Mark Waugh's Cricket Legends: Richards, Lara, Tendulkar Top His List
Australian batting great Mark Waugh recently faced a tough question. Michael Vaughan asked him to name the greatest batsman he has ever seen. Waugh did not give a single name. Instead, he listed three iconic players.
The Unbreakable Top Three
"Richards, Lara and Tendulkar are my top three. I don't think I can pick one," Waugh said during a podcast appearance. He explained his admiration for aggressive batsmen and fast bowlers from his youth. Viv Richards stood out as his number one player growing up.
When the hosts mentioned AB de Villiers as another aggressive modern batsman, Waugh quickly brought up Tendulkar and Lara. He placed all three legends in his all-time XI. Lara batted at number three, Tendulkar at four, and Richards at five in that lineup.
Hilarious Exchange About Batting Position
The conversation turned humorous when Vaughan asked where Waugh would bat in his own team. Waugh shrugged and said he would take the number four spot. Vaughan immediately joked, "so you getting rid of Sachin!" Waugh smiled and replied, "no, I didn't say that!"
Comparing Smith and Root
Waugh also compared two contemporary batsmen. He chose Steve Smith over Joe Root without hesitation. When pressed about Root, Waugh said, "I won't fear him if he were playing against us. Not really."
Best Bowlers and a Memorable Sledge
Discussing bowlers, Waugh named Curtly Ambrose as the best fast bowler he faced. He recalled Ambrose getting him out first ball in a Boxing Day Test. For spinners, he mentioned Muttiah Muralitharan getting him out "a few times" with "few dodgy ones."
The best sledge directed at him came from England's James Ormond during the 2001 Oval Test. Waugh, fielding at silly mid-off, questioned Ormond's Test credentials. Ormond walked past and retorted, "at least I am the best player in my family!" Waugh still remembers that sharp comeback.
Mark Waugh's insights offer a fascinating glimpse into cricket history. His top three batsmen remain undivided in his esteem. The stories from his career continue to entertain fans worldwide.
