Cricket, often regarded as a gentleman’s game, has witnessed numerous fascinating and memorable moments throughout its history. One such intriguing occurrence is when a bowler manages to take a wicket on the very last ball of their career. It adds a sense of drama and finality to their journey, leaving a lasting impact on both players and fans alike. In this article, we will delve into the realm of cricket and explore some notable instances where bowlers bid farewell with a wicket on their final delivery.
01. Glen McGrath
Legendary Australian fast bowler Glen McGrath is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers to have ever graced the game. Known for his exceptional accuracy and ability to consistently deliver precise line and length, McGrath holds a remarkable record of taking a wicket on the final delivery of his Test, ODI, and Twenty20 careers.
In his last Test match, McGrath brilliantly deceived England’s James Anderson by cleverly rolling his fingers over the seam of the ball. Anderson, unable to anticipate the subtle variation, ended up chipping the ball in the air, presenting a simple catch to Mike Hussey at mid-on. McGrath bid farewell to Test cricket by dismissing Anderson on his final delivery.
Similarly, in his last ODI and limited-overs international matches, McGrath showcased his mastery by claiming wickets on the ultimate balls of both formats. He removed Paul Nixon on his last ball in ODIs and dismissed Paul Collingwood with his final delivery in limited-overs internationals.
McGrath’s illustrious international career came to a close with a staggering tally of 949 wickets across all formats. His unwavering accuracy, exceptional skill, and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs made him an iconic figure in the world of cricket.
02. Muttaih Muralitharan
Former Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan concluded his illustrious Test career in a remarkable fashion by taking the final wicket of Pragyan Ojha during a match against India in Galle. Renowned for his mesmerizing spin bowling, Murali reached the incredible milestone of 800 Test wickets with the dismissal of the Indian lower-order batsman.
Muralitharan’s ability to bamboozle batsmen with his exceptional spin and variations made him one of the most feared bowlers in the history of cricket. In addition to his remarkable Test career, he holds the world record for the highest number of international wickets across all formats, amassing a staggering tally of 1,347 wickets.
Throughout his career, Muralitharan consistently showcased his unparalleled skill, baffling batsmen with his spin and guile. His exceptional achievements have solidified his place as one of the greatest bowlers ever to grace the game of cricket.
03. Sir Richard Hadlee
Sir Richard Hadlee, the hostile New Zealand fast bowler, was an unrivaled master of fast swing bowling. He played a pivotal role in the Black Caps’ rise in Test cricket, becoming the centerpiece of their bowling attack.
In his final match, after an impressive innings of 86 runs in the first innings, Hadlee showcased his bowling prowess by dismissing England’s D. Malcolm with a plumb LBW decision on the last delivery of his career. It was a fitting end to an extraordinary international journey.
Renowned for his lethal outswinger, Hadlee’s ability to generate pace and movement troubled batsmen from all around the world. He achieved a remarkable feat in One Day Internationals (ODIs) by becoming the first player to score 1,000 runs and simultaneously take 100 wickets in the format, solidifying his status as a true all-rounder.
Sir Richard Hadlee’s contributions to New Zealand cricket were immeasurable. His skill, aggression, and unwavering determination made him an iconic figure in the sport, inspiring generations of fast bowlers to follow in his footsteps.
04. Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga, one of the most influential limited-overs specialist bowlers, made a significant impact with his unique round-arm action and toe-crushing yorkers. The unconventional Sri Lankan fast bowler was renowned for his ability to deliver well-directed bouncers and deceive batsmen with clever variations in pace.
In his final One-Day International (ODI) match against Bangladesh in Colombo, Malinga showcased his bowling mastery by dismissing Mustafizur Rahman on the last ball. Rahman attempted a scoop shot against a dipping slower delivery, only to be comfortably caught by Thisara Perera at mid-off. With this wicket, Malinga joined the distinguished group of cricketers who have achieved the feat of taking a wicket on their last delivery before retirement.
Malinga’s unorthodox bowling style and unwavering accuracy made him a nightmare for batsmen in the limited-overs format. His toe-crushers and ability to mix up his pace provided countless breakthroughs for Sri Lanka and earned him a reputation as one of the finest bowlers in white-ball cricket.
As Lasith Malinga bid farewell to international cricket, his contributions and unique bowling prowess will be remembered as an integral part of Sri Lankan cricketing history.
05. Adam Gilchrist
In a surprising turn of events, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist finds himself on the prestigious list. After retiring from international cricket, the flamboyant cricketer was playing his final competitive match when he decided to casually roll his arm over and achieved an astonishing wicket. During an Indian Premier League (IPL) match, Gilchrist bowled a delivery that led to Harbhajan Singh miscuing a wild slog, resulting in a catch taken by Gurkeerat Mann on the long-on fence.
Upon taking the wicket, the jubilant Australian cricketer couldn’t contain his excitement and immediately broke into the popular ‘Gangnam Style’ dance. This spontaneous celebration added to the memorable moment, showcasing Gilchrist’s infectious enthusiasm and love for the game.
Adam Gilchrist’s career as a wicketkeeper-batsman is renowned for his explosive batting, exceptional glovework, and the positive spirit he brought to the field. This unexpected wicket in his final match added another chapter to his remarkable cricketing journey, leaving a lasting impression on fans worldwide.
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