5 most experienced cricketers who never captained their team
The necessity of a leader cuts across teams of any kind across the world, be it politics, sport, industry or any other group performance. A leader is not just responsible to lead from the front by setting an example for his team, but he is also the one who can be held accountable for the success or the failure of the team.
The role of a captain in a cricket team assumes huge importance because of the number of on-field decisions he has to take. Generally, the best player in the team dons the captain's hat in the game of cricket and as players gain more experience, they increase their chances of leading their side.
However, there have been players who have been the best performer of their teams for a consistent period of time and even after having gained more experience than any of their teammates, have been unfortunate not to have ever lead their team in the entire span of their career. This article encapsulates the 5 most experienced international cricketers who could never captain their team.
Note: The article pertains to international cricket and does not include records of franchise cricket. Stats have been updated till 20th February, 2019.
#5 James Anderson
The 36-year-old Englishman James Anderson is not just one of England's greatest cricketers of all time, but also one of the best pacers to have ever graced the sport, his tally of 575 Tests scalps testimony to this fact.
Across a 17 year long career that began in 2002 and looks good for more, Jimmy has featured in 361 international matches and picked 862 wickets, earning him respect and accolades from across the globe.
Fitness has been the reason behind his longevity which in turn, coupled with his immense talent and accuracy, has proven to be his winning formula. And even after spending almost half his years as an English cricketer Anderson has not been fortunate enough to lead his team ever.
The closest he came to being captain was in the 2017-18 Ashes Down Under when he replaced Ben Stokes as the vice captain of the team.