Three greatest spinners of all time
Spinners play a vital role in cricket. Over the years, spinners have been able to control the flow of opposition batsmen with their rapid rotations on the ball. As a result, teams often thrive on them during crucial stages in the game.
Great spinners also know about the condition of the pitch in the early overs of the game itself. Hence, they are able to settle into their rhythm and become effective as the match progresses.
Also Read: Three greatest wicket-keepers of all time
In order of their reputation, we take a look at the three greatest spinners across all formats in the history of cricket.
#3 Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble is considered as one of the greatest leg-spinners to have ever played the game. He represented India for almost two decades. In spite of not being a big turner of the ball, he used his accuracy to good use and extracted bounce with his height.
Kumble made his Test debut in 1990 against England. In the traditional format, he is the second bowler to scalp all ten wickets in an innings after Jim Laker. In Tests, he played 132 matches and picked 619 wickets. In ODIs, he featured in 271 games and picked 337 wickets.
The Indian legend is the third highest wicket-taker in Tests after Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. In his Test career, he has bowled the most number of balls (40850) among all Indian bowlers.
Kumble was also renowned for his tenacity. Despite nursing an injury, he once returned to the field and picked the wicket of Brian Lara with a broken jaw. He made his ODI debut in 1990 against Sri Lanka. In the 50-over format, he holds the record for most wickets taken by an Indian bowler.