With the growing popularity of sports, jersey numbers have become increasingly important. To promote the appeal of the game’s longest format, even test jerseys include numbers on the back.
The numbers on the back of a player’s shirt are commonly used to identify a team member. The squad number picked by the player is typically significant to him or her. This might be due to a range of factors, ranging from their birth date to their spiritual beliefs.
On that note, let’s take a peek at six players who donned Jersey no.19 in international cricket.
1. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid was most likely one of the most genuine Test match batters. He was nicknamed “The Wall” because of his conventional approach, which he used to hold the framework alongside the dynamic players. He donned the No.19 jersey in international cricket as a reminder for his wife’s birthday. However, it was also reported that he switched from No.5 to No.19 on the advice of an astrologer for good luck.
Dravid represented India for 17 long years and featured in 509 international matches for India. He scored 24,208 runs in the process and is one of the few players around the world to score 10,000+ runs in both ODI and Test cricket.
2. Dinesh Karthik
In the 2000s, India tried out a slew of wicketkeepers, including Dinesh Karthik. However, he was in and out of the Indian team due to MS Dhoni’s performance, but in the minimal opportunities he got, Karthik played wonderfully behind the wicket as well as with the bat. His most notable performance came in the 2007 tour of England where he scored the most runs for India (263) and helped them secure a Test series victory in England after 21 years. Karthik was also a part of Indian team which won the inaugural T20 Cricket World Cup in 2007.
His onslaught against Bangladesh in the Final of Nidahas Trophy 2018 is still remembered as one of the best finishes in T20 cricket. However, the rise of Wriddhiman Saha and especially Rishabh Pant saw him out of the squad. Karthik has represented India in 152 matches, scoring 3176 runs. He is still seeking opportunities in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup by delivering well in the domestic circuit and the IPL.
3. Simon Katich
Simon Katich was a must-have player at the top of Australia’s order, especially in Test cricket. Katich had a history of hitting big runs for whichever team he represented. He was expected to be Australia’s next captain following Ponting due to his clear and logical approach to the game and ruthless manner, but injury problems kept him out of the team.
Featuring in 104 matches for Australia, he went on to score 5581 runs including 11 centuries. He also picked up 21 wickets in Test cricket with the best figures of 6/65.
4. Rashid Khan
Rashid has been an important member of Afghanistan’s cricket squad. He ascended through the ranks from a young age to become a world limited-overs sensation. He bowls rapidly in the air while keeping a stump-to-stump line, putting batters under continual pressure. His most powerful tool is a pinpoint googly that can easily outsmart any great batsman.
He has played 130 matches for Afghanistan at the age of just 23 years and has picked up 269 wickets. Rashid Khan played a key role to help Afghanistan secure a Test status and is on the way to becoming one of the most prolific bowlers in the sport.
5. Ahmad Shahzad
Ahmed Shehzad was one of Pakistan’s excellent batsmen. Shehzad aspired to be an aggressive batter and, at an early age, identified himself as Pakistan’s opening batsman. He was the first Pakistani player to smash a century in all three formats.
However, due to inconsistency and fitness concerns, he was frequently expelled from the team. Shahzad played 153 international matches for Pakistan and scored 5058 runs including 10 hundreds.
The 30-year old has performed admirably in the domestic circuit to earn a spot in the national side but with Pakistan management trying to nurture the youngsters, the return of Shahzad is doubtful.
6. Simon Doull
Simon Doull, one of New Zealand’s finest pace bowler with the ability to swing the ball away was another player who donned the Jersey no.19. Doull represented the Kiwis in 74 matches and picked up 134 wickets with the best figures of 7-65 against India.
However, a series of injuries cut short his international career. He retired after playing against Australia in 2000 and started working as a commentator and analyst.
