Although currently out of vogue, the Moustache was the trademark of many a great cricketer. Here we build, what we think is, the greatest team of “Crumb Catchers”
1. Graham Gooch (ENG)
Graham Gooch is England’s all time leading runs scorer, scoring 8,900 runs in 118 matches at an average of 42.58. He made his test debut in 1975, getting a pair, against Australia. Moustache Rating – 7/10
2. David Boon (AUS)
Boon made his test debut in 1984 which started a career that lasted 12 years. He scored 7422 runs at an average of 43.66 including 21 centuries. Moustache Rating – 8
3. Allan Border (AUS)
After becoming Australia captain in 1984, Border went on to captain a national team more than any player in history. In a 16 year test career that included 265 innings’ in a 156 matches he still managed to finish with an average over 50. Moustache Rating – 4
4. Allan Lamb (ENG)
Although South African born, his English parentage allowed him to play for England. He made his test debut for England in 1982 against India and became a permanent fixture in the side for 10 years playing 79 tests and scoring 4656 runs. Moustache Rating – 5.5
5. Kevin Pietersen (ENG)
Although growing the Mo for charity, this was still an official England team photo! Pietersen is one of the finest batsmen in England’s cricket history. Playing 94 Tests, he has scored 22 centuries and 30 half-centuries with an average a shade under 50. Moustache Rating – 7
6. Ian Chappell (AUS)
Chappel became the Australian captain in 1971 and turned the team into one of the best in the World. In his 4 years in charge he never lost a Test series. He score 5345 runs in 75 matches with an average of 42.42. Moustache Rating – 5
7. Ian Botham (ENG)
Botham is considered one of the world’s greatest all round cricketers. After making his Test debut for England on 28 July 1977 in the Third Test against Australia, he went on to play 102 Tests, scoring 5200 runs and taking 383 wickets. Moustache Rating – 7.5 (2 marks for the mullet)
8. Rodney Marsh (AUS)
In a career lasting 14 years, Marsh was one of the most respected wicketkeepers to have ever played international cricket. He scored 3 centuries in 96 test matches at an average of 26.52 while taking 343 catches and surprisingly only 12 stumpings. Moustache Rating – 6
9. Eddie Hemmings (ENG)
Hemmings was a late comer to test cricket being called up at 33 years old. He played 16 test matches taking 43 wickets. He is probably best remembered for his innings of 95 as nightwatchman against the Australians in 1983. Moustache Rating – 7.5
10. Dennis Lillee (AUS)
Lillee made his debut against England in Adelaide in 1971 but made headlines while touring England the following year taking 31 test wickets in the series. In 70 matches he claimed 355 wickets at an average of 23.92. Moustache Rating – 8
11. Merv Hughes (AUS)
Probably known more for his facial hair than his bowling, Hughes became one of the most feared bowlers in test cricket. He finished with an average of 28.38 and 212 wickets. In the 113 Ashes series, Hughes took 31 wickets from almost 300 over’s, helping Australia to a 4-1 victory. Moustache Rating – 10
Voice of Cricket 