But after a slow start to his Test career, he really blossomed when he became Australia’s captain, regaining the Ashes in 1958-59 and then retaining them twice. As a legspinner, he was full of baits and traps, and he batted and fielded with verve. Yet it was his presence, as much as anything, which summoned the best from players: cool but communicative, he impressed as one to whom no event was unexpected, no contingency unplanned for. In 63 Tests he scored 2201 runs at 24.45 and took 248 wickets at 27.03.
To most people, Richie Benaud will always be a TV commentator. But after a slow start to his Test career, he really blossomed when he became Australia’s captain, regaining the Ashes in 1958-59 and then retaining them twice. As a legspinner, he was full of baits and traps, and he batted and fielded with verve. Yet it was his presence, as much as anything, which summoned the best from players: cool but communicative, he impressed as one to whom no event was unexpected, no contingency unplanned for. In 63 Tests he scored 2201 runs at 24.45 and took 248 wickets at 27.03.•The Cricketer International
Brash and bombastic, Ian Botham has arguably been the hardest act to follow in the history of Test cricket. A peerless attacking swing bowler and a fearless bludgeoner of a cricket ball, Beefy burst onto the Test scene in 1977 with five wickets on debut against Australia, and in five years of mayhem up til 1982, he grabbed 249 of his 383 wickets, and clubbed 11 of his 14 centuries. In 1981, he single-handedly won England the Ashes with command performances at Headingley, Edgbaston (above) and Old Trafford.
Brash and bombastic, Ian Botham has arguably been the hardest act to follow in the history of Test cricket. A peerless attacking swing bowler and a fearless bludgeoner of a cricket ball, Beefy burst onto the Test scene in 1977 with five wickets on debut against Australia, and in five years of mayhem up til 1982, he grabbed 249 of his 383 wickets, and clubbed 11 of his 14 centuries. In 1981, he single-handedly won England the Ashes with command performances at Headingley, Edgbaston (above) and Old Trafford.•Getty Images
The son of a West Indies cricketer, Learie Constantine, <I>Wisden</I> wrote, took “a major share in lifting his people to a new level of respect within the British Commonwealth … [and] along the way he became the finest fieldsman and one of the most exciting allrounders the game of cricket has known.” A genuine fast bowler – he bowled Bodyline at Douglas Jardine in 1933 – and an attacking batsmen, he was also one of the first athletic and dangerous fielders – “In the deep he picked up while going like a sprinter and threw with explosive accuracy; close to the wicket he was fearless and quick.” He only played 18 Tests as his need to raise funds for his studies meant he was commited to league cricket. Nevertheless, he scored 635 runs at 19.24 and took 58 wickets at 30.10.
The son of a West Indies cricketer, Learie Constantine, Wisden wrote, took “a major share in lifting his people to a new level of respect within the British Commonwealth … [and] along the way he became the finest fieldsman and one of the most exciting allrounders the game of cricket has known.” A genuine fast bowler – he bowled Bodyline at Douglas Jardine in 1933 – and an attacking batsmen, he was also one of the first athletic and dangerous fielders – “In the deep he picked up while going like a sprinter and threw with explosive accuracy; close to the wicket he was fearless and quick.” He only played 18 Tests as his need to raise funds for his studies meant he was commited to league cricket. Nevertheless, he scored 635 runs at 19.24 and took 58 wickets at 30.10.•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
One of the all-time greats of the game, Imran Khan was a free-flowing batsman, a gloriously attacking swing bowler with a fear-of-God flourish at the crease, and last but not least, a true leader of men. One of the few characters strong enough to impose his will on the Pakistan team, his "cornered tigers" speech in the 1992 World Cup led to his finest hour - the capturing of the trophy on a balmy night in Melbourne. He retired from the game immediately afterwards, and showed even more versatility by moving into a career in politics.
One of the all-time greats of the game, Imran Khan was a free-flowing batsman, a gloriously attacking swing bowler with a fear-of-God flourish at the crease, and last but not least, a true leader of men. One of the few characters strong enough to impose his will on the Pakistan team, his "cornered tigers" speech in the 1992 World Cup led to his finest hour - the capturing of the trophy on a balmy night in Melbourne. He retired from the game immediately afterwards, and showed even more versatility by moving into a career in politics.•Getty Images
Probably one of the most natural talents the game of cricket has ever seen, Mike Procter was denied the chance to showcase his talents on the international stage by South Africa's isolation. His performances in the seven Test matches he did play - all against Australia - suggest he would have kept favourable company with other great allrounders. He scored six centuries in consecutive first-class innings while playing for Rhodesia in the early 1970s, and performed admirably for Gloucestershire.
Probably one of the most natural talents the game of cricket has ever seen, Mike Procter was denied the chance to showcase his talents on the international stage by South Africa's isolation. His performances in the seven Test matches he did play - all against Australia - suggest he would have kept favourable company with other great allrounders. He scored six centuries in consecutive first-class innings while playing for Rhodesia in the early 1970s, and performed admirably for Gloucestershire.•Ken Kelly/The Cricketer International
At the time of his death in 1940, Monty Noble was regarded as Australia’s greatest-ever allrounder. “He excelled as a batsman, bowler, fieldsman and captain,” wrote <I>Wisden</I>, “and showed exceptional ability in every detail of the game.” In 42 Tests he scored 1997 runs at 30.25 and took 121 wickets at 25.00.
At the time of his death in 1940, Monty Noble was regarded as Australia’s greatest-ever allrounder. “He excelled as a batsman, bowler, fieldsman and captain,” wrote Wisden, “and showed exceptional ability in every detail of the game.” In 42 Tests he scored 1997 runs at 30.25 and took 121 wickets at 25.00.•Wisden
Tony Greig never courted controversy but often attracted it. He was an immensely popular cricketer, especially on the subcontinent, due to the way he played and his rapport with the crowds. He could also upset them, as he did in Australia in 1974-75 and against West Indies in both 1973-74 and 1976. But before he emerged as Kerry Packer’s ringleader, he captained England for two years and despite moderate results, restored much-needed self-belief. As a batsman he was never bowed, and his bowling, which was either loopy medium-pace or even loopier offspin, was most effective. In 58 Tests he scored 3599 runs at 40.43 and took 141 wickets at 32.20.
Tony Greig never courted controversy but often attracted it. He was an immensely popular cricketer, especially on the subcontinent, due to the way he played and his rapport with the crowds. He could also upset them, as he did in Australia in 1974-75 and against West Indies in both 1973-74 and 1976. But before he emerged as Kerry Packer’s ringleader, he captained England for two years and despite moderate results, restored much-needed self-belief. As a batsman he was never bowed, and his bowling, which was either loopy medium-pace or even loopier offspin, was most effective. In 58 Tests he scored 3599 runs at 40.43 and took 141 wickets at 32.20.•The Cricketer International
Sir Richard Hadlee was the last knight to play Test cricket, having been honoured by the Queen on New Zealand's tour in 1990, and rarely has an accolade been so deserved. Almost single-handedly, he made his country a team to be feared, leading the line for a then-world record of 431 Test wickets, all of them extracted with a venomous, whippy action and masterful control of seam and swing. That he could bat was merely a bonus - his bowling would have graced any team in history.
Sir Richard Hadlee was the last knight to play Test cricket, having been honoured by the Queen on New Zealand's tour in 1990, and rarely has an accolade been so deserved. Almost single-handedly, he made his country a team to be feared, leading the line for a then-world record of 431 Test wickets, all of them extracted with a venomous, whippy action and masterful control of seam and swing. That he could bat was merely a bonus - his bowling would have graced any team in history.•Getty Images
India's Trojan, Kapil Dev was a lithe and whippy swing bowler who thrived in spite of the flat pitches of the subcontinent. He was for a time the leading wicket-taker in the world with 434 scalps, but if anything his batting was even more explosive. He had a fearless ability to clobber a cricket ball, never better exemplified than at Lord's in 1990, when he cracked four consecutive sixes off Eddie Hemmings to save the follow-on. As India's World-Cup-winning captain in 1983, he is guaranteed immortality.
India's Trojan, Kapil Dev was a lithe and whippy swing bowler who thrived in spite of the flat pitches of the subcontinent. He was for a time the leading wicket-taker in the world with 434 scalps, but if anything his batting was even more explosive. He had a fearless ability to clobber a cricket ball, never better exemplified than at Lord's in 1990, when he cracked four consecutive sixes off Eddie Hemmings to save the follow-on. As India's World-Cup-winning captain in 1983, he is guaranteed immortality.•Adrian Murrell/Getty Images
Ravi Shastri was India's Mr Utility, a tall and accurate left-arm spinner who, through dedication and perspiration, turned himself into an opening batsman of the highest calibre. In his time, he was the glamour-boy of the Indian team, and though his detractors claimed he scored his runs too slowly, he nonetheless equalled Sobers' record of six sixes in an innings, in the Ranji Trophy in 1985.
Ravi Shastri was India's Mr Utility, a tall and accurate left-arm spinner who, through dedication and perspiration, turned himself into an opening batsman of the highest calibre. In his time, he was the glamour-boy of the Indian team, and though his detractors claimed he scored his runs too slowly, he nonetheless equalled Sobers' record of six sixes in an innings, in the Ranji Trophy in 1985.•Getty Images
Genial and gifted, brute strength is Flintoff's strength - the ability to belt a cricket ball into the neighbouring county, and to jar the bat handle while bowling a deceptively heavy ball from an unnervingly bullish run-up. For a time he was destructive and self-destructive in equal measure, and it seemed he might fail to fulfil his potential. But against Australia in 2005, he gave the sustained performance of his life to wrench the Ashes out of Australia's grasp.
Genial and gifted, brute strength is Flintoff's strength - the ability to belt a cricket ball into the neighbouring county, and to jar the bat handle while bowling a deceptively heavy ball from an unnervingly bullish run-up. For a time he was destructive and self-destructive in equal measure, and it seemed he might fail to fulfil his potential. But against Australia in 2005, he gave the sustained performance of his life to wrench the Ashes out of Australia's grasp.•Getty Images
Keith Miller enlivened a dull post-war world with his attacking batting, fast and hostile bowling, and playboy good looks. But he also embodied the idea that there was more to life than cricket, and while he gave nothing on the field, he lived life to the full off it. A former World War Two fighter pilot, he once said: "I'll tell you what pressure is. Pressure is a Messerschmitt up your arse. Playing cricket is not." In 55 Tests he scored 2958 runs at 39.97 and took 170 wickets at 22.97.
Keith Miller enlivened a dull post-war world with his attacking batting, fast and hostile bowling, and playboy good looks. But he also embodied the idea that there was more to life than cricket, and while he gave nothing on the field, he lived life to the full off it. A former World War Two fighter pilot, he once said: "I'll tell you what pressure is. Pressure is a Messerschmitt up your arse. Playing cricket is not." In 55 Tests he scored 2958 runs at 39.97 and took 170 wickets at 22.97.•The Cricketer International
An unassuming man but a revolutionary cricketer, Adam Gilchrist transformed the art of modern-day wicketkeeping by turning Australia's No. 7 position into an offensive weapon. His ability to cut loose in partnership with the tail intimidated bowlers from the moment he walked to the crease, even if the scoreline was 125 for 5. Few believed he could ever match Ian Healy's skills with the gloves, but his partnership with Shane Warne has turned both men into record-breakers.
An unassuming man but a revolutionary cricketer, Adam Gilchrist transformed the art of modern-day wicketkeeping by turning Australia's No. 7 position into an offensive weapon. His ability to cut loose in partnership with the tail intimidated bowlers from the moment he walked to the crease, even if the scoreline was 125 for 5. Few believed he could ever match Ian Healy's skills with the gloves, but his partnership with Shane Warne has turned both men into record-breakers.•Getty Images
Garry Sobers was probably the most complete allrounder ever. An attacking left-hand bat, he broke the Test record score when he made 365 not out as a 21-year-old, and there did not seem a shot beyond him. Had he never bowled a ball, he would still be considered among the greats. But not only could he bowl, he could bowl fast-medium with the new ball and then turn to either orthodox left-arm spin or alternatively wrist spin. As if that wasn’t enough, he was a brilliant fielder, especially close in. In his later years he captained a West Indies side in transition, often bailing them out single handed. In 93 Tests he scored 8032 runs at 57.78 and took 235 wickets at 34.03, as well as taking 109 catches. In 2000 he was named one of <I>Wisden’s</i> five Cricketers of the Century.
Garry Sobers was probably the most complete allrounder ever. An attacking left-hand bat, he broke the Test record score when he made 365 not out as a 21-year-old, and there did not seem a shot beyond him. Had he never bowled a ball, he would still be considered among the greats. But not only could he bowl, he could bowl fast-medium with the new ball and then turn to either orthodox left-arm spin or alternatively wrist spin. As if that wasn’t enough, he was a brilliant fielder, especially close in. In his later years he captained a West Indies side in transition, often bailing them out single handed. In 93 Tests he scored 8032 runs at 57.78 and took 235 wickets at 34.03, as well as taking 109 catches. In 2000 he was named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Century.•Getty Images
Spotted as a teenager by Imran Khan, Wasim Akram became a champion of Pakistan when, in harness with his fellow paceman, Waqar Younis, he cut a swathe through the world's batting line-ups, finding deadly reverse-swing in the most barren of conditions. In 1992, he secured Pakistan's victory in the World Cup final at Melbourne with three key wickets, including Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis with consecutive jaffas. His batting rarely attained the heights that might have been expected, although against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura in 1996-97 (above), he demonstrated his full range of strokes with a remarkable unbeaten 257. His tally of 12 sixes in the innings was a record.
Spotted as a teenager by Imran Khan, Wasim Akram became a champion of Pakistan when, in harness with his fellow paceman, Waqar Younis, he cut a swathe through the world's batting line-ups, finding deadly reverse-swing in the most barren of conditions. In 1992, he secured Pakistan's victory in the World Cup final at Melbourne with three key wickets, including Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis with consecutive jaffas. His batting rarely attained the heights that might have been expected, although against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura in 1996-97 (above), he demonstrated his full range of strokes with a remarkable unbeaten 257. His tally of 12 sixes in the innings was a record.•The Cricketer International
Vinoo Mankad was unfortunate in that he lost his early years to the war, but in the decade after World War Two he emerged as India's greatest allrounder, and he held together a side which was often on the back foot. His finest hour came at Lord’s in 1952 when, going in first, he scored 72 and 184. In the second innings he went straight to the wicket after bowling 31 overs that day. In the whole match he bowled 97 overs and took 5 for 231. In Tests he scored 2109 runs at 31.47 and took 162 wickets at 32.31.
Vinoo Mankad was unfortunate in that he lost his early years to the war, but in the decade after World War Two he emerged as India's greatest allrounder, and he held together a side which was often on the back foot. His finest hour came at Lord’s in 1952 when, going in first, he scored 72 and 184. In the second innings he went straight to the wicket after bowling 31 overs that day. In the whole match he bowled 97 overs and took 5 for 231. In Tests he scored 2109 runs at 31.47 and took 162 wickets at 32.31.•Wisden
The son of the South African seamer Peter, and the nephew of the legendary batsman, Graeme, Shaun Pollock combines his family's cricketing skills in one formidable package. A relentlessly accurate wicket-to-wicket bowler with a vicious helmet-clattering bouncer, he is also a class act with the bat although South Africa has had a surfeit of allrounders, particularly in the one-day game, and so his skills have never been fully extended. In partnership with Allan Donald, he gave his country a new-ball attack to be feared in the late-1990s.
The son of the South African seamer Peter, and the nephew of the legendary batsman, Graeme, Shaun Pollock combines his family's cricketing skills in one formidable package. A relentlessly accurate wicket-to-wicket bowler with a vicious helmet-clattering bouncer, he is also a class act with the bat although South Africa has had a surfeit of allrounders, particularly in the one-day game, and so his skills have never been fully extended. In partnership with Allan Donald, he gave his country a new-ball attack to be feared in the late-1990s.•Tony Lewis/Getty Images
Wilfred Rhodes (right) with his Yorkshire and England team-mate, George Hirst. Rhodes made his Test debut in 1899 and his final appearance came almost 30 years later. A supreme allrounder, in Tests he batted in every position from No.1 to No. 11 and took 127 wickets at 26.96 as well as 2325 runs at 30.19. For Yorkshire he scored more than 30,000 runs and took 3,608 wickets at 16.
Wilfred Rhodes (right) with his Yorkshire and England team-mate, George Hirst. Rhodes made his Test debut in 1899 and his final appearance came almost 30 years later. A supreme allrounder, in Tests he batted in every position from No.1 to No. 11 and took 127 wickets at 26.96 as well as 2325 runs at 30.19. For Yorkshire he scored more than 30,000 runs and took 3,608 wickets at 16.•ESPNcricinfo Ltd