7 renowned bowlers without a 5-wicket haul in ODIs

Claiming a five-wicket haul in one-day internationals is the bowling equivalent of scoring a hundred in the format. Most successful bowlers have claimed a five-for in their ODI career at least once.

However, there are a few bowlers who have had very impressive one-day careers but somehow could never claim a five-wicket haul.

In this feature, we look at seven prominent bowlers without a five-for in their one-day career.

#7 Gavin Larsen

A one-day specialist, Gavin Larsen was an indispensable part of New Zealand’s set-up right through the 90s. His accurate, stifling medium pace bowling frustrated many a famous batsman.

Larsen played a total of 121 ODIs for the Kiwis in which he claimed 113 wickets at an average of 35.39, but more significantly at an economy rate of 3.76.

Larsen’s best bowling figures of 4 for 24 came in a game against Pakistan at Auckland on 13 March 1994. Larsen dismissed big guns Saeed Anwar, Aamir Sohail, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram as Pakistan were held to 161 for 9 batting first.

The game ended in a scintillating tie as Waqar Younis ripped apart the Kiwis with figures of 6 for 30.

#6 Bob Willis

One of England’s most fearsome fast bowlers, Bob Willis could tear apart any opponent on his day. He played 64 ODIs in which he claimed 80 wickets at an average of 24.60.

Willis claimed four-wicket hauls as many as four times, but could never claim that extra wicket to enter the five-for club.

His best of 4 for 11 came against Canada in the 1979 World Cup match played on June 13-14 at Manchester. This was the game in which Canada were bowled out for 45. England thumped Canada by eight wickets in the game.

Also see – World Test Championship points table