Kumar Sangakkara Underlines Two Of The Toughest Bowlers He Faced During His Career

Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara named two of the toughest bowlers he faced during his illustrious career. Kumar Sangakkara played against some of the best bowlers during his 15-year career, facing the likes of Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Waqar Younis, Harbhajan Singh, Dale Steyn and Shaun Pollock. Nevertheless, he picked two, one from Pakistan and the other from India.

It was Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, Wasim Akram and former Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan that Sangakkara picked out. Wasim Akram was arguably the greatest left-arm seamer to ever grace the game and one of the best exponents of reverse swing. Across Tests and ODIs, the 54-year old picked up 916 wickets and played an integral role during Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph.

On the other hand, Zaheer Khan established a legacy of his own. While he struggled with plenty of injuries throughout his career, he starred in India’s World Cup victory in 2011. Along with Shahid Afridi, Zaheer was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 21. Amongst fast bowlers, the 41-year old is the highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 311 and used to bowl with the old ball expertly.

Kumar Sangakkara, who serves as the President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) told its website that Wasim Akram was a nightmare to face. At the same time, Zaheer Khan was equally challenging to negate.

“Wasim Akram was a nightmare to face. Zaheer Khan, I faced many times and was extremely difficult also,” the Matale-born added.

It was Sir Viv Richards up until Brian Lara came around: Kumar Sangakkara

The former keeper-batsman, who shared many memorable partnerships with Mahela Jayawardene and played against the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Inzamam-Ul-Haq named his favourite batsmen.

Sangakkara mentioned the West Indian pair of Viv Richards and Brian Lara, who went on to shatter many records and ruled over bowlers during their glorious careers. When speaking of the southpaw, he featured in 404 ODIs and 134 Tests. He is the second-highest run-getter in ODIs and the sixth-highest in Tests.

“It was Sir Viv Richards up until Brian Lara came around – since then they shared an equal importance on my list,” the 41-year old added.