The Guinness Book of World Records is one of the most famous and legitimate record books in the world. It consists of records created by people from different walks of life all over the world. Cricket has also managed to make its mark in the popular records. Here are 5 cricketers featuring in the Guinness Book of World Records.
#1. MS Dhoni- Most expensive cricket bat
MS Dhoni is arguably the greatest captain the sport has ever seen. His finishing ability combined with a cool head and excellent decision making aptitude took India to great heights. He played a vital knock of 91* in the 2011 ODI World Cup final.
Dhoni’s match-winning knock was immortalized by the six he hit to win the World Cup for India after 28 years. This bat of Dhoni’s was bought by R K Global Shares & Securities Ltd (India) in an auction for £100,000 ($161,295). Thus, it became the most expensive cricket bat ever and entered the Guinness Book of World Records.
#2. Sachin Tendulkar- Most Test matches played in a career (male)
Sachin Tendulkar is arguably the greatest batsman of all time. He has forever etched his name alongside greats like Brian Lara, and Sir Donald Bradman. Tendulkar started playing at the highest level at a very young age. He played his first international match at the young age of 16. He also had a long and illustrious career.
Tendulkar holds the record for the most Test matches played in a career. He played 200 matches in his incredible career. Debuting at the age of 16 and then playing consistently for 15+ years is a feat that might never be repeated in the sport.
#3. Alyssa Healy- Most runs scored by a player in a Twenty20 International (female)
Alyssa Healy is a right-handed batswoman and wicket-keeper who plays for Australia in all formats of the game. She is a talented batswoman, and is in the Guinness Book of World Records for scoring the most runs in a T20I (female). Healy hit 148 runs from just 61 balls in the third T20 against Sri Lanka at Sydney. Her knock consisted of 19 fours and 7 sixes.
Healy’s knock bolstered Australia to a commanding 226. Thus, she has aptly declared the Player of the Match. Healy also recorded the fastest 50 (30 balls) in the history of ICC event finals across formats on 8 March 2020.
#4. Shoaib Akhtar- Fastest delivery of a cricket ball (male)
Shoaib Akhtar is one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. In his prime, he used to consistently bowl at speeds nearing 150 kmph. Thus he was nicknamed the ‘Rawalpindi Express’.
Akhtar lived up to his reputation, bowling the fastest delivery ever recorded. He managed to bowl at a speed of 161.3 kmph, which is the highest ever recorded. So this gave him an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. He did so against England on 22 February 2003 at Cape Town, South Africa in the 2003 ODI World Cup.
#5. Jos Buttler- Most expensive cricket shirt sold at an online auction
Jos Buttler was a part of the England team that won the World Cup final against New Zealand in a controversial fashion. Last year, he put his worn jersey for sale on eBay to raise funds for the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Buttler’s stained jersey attracted 82 bids and was eventually sold for £65,100. Thus, this became the most expensive cricket shirt sold at an online auction, ever. Buttler’s jersey also had the stain from the run out of Martin Guptill which led to England winning the match.
