5 Cricketers who started their International careers late but made it big in their tenure

Cricket is often known for its element of surprise in the global sporting arena. Often, the last ball heroics by the batsman or the bowler tends to change the inevitable result of the high-octane match. Fans and experts always cherish to watch out a raw talent who makes a difference in the team. It is rightly said that sport is the only industry which celebrates the game of ‘merit’ in the true letter and spirit.

With modern-day cricket dominated by the young Turks, the ageing professionals find their name fading away over a period of time. As sports and fitness always remain tandem to each other, the cricketers always need to remain on their toes in order to be relevant in the race to represent the national team.

On that note, this article attempts to highlight the top 5 cricketers who left an indelible mark on the 22 yards even after debuting for the national team very late. It will be exciting to see whether Australian batting decimator Matthew Hayden or Sri Lankan tweaker Rangana Herath finds their name in the list.

So, without any further ado, let’s peek into the names:

1. Misbah-ul-Haq

The Pakistani-based cricketer is one of the finest willow-wielders during his tenure. Misbah-ul-Haq broke into the national side in 2001 after amassing truckloads of runs in the domestic circuit. He played well in the tri-nation tournament in Nairobi, but subsequently, his form deserted him and he was soon sidelined from the national side.

The topsy-turvy cricketing career is marked by his impeccable run-scoring skills in the international arena. In 162 ODI appearances, he smashed 5122 runs at an average of 43.41. Talking about his performance in T20Is, the right-hander smacked 27 sixes and 45 fours in 39 matches.

Although Misbah-ul-Haq made it to international cricket at 27 years of age, he defied all odds to become a mainstay in the team comprising of heavyweights. Also, the 46-year-old called it a day back in 2017. Of late, he resigned from the post of national selector owing to internal issues. Thus, Men-in-green will always be proud of his effusive contribution to the nation.

2. Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey is hailed as the most impactful player in the history of Australian cricket. He cannot be ignored on the cricketing ground. The swashbuckler has proved his mettle time and again. He has won matches for the Aussies from the jaws of defeat. The left-hander donned the national jersey for the first time in 2004 against Pakistan at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

In 185 ODI outings, he produced 5442 runs at a strike rate of 87. The premier batsman scored 3 scintillating centuries against tough oppositions. As far as T20I is concerned, the veteran Aussie hammered 721 runs in 38 matches only for the pride of his nation.

Therefore, Hussey features in this exclusive club as he debuted for his national side back in 2004 at the age of 29 years. Much to his credit, the stalwart made most from the opportunities bestowed upon him by the skipper and team management. Currently, Hussey has donned the coach’s hat for the three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings.

3. Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav took over the reins of an all-rounder in the Indian cricket team in 2014. He debuted for the Men-in-blue against Sri Lanka at the iconic JSCA cricket stadium.

Later, the Pune-based cricketer scored a brilliant century against England which helped India to seal the match comfortably. Eventually, the middle-order decimator upped his ante as he went on to represent India in World Cup 2019. As of now, he has played 73 ODIs and 9 T20Is and has 1500-odd runs in his cricketing bank.

Talking about his current position in the team, Kedar has failed to make it into the squad touring Australia owing to a slew of ordinary performance in the IPL as well as International cricket. Hence, the pocket-size dynamite needs to walk the extra mile in order to be back into the Men-in-blue camp.

4. Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal is another Pakistan-based cricketer who features in this high-profile list of players. The spin-king boasts of a very decorated career which has seen frequent ups and rare downs. His national stint is illustrated by his debut under the leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq. The late bloomer glued his position in the national team on the back of regular bowling rendition for the team.

The 8-year long career saw him baffling the top-order batsmen at his disposal. He has grabbed 184 wickets in 113 ODIs whereas 85 wickets in 64 T20Is displaying his propensity with the leather. The doosra-specialist hung his boots in 2017 after a series of failures to make into the national team.

The 43-year-old impressed the national selectors and debuted in 2008 when he was 29 years old. Eventually, he defied all odds and stuck to the team despite fierce competition to replace him.

5. Sanjay Bangar

The Maharashtra-born cricketer had a very brief career in the cricketing arena. Having had a good amount of experience in the domestic circuit, Bangar was roped into India’s Test squad to play England in 2001, where he made his Test debut in the first Test at Mohali. The batting all-rounder played 15 ODIs and 12 Tests before he was dropped from the team.

Sanjay Bangar mustered around 500-odd runs with the bat and with his medium-pace bowling, plucked 14 wickets altogether. Hence, he cements his position in this list as he wore the hat of dreams in 2001 at the age of 29 years. Much to his disappointment, he could not register anything special but wearing the national jersey has given him immense pleasure and pride without a shade of doubt.

Of late, he finished his tenure in the Indian cricket team management as the batting coach and is engaged in doing some great commentary behind the mic.