Cricket is a sport where skill and technique often take center stage, but physical attributes such as height can also provide a significant advantage. A towering frame, especially for fast bowlers, can generate extra bounce and make life difficult for batsmen.

Here’s a look at five of the tallest cricketers to have ever played the game:

1. Mohammad Irfan (Pakistan) – 7’1” (216 cm)

Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan holds the record for being the tallest cricketer in history. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, the left-arm pacer made his ODI debut against England in 2010 and soon gained recognition for his ability to generate steep bounce and consistently bowl at speeds of 140 km/h.

Despite showing immense promise, injuries often hampered his career. Over the years, Irfan played 60 ODIs, 4 Tests, and 22 T20Is, claiming 83, 10, and 16 wickets, respectively.

2. Joel Garner (West Indies) – 6’8” (203 cm)

West Indies’ legendary fast bowler Joel Garner, famously known as “Big Bird”, stood at 6 feet 8 inches and was one of the most lethal pacers of his time. Playing between 1977 and 1987, Garner’s ability to deliver deadly yorkers made him a nightmare for batsmen.

Garner played 58 Test matches, taking 259 wickets at an exceptional average of 20.98. In 98 ODIs, he claimed 146 wickets, including a match-winning 5/39 in the 1979 World Cup final against England—still one of the best performances in a World Cup final.

3. Bruce Reid (Australia) – 6’8” (203 cm)

Another towering presence on the cricket field, 6 feet and 8 inches, former Australian fast bowler Bruce Reid was a strong contender for extracting bounce and movement. Reid’s career was constantly plagued with injuries that robbed the game of a probable great career.

Regardless of difficulties, he had a great impact during his time, having played 27 Test matches while claiming 113 wickets at an average of 24.6. He took 63 wickets in 61 ODIs before calling it quits at age 29.

4. Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand)- 6’8″ (203 cm)

Yet another 6’8″ cricketer from New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson is showing great promise. First gaining fame during the 2014 U-19 World Cup, Jamieson made his international debut in 2020 and has since grown into an important aspect of the Black Caps’ bowling arsenal.

With his height and bounce, Jamieson has repeatedly proved to be a match-winner, thus enriching the depth of New Zealand’s pace battery across the format.

5. Boyd Rankin (Ireland & England)-6’7″ (201 cm)

Standing at 6 feet 7 inches is yet another name on the list of fast bowler Boyd Rankin, who once donned the green jersey for Ireland and later played T20Is for England. He made his international debut for Ireland in 2019, followed by his T20I debut for England in 2013.

Rankin played a total of 75 ODIs and took 107 wickets, with 8 wickets from 3 Tests, being a boon to both the teams during his career.