7 cricketers born in countries alien to cricket
There have been so many instances of a cricketer turning out for two international teams that it’s sometimes quite confusing. The best example of this (in modern times) is Eoin Morgan, who turned out for both Ireland and England in limited-overs cricket. While the list of such players is quite immense and unique, there is yet another category which is head and shoulders above everything else.This category consists of those who were born in nations where the concept of cricket, let alone the game itself, is alien. Former England captain Freddie Brown achieved more laurels in playing for the British than choosing a mundane life in Lima, Peru. Yet again, Jehan Mubarak turned out for Sri Lanka despite being born in the United States.Here are seven acclaimed players, born on the wrong side of the cricketing track, who achieved a significant amount of fame via the Gentleman’s Game:
#7 Moises Henriques (Australia)
Australia has this uncanny ability to churn out one skilled all-rounder after another in international cricket. What sets Moises Henriques apart from the others, however, is the fact that he was born in Funchal, Portugal. Blessed with nagging bowling accuracy and hard-hitting abilities, the 28-year-old is an integral part of the New South Wales Blues setup for the limited-overs versions of the game.
Henriques has also found some success in Test cricket, as his two half-centuries against India on debut in 2013 suggest. He also has faced the ignominy of being at the receiving end of Kieron Pollard’s fury during the 2009 Champions League T20 tournament, when the West Indian giant smashed him all over the Ferozeshah Kotla ground. Nevertheless, the young all-rounder has proved to be a vital cog in Australia’s Twenty20 plans and continues to impress for the sides he plays for.