Top 10 Greatest South African Cricketers of All Time: South Africa has produced some of the finest cricketers to have ever graced the game. Some played with flair and pizazz while others dug in and excelled as hard workers.
Jacques Kallis is one such player. A powerful batsman who was likened to Garry Sobers, he has scored a staggering 24,000 runs internationally.
1. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis is perhaps the greatest all-rounder to play the game of cricket. His statistics in both Tests and ODIs are jaw-dropping, making him a modern day colossus. The Cape Town man is also an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, and his legacy will remain long after he has retired from international cricket.
Born in October 16, 1975, he was a powerfully built batsman who could bowl too. He made his debut for South Africa in 1995, after their ban was lifted, and he played a vital role in their rise to prominence. He was a prolific run scorer in the longest format, and his ability to break partnerships with the ball made him the complete package. He also had a few wickets to his name in ODIs, adding value with his economical bowling. The Proteas won several series under his captaincy.
2. Graeme Pollock
Graeme Pollock is regarded as one of the best batsmen to have ever played Test cricket. He was a master at blending orthodox strokes with innovative shot-making. He was also able to adapt his game to different playing conditions.
His innings were crucial in many matches and often came under pressure. He scored over 8000 runs in his career.
He was a great fielder as well and was known for taking many important catches. He was a leader on and off the pitch as he took part in a protest against apartheid. He was a great inspiration to many young South African players. He was also a good prankster. He even once sprayed fake blood on a player! He was a great personality and was respected by all. He was a true legend of the game.
3. Shaun Pollock
The first time Pollock took the field – in a B&H Cup match for Warwickshire in 1996 – he made it clear that he meant business. He took four wickets in just four balls and left the world in no doubt that he was here to stay. He went on to make a monumental contribution to the South African game – both as a bowler and captain.
Son of Peter and nephew of Graeme, Pollock was born into a cricketing dynasty. But he did not take his place as a South African international for granted. He fought his way to the top through exceptional skill and unwavering dedication. His partnership with Allan Donald was a potent force in new-ball cricket and they helped the Proteas to major ICC tournament wins. He retired from cricket in 2008 with 108 Tests and 303 ODIs to his name.
4. Dale Steyn
A scrawny skate punk with tattoos, swearing eyes and wickets for days, Steyn defied logic to play 93 Test matches at the level he did. He was the fastest South African to reach 300 and 400 Test wickets and his devastating reverse-swing is a thing of legend.
He was a vital cog in South Africa’s triumphant campaigns at the Cricket World Cup, delivering match-winning performances. He was also a regular in T20 cricket, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability.
His legacy is unmatched and he remains an inspiration to the million Africans who aspire to represent their country on the cricket field. He was a fierce competitor on the field but off it, he was a model of humility and sportsmanship. He is one of the best South African players of all time. He will be missed.
5. Shaun Pollock
After making his ODI debut in 1996 and Test debut in 1995 against England, Shaun Pollock came into his own in 1998 scalping 69 wickets in 14 matches with career best figures of 7/87. He is the only South African bowler to have an economy rate of below 4 and alongside Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram and Muttiah Muralitharan is one of the fastest bowlers to reach 300 ODI wickets.
He also excelled as captain and his cricketing ability blossomed with the additional responsibility. His bowling remained solid and it was his ability to use the stifling line and length to harass batsmen that led to success. He also adapted well as a lower-order hitter and scored two Test tons. A fine leader of men, he is much-loved by corporate audiences for his strategies and inspirational messages.
6. Hashim Amla
Like Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis, Amla was part of an all-time great South African team during a period where the national side reached number one Test ranking. Initially earmarked as a special talent from his school days and a key member of the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins youth set-up, Amla became captain at a young age, taking his team to the 2002 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Despite being viewed as a token ‘quota player’ with no technique to cut it at international level, Amla proved the doubters wrong, winning over the white media and public with a ruthless and elegant batting style. His supple wrists were a joy to watch, whether in the flutter of his back lift or the imperious punch he delivered from the pads. His ODI batting was just as impressive with a slew of trophies to his name.
7. Farhaan Behardien
The Proteas’ ginger ninja was the perfect blend of bowler and lower-order mega-hitter. He dominated in Test cricket and also excelled in one-day internationals with some truly staggering numbers.
Herschelle Gibbs was a fearless batsman who enjoyed himself on the field. He was shameless with his bad-boy image yet still managed to score an abundance of runs for South Africa.
AB de Villiers is an explosive batsman who could take the game by storm in any format. He is a master at hitting the ball with a 360-degree range and can bring opponents to their knees with a range of unorthodox shots. He is also an accomplished bowler and a terrific fielder. He plays domestically for Edmonton Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Nashua Titans as well as representing South Africa in the ODI and T20I formats.
8. Makhaya Ntini
In a career spanning almost two decades, Ntini dominated the world stage like few others before him. He has an enviable test bowling record but also serves as a trailblazer for young black players who dream of making it to the highest level.
Ntini was scouted by Raymond Booi, who made his rounds in the rural areas of the Border province introducing youngsters to cricket and looking for anyone with potential. Ntini had a natural aggression and would often leave batsmen disconcerted by his deliveries which were full of variations.
He bowled his first Test in 1998 against England at Lord’s and claimed the wicket of Alec Stewart to set a fine start. His promising career was cut short by a conviction for rape in 1999 but he returned to the game in 2000 with a triangular series in Australia.
9. Jonty Rhodes
Jonty Rhodes is arguably the finest fielder in cricket history. The Pietermaritzburg native rose to fame after the fifth match of the 1992 World Cup in Brisbane when he dived head-first into the stumps to run out Inzamam ul-Haq. That moment halted a Pakistan surge towards victory and catapulted Jonty to international prominence. His total commitment to fielding revolutionized the discipline and turned it into a vital facet of the game.
He was also a key member of South Africa’s 1998 ICC Champions Trophy triumph, the country’s sole ICC trophy to date. He has since gone on to establish the Cricket School of Excellence alongside Ryan Maron, which aims to improve the quality of cricket at all ages and skill levels. The duo’s fervor for cricket is infectious and they are dedicated to creating a legacy of success.
10. Allan Donald
The first South African bowler to take 300 Test wickets, Donald’s fiery pace inspired fear in batsmen and awe in crowds. He is also the only South African player to have taken over 200 ODI scalps.
His trademark look of a circular white area of zinc cream on his face and nose gave him the nickname “White Lightning”. The former South African fast bowler is in the ICC Hall of Fame and has turned to coaching after retiring from international cricket.
South Africa has been blessed with an abundance of top quality fast bowlers over the years. From the ruthless Herschelle Gibbs to Dale Steyn’s recent resurgence, these players have stirred the hearts of South Africa’s fans and left a legacy behind them. However, none were quite as effective as Donald. He was the pillar that held the Proteas’ bowling together.
