Leg-spin bowling is a form of art, and many talented players have masterfully created it. Especially in test cricket, leg-spinner inventions and variations constantly make life tough for the hitters. They are the zooter, flipper, faster, slider, and googly.
These spin bowling species have constantly proliferated as the gentleman’s game has changed and become more diverse. There have been many great leg spinners that have made a mark in Test Cricket and have troubled batters with their great variations. So let’s take a look at the top 3 greatest leg-spinners of all-time
1. Shane Warne
Shane Warne will be the first name that comes to mind when we discuss spinners. Warne is frequently recognised as the finest bowler to ever play in a cricket match. This legend has played for Australia’s national team and helped the team achieve many triumphs.
This guy advanced greatly after making his debut in international cricket against India with dismal bowling figures of 1/150. Warne is the second-greatest wicket-taker throughout cricket history with an overall record of 708 wickets across 145 test matches, making him the top wicket-taker for Australia. Shane Warne is without a doubt the greatest leg spinner of all time.
2. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, a former Indian captain and legendary spinner, has taken the most wickets for India in international cricket. Since his ball-spinning skills were inferior to those of other spinners in the early stages of his career, he was not given much credit.
But Anil went up to become one of the greatest leg spinners of all time because of his precision and knack to pitch as well as bounce the ball whenever he wanted. He has participated in 132 games and is India’s most wicket-taker with 619 test wickets.
Richie Benaud is well-known for his appearances on Channel 9 as a pundit. Benaud is one of the most admired and illustrious characters in Australian cricket history when it comes to his playing career. He was the team’s most crucial wrist spinner in the 1950s and 1960s. He has participated in 63 test matches and has recorded 248 victims with an average of 27.03.
He is ranked second to Sir Donald Bradman as among cricket’s all-time greats. The only all-rounder who bowls spin is Benaud, who is also the sole all-rounder on this list. He distinguishes himself from other players by having the knack to keep the batters on their toes. Such a rare combination—one that almost appears to defy convention—is a frugal leg-spin bowler.