If you belong in that bracket of people who are of the opinion that cricket is a game that only fit people can play, then you probably need to reconsider your ‘stance’. After all, there are many such instances in cricket that testify to the fact that this game is not just about agility and nimbleness, but also sheer alertness- a quality which is a prerequisite for any cricketer. In this feature, we glance down the names of 5 former international cricketers that are bound to be recalled for quite some time owing to their adorable heaviness.
Let us celebrate fatness!
- DAVID BOON (AUSTRALIA)
David Clarence Boon was quite a character during his playing days. Yes, he was overweighed; but he never seemed to be an unfit cricketer. In fact, he was a prolific opening batsman for the escalating Australian side in the 1980s. He was tenderly called ‘Keg on Legs’ in the Australian dressing room; a nickname which doesn’t require any sort of explanation. He loved his meat pies and Victoria Bitter.
Such was his love for VB cans that he once sank 52 cans of beer on the infamous flight to England before the 1989 Ashes. No wonder he took those fine catches as a close-in fielder throughout his career. He was undoubtedly a ‘boon in disguise’ for the mighty Australians.
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT- Boon was adjudged the ‘Man of the Match’ in the 1987 World Cup final for his 75 runs.
- ARJUNA RANATUNGA (SRI LANKA)
This man has a big heart and a big physique too. Arjuna Ranatunga is one of the most inspirational leaders to have ever played the game. A shrewd person with an equally astute cricketing brain, the former Sri Lankan skipper had a habit of getting under the skin of the opposition. One such anecdote about his exciting nature can be traced from an incident where he called Shane Warne ‘’Shane Who?’’. His captaincy was one of the prime reasons that made the ‘Emerald Isle’ a force to reckon with in international cricket. The former left handed batsman never jogged for his singles. He would casually walk them. The short mid-wicket position had become his second home.
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT- Led Sri Lanka to its maiden World Cup triumph in 1996.
- MERV HUGHES (AUSTRALIA)
If you wish to become a fast bowler, don’t get yourself overindulged in regular gym workouts and strict diet charts. Just follow Merv Hughe’s example. Barring their handlebar moustaches, David Boon and his fellow countryman had another thing in common- their bulky bodies. Merv was not only huge but gigantic. This man always promised a gala time on the cricket field with his on-field antics and typical Australian style of sledging. Even though he doesn’t have too many wickets to his name in international cricket (250 wickets to be precise), he continues to be one of the most colorful characters the game has ever seen.
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT-Merv Hughes took a hat-trick in a Test against the West Indies at the WACA in 1988/89.
- INZAMAM-UL- HAQ (PAKISTAN)
Little did anyone know that a 22 year old kid handpicked by former Pakistan Captain, Imran Khan would take the cricketing by storm? Many criticized his inclusion in the Pakistan side for the 1992 Benson and Hedges Cup, but it was his 60 off 37 balls in the crunch semi-final against New Zealand in Auckland that ignited the Pakistan side in that tournament (Pakistan eventually went on to clinch the title). Who can forget that hilarious scene where he was run out by Johnty Rhodes for taking an unnecessary single in the same tournament? There shouldn’t be any doubt in our minds as to why fans call him ‘’Aaloo’’ (The Hindi word for potato). Inzi is easily one of the laziest people to have stepped on the cricket field but then, the Almighty doesn’t send everyone into this world with one talent and that is ‘lazy elegance’.
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT- Inzamam is the highest run getter for Pakistan in ODIs with 11,739 runs.
- DWYANE LEVEROCK (BERMUDA)
Geez. It is almost impossible to forget the stunning one-handed slip catch that Dwyane ‘Sluggo’ Leverock (weighing approximately around 127 kg) took to dismiss Robin Uthapppa in Bermuda’s encounter with India in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. He instantly became the feel-good hit of that edition of the World Cup. You will be surprised to know that he former Bermudian left-arm spinner is a policeman by profession and also drives a prison van. One cannot help but feel pity for the criminals. His list of aptitudes doesn’t stop here. He previously played football at Hull City with the Bermudian team, Zebras where he was a striker. Besides cricket and football, he also plays golf. Now that’s what you call a true talent. Despite the fact that the Bermudian team has disappeared from the international circuit akin to how people disappear in the Bermuda triangle, Dwyane Leverock’s name is unlikely to fade away from people’s memories in the days to come.
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT-Leverock won the Bermuda Sun Sports Personality of the Year Award for the second time running in 2007.
Fitness is indeed essential for a healthy life. Do not neglect your fitness and health conditions. Their negligence may backfire any time without issuing any prior notice. An active and vigorous lifestyle is the need of the hour.
In spite of being heavy weight cricketers, these five gentlemen have pinpointed the fact that it is possible to overcome the various obstacles life that life has in store. One just requires the necessary orientation for it. cricfit.com salutes such individuals.