In this article, we will take a look at the list of 3 Bowlers Who Took A Wicket On The Last Delivery Of Their Test Careers. Cricket, like life, is unpredictable. Some bowlers, however, rewrote this narrative, finishing their Test careers on a note of absolute perfection. They clinched a wicket on the very last delivery they bowled, marking an end that many can only dream of. Here’s a look at four of these remarkable cricketers.
Last Ball Triumphs: Four Bowlers Who Made Their Test Farewells Memorable:
1. Glenn McGrath: A Perfect Ashes Farewell
The 2006/07 Ashes series witnessed Glenn McGrath’s final curtain call. Playing in Sydney, his home ground, he showcased his trademark precision. Across two innings, he clinched six crucial wickets. However, it was his final delivery that became unforgettable. He sent a ball to England’s James Anderson. Anderson, possibly feeling the weight of the moment, handed a catch to Michael Hussey in the midwicket. Thus, McGrath scripted an iconic end at a venue close to his heart.
2. Muttiah Muralitharan: 800 And Out
Muttiah Muralitharan, the magic spinner from Sri Lanka, had a farewell that’s the stuff of legends. Facing India in Galle, in 2010, he was three wickets away from achieving a monumental 800 Test wickets. In a twist that seemed straight out of a movie, he achieved this on his last ball. He bowled to India’s Pragyan Ojha, who edged the ball. Waiting eagerly was Mahela Jayawardene at first slip, who ensured Muralitharan’s exit was as grand as his career.
3. Richard Hadlee: Saying Goodbye On A High
Richard Hadlee, New Zealand’s pace spearhead, decided to hang his boots after playing against England in 1990. The setting was Birmingham. Throughout the series, Hadlee was in splendid form, amassing 107 runs and claiming 16 wickets. He saved his best for the last. Bowling to England’s Devon Malcolm, he delivered a precise ball that trapped the batsman LBW. Malcolm left without scoring, and Hadlee left with memories of a perfect finale, despite New Zealand’s defeat.
4. Stuart Broad: Ashes Equilibrium
Fast forward to Ashes 2023. The fierce England-Australia rivalry was in full swing. As the series culminated, Stuart Broad took centre stage. He had decided this would be his last Test series. The finale was nail-biting, with the series evenly poised at 2-2. Broad’s last delivery would be to Australia’s Alex Carey. With years of experience behind him, Broad unleashed a masterstroke. Carey was dismissed, and Broad’s career came full circle, helping England ensure a drawn series.
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While cricket has seen numerous legends grace the field, these four bowlers ensured their exits were as compelling as their careers. Each wicket on their final ball wasn’t just a triumph on the field, but also a testament to their enduring spirit and determination. Their swansongs were not only emotional moments for fans worldwide but also a masterclass in how to leave a lasting legacy.
