By Akanksha - Jul 07, 2025 10:52 AM
In the game of cricket, where precision and skill often dominate headlines, physical stature can be an underrated yet game-changing asset. Tall cricketers, particularly fast bowlers, bring with them the ability to extract extra bounce, discomfort batsmen, and dominate with an imposing presence. Over the years, the cricketing world has witnessed some towering figures who stood above the rest, quite literally. Here's a detailed look at the top 10 tallest cricketers to ever grace the field, ranked by height and impact, in descending order.
Jacob Oram of New Zealand kicks off this list with his commanding height of 6'6. Known for his big-hitting abilities and reliable medium pace, Oram was a valuable all-rounder in the Kiwi lineup during the 2000s. His presence in the middle order often shifted momentum, and his height helped him create awkward angles for batsmen while bowling.
Tom Moody is a unique name on this list, not a fast bowler, but a tall, multi-skilled Australian all-rounder. At 6'7, Moody brought power-hitting and steady medium-pace to the table. He was part of Australia's World Cup-winning squad in 1999 and later built an impressive career as a coach and commentator. His stature added an unusual edge to his style of play, especially in batting, where he towered over most bowlers.
Steven Finn, yet another English pacer on this list, leveraged his height effectively throughout his career. Known for his rhythmic run-up and high-arm action, Finn consistently extracted sharp bounce on seaming wickets. His standout performances in the Ashes and the 2015 World Cup showcased his potential, though inconsistent form and injuries curtailed his run as England's spearhead.
Regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, Curtly Ambrose stood tall in every sense. At 6'7, the Antiguan maestro was a master of line, length, and bounce. His spell of 7 for 1 against Australia in 1993 remains etched in cricket folklore. Ambrose's intimidating presence, matched with relentless accuracy, made him a nightmare for even the best batsmen in the world.
Chris Tremlett was one of England’s most impactful fast bowlers during the 2010-11 Ashes series. At 6'7, his frame allowed him to hit the deck and produce an uncomfortable bounce consistently. Despite frequent injuries that restricted his career, Tremlett’s performance in Australia's hostile conditions remains one of the most underrated spells by a visiting English pacer.
One of the finest all-rounders of the modern era, Jason Holder from the West Indies, combines his 6'7 height with cricketing intelligence. A former captain, Holder’s bounce-heavy bowling and composed batting under pressure have made him a vital player across all formats. His physical stature also benefits his slip fielding, making him an all-round asset on the field.
Peter George, also from Australia, may not have had a long international career, but his 6'8 frame certainly made him one of the most intimidating bowlers in domestic cricket. Known for his ability to hit the deck hard and extract bounce, George earned his Test cap in 2010 and made headlines for troubling top Indian batsmen with pace and consistency during his brief stint.
Australia’s Bruce Reid was a left-arm fast bowler whose towering height made him a serious threat in Test cricket. At 6'8, Reid could generate natural bounce and seam movement. Unfortunately, his career was curtailed by frequent injuries, but during his peak, he was regarded as one of the most unplayable bowlers, especially in home conditions.
Widely known as the 'Big Bird,' West Indian legend Joel Garner used every inch of his 6'8 frame to terrorise batsmen in the 1970s and '80s. Garner’s ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers at express pace made him one of the most economical and dangerous ODI bowlers of his time. His height gave him an advantage that, combined with precision and menace, made him a cornerstone of the West Indies' dominance.
Mohammad Irfan from Pakistan tops the list as the tallest cricketer in history. Measuring an incredible 7 feet 1 inch, Irfan was more than just a spectacle; he was a bowling threat, especially in white-ball cricket. His high release point allowed him to generate steep bounce even on placid tracks, unsettling batters with awkward lengths. Despite facing fitness and mobility challenges due to his height, Irfan carved a niche in T20 leagues worldwide and left a lasting mark in Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy.
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