Top 12 Tallest Cricketers in Cricket History (2025 List)

In cricket, where skill and strategy dominate the field, height may not always be the deciding factor but it certainly adds a dramatic advantage. But for whom? It is mainly beneficial for fast bowlers. A tall bowler can get a sharp bounce, generate extra pace and make life miserable for even the most technically strong batsman. Over the years, international cricket has seen some players who stood out not only for their height but also for their hitting performances. These legends of the game redefined fast bowling, using their height to bowl unplayable balls.

In this blog, we take a look at the top 10 tallest cricketers in the world and see the men whose size, strength and skill turned them into legends.

1. Mohammad Irfan (7’1″)

• Age: 41
• Height: 7’1” (216 cm)
• Country: Pakistan

At 7 feet 1 inch tall, Mohammad Irfan holds the record for being the tallest cricketer in the history of international cricket. Irfan’s sharp balls often landed awkwardly on the chests of batsmen, forcing many to play defensively.

Key Highlights:

• ODI debut: 2010
• ODIs: 83 wickets, economy rate of 4.87
• T20Is: 16 wickets, economy rate of 6.90
• Teams: Pakistan National Team, Multan Sultans (PSL)

Despite facing injuries throughout his career, Irfan’s presence on the field has always been formidable. Even after retirement, he has remained an inspiration to tall fast bowlers around the world.

2. Marco Jansen (6’10″)

• Age: 24
• Height: 6’10” (206 cm)
• Country: South Africa

Marco Janssen is one of the most promising young fast bowlers in world cricket today. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall, Janssen can trouble even the best batsmen with his combination of height, relentless pace and accuracy.

Key Strengths:

• Ability to move the ball both ways
• Excellent bounce and carry on fast pitches
• Effective lower-order hitter

At just 24 years old, Jensen has already been compared to greats like Glenn McGrath and Morne Morkel, and is poised to become South Africa’s next big fast-bowling superstar.

3. Boyd Rankin (6’8.5″)

• Age: 40
• Height: 6’8.5” (204 cm)
• Country: England / Ireland

Boyd Rankin is one of the rare players to have represented two international teams, Ireland and England. At 6’8.5″, Rankin is a dangerous weapon, especially on seaming and bouncy tracks. Rankin’s tall frame and smooth action often remind fans of West.

4. Billy Stanlake (6’8″)

• Age: 29 (as of 2025)
• Height: 6’8” (204 cm)
• Country: Australia

Billy Stanlake is an Australian cricketer who stands 6 ft 8 in (1.8 m) tall. His combination of pace, bounce and control made him one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects of the late 2010s. Despite limited first-class exposure due to back injuries, he became a regular in Australia’s white-ball setup.

Key Teams and Achievements:

• Teams: Australia, Adelaide Strikers (BBL), Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL)

Achievements:

• Tallest player to represent Australia in international cricket
• Key contributor to Adelaide Strikers’ 2017-18 BBL title
• Part of Australia’s T20I tri-series win (2018)

His frame and presence made him a valuable short-format player, but injuries curtailed his long-term career.

5. Joel Garner (6’8″)

• Age: 71
• Height: 6’8” (203 cm)
• Country: West Indies

Affectionately known as “Big Bird”, Joel Garner was one of the most fearsome bowlers of the 1970s and 1980s. His imposing figure and ability to bowl deadly yorkers at high speed made him a match-winner for the mighty West Indies.

Achievements:

• World Cup Winner (1979)
• ODIs: 146 wickets, economy rate of 3.09
• Tests: 259 wickets, economy rate of 2.47

Even today, Garner’s economy rates in both formats remain among the best in cricket history. His legacy continues to inspire modern West Indian pacers.

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6. Bruce Reid (6’8″)

• Age: 60
• Height: 6’8” (203 cm)
• Country: Australia

Bruce Reid was one of the first tall left-arm fast bowlers to dominate international cricket. His ability to swing the ball, along with unusual angles, made him a constant threat to batsmen around the world.

Stats and Achievements:

• Tests: 113 wickets, economy rate of 2.63
• ODIs: 63 wickets, economy rate of 3.72

7. Kyle Jamieson (6’8″)

• Age: 29
• Height: 6’8” (203 cm)
• Country: New Zealand

Kyle Jamieson rose to international fame with his stellar performances in Test cricket. He played a key role in New Zealand’s victory in the ICC World Test Championship (2021), where he was adjudged Player of the Match in the final against India.

Career Highlights:

• Tests: 72 wickets, economy rate of 2.38
• ODIs: 22 wickets, economy rate of 4.28
• Teams: New Zealand, Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL).

8. Blessing Muzarabani (6’8″)

• Age: 29
• Height: 6’8” (203 cm)
• Country: Zimbabwe

Blessing Muzarabani is the pride of Zimbabwean cricket. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall, he is a fast bowler who is capable of producing intense bounce and lateral pace, a rare combination. His height allows him to get a clumsy bounce, which allows him to bowl very few balls even on slow pitches.

9. Cameron Cuffy (6’8″)

• Age: 54
• Height: 6’8” (203 cm)
• Country: West Indies

Another great West Indies fast bowler in the 1990s, Cameron Cuffie, bowled differently. Cuffie’s high release point made his bowling challenging to counter, especially on pitches with variable bounce.

10. Peter George (6’6″)

• Age: 37
• Height: 6’6” (198 cm)
• Country: Australia

At 6 feet 6 inches tall, Peter George tops the list of tallest cricketers. A right-arm fast bowler, George had a short international career but left an impression with his height and smooth bowling action.

Career Stats:

• Tests: 2 wickets, economy rate of 3.20
• Teams: Australia, South Australia

11. Curtly Ambrose (6’7″)

• Source: Cricket Country
• Age: 60
• Height: 6’7” (201cm)
• Country: West Indies

Curtly Ambrose is widely celebrated as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, his commanding presence on the field was enough to unsettle even the most confident batsmen.

Achievements and Records

• Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame
• Key figure in West Indies’ dominance during the late 80s and 90s
• Tests: 405 wickets at an economy rate of 2.30
• ODIs: 225 wickets at an economy rate of 3.48
• Best Test bowling figures: 8/45 against England

12. Sulieman Benn (6’7″)

• Age: 42
• Height: 6’7” (201 cm)
• Country: West Indies

Suleiman Benn is a unique addition to the list of tallest cricketers, not because of his fast bowling, but because he is a tall left-arm spinner. His combination of bounce, spin and accuracy made him a key component in the West Indies bowling lineup across all formats.

Achievements and Records

• Represented West Indies in multiple ICC tournaments
• Tests: 87 wickets at an economy rate of 2.91
• ODIs: 39 wickets at an economy rate of 4.67

Part of the West Indies squad during their 2010s resurgence in international cricket.

Conclusion

Height in cricket is not just a physical attribute, but it is a quality that can have a dramatic impact on a bowler’s effectiveness. Their long strides, ability to release high arms and ability to bounce make them a vital asset to their team. These cricketing legends remind us that the beauty of the game lies in its diversity.

FAQs: Questions & Answers

Q1. Who is the tallest cricketer in the world?

The tallest cricketer in the world is Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan, who stands at an astonishing 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm).

Q2. Does height give bowlers an advantage in cricket?

Yes, height gives big advantages such as more bounce, increased difficulty for batsmen, technology..

Q3. Who is the tallest current fast bowler in international cricket?

Currently, Marco Jensen (South Africa), with a height of 6 feet 10 inches, is the tallest active fast bowler in international cricket.

Q4. Are there any tall batsmen in international cricket?

Players like Tom Moody (6’6″), Cameron Green (6’6″), and Kevin Pietersen (6’4″) have used their tall frames to generate power, especially in lofted shots and drives.

Q5. How do tall bowlers maintain accuracy despite their height?

Tall bowlers often face challenges with rhythm and balance due to their long limbs. To maintain accuracy, they focus on regular practice of controlled strides, core strength, and short run-ups.