Did you know that the longest six in cricket that went unrecorded was hit by Albert Trott during a Test match against Australia in 1899 at the Lord’s?
Over the years, cricket has gained immense popularity and grown more competitive. The quest for higher run rates in limited-overs cricket has become prominent, leading to a frequent occurrence of sixes. In today's cricket scene, explosive batsmen often steal the spotlight with their aggressive approach. Now, let's explore the top five biggest hitters on the ball who make the game so intriguing for us.
Shahid Afridi is often seen as one of cricket's most formidable players. With skills as an all-rounder and a flair for leg-spin bowling, he became known for his aggressive batting style. Afridi held the global record for the fastest ODI century, achieving it in a remarkable 37 deliveries, a record later surpassed by Corey Anderson after 17 years. Notably, Afridi is a consistent presence in cricket records and holds the title for the longest six in international cricket. His memorable six against Ryan McLaren is a widely discussed and admired moment in cricket history, particularly for the impressive distance it covered.
Brett Lee played a pivotal role in Australia's victorious 2003 World Cup squad. After making his Test debut in 1999, he officially retired from international cricket on July 12, 2012. Lee's Test career culminated with 310 wickets, and he claimed 380 wickets in one-day internationals. From 2000 to 2009, he was second only to Muttiah Muralitharan in ODI wickets, establishing himself as one of the premier bowlers of his time. Amid the numerous entries in the list of longest sixes, Brett Lee's remarkable strike against the West Indies stands out, originating from an unexpected source. While he contributed 47 runs for the home team at the Gabba in that game, it's his singular six in that inning that continues to be vividly remembered.
Martin Guptill is the first New Zealand cricketer and sixth overall to notch a double century in a One Day International, boasts an unbeaten 237—a record for the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup matches and the second-best in ODIs. In a memorable T20I against South Africa in 2012, he delivered what's considered one of his greatest sixes, smashing the ball over the mid-wicket boundary to hit the stand's roof before gracefully returning to the ground.
England’s Liam Livingstone is widely recognised for his remarkable power-hitting skills, particularly for hitting massive sixes on the cricket field. One of his standout moments was a breathtaking 122-metre six against Haris Rauf during the England vs. Pakistan 2nd T20I at Headingley in 2021. Rauf bowled a full-paced delivery, and Livingstone, with his incredible power, launched the ball down the ground. The impact was so immense that the ball is said to have landed on the rugby pitch, well behind the newly constructed Emerald Stand. This incredible hit has rightfully earned its place as one of the biggest sixes in international cricket history.
Corey Anderson's exceptional performances during his peak in 2014 are etched in cricket history. Notably, he briefly held the record for the fastest ODI century. In the first ODI against India that year, Anderson made headlines for hitting one of the biggest sixes in cricket history. Against Mohammed Shami's delivery, he executed a powerful swing, propelling the ball far beyond the boundaries of Napier Cricket Ground. This stunning display was part of his impactful 40-ball 68, contributing significantly to his team's 24-run victory. Anderson's standout moments in 2014 are still vividly remembered by cricket enthusiasts globally.
It's no surprise that colossal blockbusters in cricket captivate fans, remaining vibrant topics of discussion for years. In the earlier days, cricket didn't meticulously record statistics, but in the modern era, the game ensures to pay tribute and celebrate big hitters with the utmost excitement and jubilation!
