5 Successful Test players who were tagged as limited-overs specialists

We all love cricket because of the unpredictable nature of the sport. Nothing can be predicted in this game and has turned out to be true while people attempted to forecast careers of the players. Critics and audience sometimes get judgemental towards the attacking batsmen. There are some who are labelled as limited-overs specialists right at the start of their career owing to their attacking approach to the game.

And they are not perceived to be good enough for the longer format of the game. Over the years many have proved this theory wrong. There have been many batsmen who were branded as ‘limited-overs specialist’ but they went on to become legends in Test format. Here are five such names who set the stage on fire in both limited-overs as well as Test cricket.

1. Sanath Jayasuriya

The former Sri Lankan opening batsman is credited for having revolutionized batting in the powerplay overs in One-Day International cricket. He started the trend of taking on the new ball bowlers to make the use of the field restrictions imposed in the first 15 overs. This was also one of the biggest factors behind Sri Lanka‘s triumph in the 1996 World Cup.

His record in Tests is equally impressive, Sanath has a batting average of more than 40 in Test match cricket. The left-handed batsman also has a triple century, with the highest score of 340 against India. The Southpaw scored 6973 runs in the longest format of the game and gave Sri Lanka flying start in the whites as well.

2. Virender Sehwag

When Virender Sehwag burst onto the scene many dismissed his chances of doing any good in Tests. He was thrown into the Test team as a middle-order batsman in the tough away series against South Africa. Despite having the odds against him he proved the critics wrong and craved a place for himself in Test history. He made a mark in his very first game and scored a century on debut.

Sourav Ganguly‘s decision to promote him in the batting order proved to be the turning point of his career. The Delhi opener became the only Indian batsman to score 2 triple centuries in Test match cricket. He scored 8586 runs at an average of close to 50 in Test cricket. Not too bad for a guy who wasn’t considered able enough to play even first-class cricket.

3. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is known for his exploits in the shortest format of the game, so his achievements in the longest form are often overlooked. The West Indian giant, who is arguably the greatest to play in T20s doesn’t have a shabby record in Test either. He is one of only four cricketers to score two triple centuries in Tests.

He played more than 100 Test matches for West Indies scoring 7214 runs at an average of more than 40. It’s a pity that the dashing left-hander missed out on playing Test match cricket due to being busy with T20 leagues. His record could have been even better if he had devoted more time to the longest format.

4. Brendon McCullum

Another cricketer who is renowned for his exploits in the shortest format. The former Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman burst into global limelight when he scored 158 runs on the opening night of the IPL. He became one of the most sought-after players in the T20 leagues thereafter and continues to feature in most leagues despite international retirement.

McCullum became the first New Zealander to score a triple century in Test history when he scored a triple ton to save a game against India. In his last Test match, the left-hander scored a century in 54 balls, which broke the record for the fastest Test century. He played more than 100 Tests for the Black Caps scoring more than 6453 runs at an average of close to 40, which is decent considering the fact that most matches in New Zealand are dominated by the pacers.

5. David Warner

David Warner was drafted in the Australian team as a T20 specialist. He became the first cricketer in 132 years to be selected for the Australian national team without any first-class experience. At that point, no one thought that this batsman from New South Wales will have a future in the Test format.

But he has proved his doubters wrong, having scored 20 Test centuries in 66 match career thus far. Warner became only 4th Australian cricketer to win the Allan Border Medal more than once. He is currently ranked 5th in the ICC Test rankings and the Aussie vice-captain is one of the most feared batsmen in the Test circuit.