Cricket is a game that requires a lot of physical fitness, agility, and mental toughness. It is often considered a young person’s game, but there have been instances where experienced and aged players have proved their mettle with remarkable performances. In this listicle, we take a look at the three oldest players to pick a 5-wicket haul in Test cricket.
1. Herbert Ironmonger – 49 years and 311 days
H Ironmonger is the oldest player to pick a 5-wicket haul in Test cricket. He achieved this feat at the age of 49 years and 311 days while playing for Australia against South Africa in Melbourne on 12th February 1932. Ironmonger was a left-arm orthodox spinner who was known for his accuracy and consistency.
In the match, he took six wickets for just 18 runs, which helped Australia win the game by an innings and 72 runs. Ironmonger played only 14 Test matches for Australia but finished with an impressive record of 74 wickets at an average of 17.97.
2. Donald Dearness Blackie – 46 years and 268 days
The second-oldest player to take a 5-wicket haul in Test cricket is DD Blackie. He achieved this feat at the age of 46 years and 268 days while playing for Australia against England in Melbourne on 29th December 1928. Blackie was a right-arm off-spinner who played only four Test matches for Australia, but he made a mark in this match.
He picked up six wickets for 94 runs, but it was not enough to prevent England from winning by 169 runs. Blackie finished with 16 Test wickets at an average of 31.18.
3. Athanasios John Traicos – 45 years and 154 days
AJ Traicos is the third oldest player to take a 5-wicket haul in Test cricket. He achieved this feat at the age of 45 years and 154 days while playing for Zimbabwe against India in Harare on 18th October 1992. Traicos was a right-arm off-spinner who played 12 Test matches for Zimbabwe.
In the match, he took five wickets for 86 runs, but Zimbabwe lost by an innings and 58 runs. Traicos finished with 34 Test wickets at an average of 32.47.