What's new

Who is the most gifted teenage Cricketer of All Time?

:amir

swing both ways ............phaast......

not sure him being a teenager though.....:inti.....seemed like 21 to me
 
Who else could it be. Aamer a boy who got described as the next wasim akram. It was aamer who swung the ball both ways had pace reverse swing and colud also hold a bat who else at their first world cup won it for their team with outstanding first over who blew away australia new zealnd england who was unplayable by the likes of alastair cook who is a run machine these days who took the world by shock with his bwoilng who hit 73 runs aginst new zealdn who had the yorkers bouncers swing pace reverse lenght short full good
 
^ Teenda was not too special in his early days. Afridi all the way.
 
Shahid khan Afridi- its a pity- he lacks the brain.

But a 16 year old smashing 100 of 37 balls will never ever be done again! :afridi
 
NJamal said:
^ Teenda was not too special in his early days. Afridi all the way.
Click to expand...

1. Aged 14, he compiled a 664-run unbroken partnership with Vinod Kambli where he scored 349 NO.
2. Aged 15, he scored a century in his first class debut.
3. Same year he scored a century in his Deodhar trophy debut.
4. Same year he scored a century in hi Deleep trophy debut.
5. Same year he scored a century in Irani trophy final.
6. Aged 16, he made his international debut.
7. Aged 17, he scored a memorable century against England Old Trafford.
8. Aged 19, he scored a century against Australia in WACA is still seen as one of the finest centuries ever by many. That was when Merv Huges made that famous comment to Allan Border: “this little ***** is going to score more runs than you AB.”

At the age of 19, many started considering him the best batsman in the world. Umar Akmal made his debut at that age.

Shahid Afridi, in his teenage years, played six international matches, scored one century, one half century, averaged 32

Tendulkar, in his teenage years, played 16 international matches, scored 3 centuries, 4 half centuries and averaged almost 42.

Clear?
 
Last edited:
You can't bring in First class cricket into this....... First Class cricket has alot of fazool bowlers so that is not a good way to judge.
 
shahrukh619 said:
You can't bring in First class cricket into this....... First Class cricket has alot of fazool bowlers so that is not a good way to judge.
Click to expand...

It says the most gifted teenage cricketer. IMO first class cricket should be considered in this as people mostly play first class in the teens. With the exception of Sachin, not many really debut that early.

However, even if you ignore first class, Sachin stands out by a long way.
 
Lol at the people who were saying Tendulkar wasn't good in the beginning :))
 
Reece Topley....



Seriously though, Tendulkar i guess. Didn't Glenn McGrath get picked for Oz after only a few first class games?
 
Yes, Yuvraj was very good at his debut. I still remember his half century against Australia in Kenya. That was a very special knock.
 
Howzat said:
It says the most gifted teenage cricketer. IMO first class cricket should be considered in this as people mostly play first class in the teens. With the exception of Sachin, not many really debut that early.

However, even if you ignore first class, Sachin stands out by a long way.
Click to expand...

If you bring in First class then there are players like Hanif Mohammad or Akmals cousin Baber Azam age 16.
 
I would not rate anyone higher than Aamir. To me, a different class altogether, when it comes to pure talent, skill, and the ability to learn at such an early age
 
Howzat said:
1. Aged 14, he compiled a 664-run unbroken partnership with Vinod Kambli where he scored 349 NO.
2. Aged 15, he scored a century in his first class debut.
3. Same year he scored a century in his Deodhar trophy debut.
4. Same year he scored a century in hi Deleep trophy debut.
5. Same year he scored a century in Irani trophy final.
6. Aged 16, he made his international debut.
7. Aged 17, he scored a memorable century against England Old Trafford.
8. Aged 19, he scored a century against Australia in WACA is still seen as one of the finest centuries ever by many. That was when Merv Huges made that famous comment to Allan Border: “this little ***** is going to score more runs than you AB.”

At the age of 19, many started considering him the best batsman in the world. Umar Akmal made his debut at that age.

Shahid Afridi, in his teenage years, played six international matches, scored one century, one half century, averaged 32

Tendulkar, in his teenage years, played 16 international matches, scored 3 centuries, 4 half centuries and averaged almost 42.

Clear?
Click to expand...

POTW!!! This deserves to be nominated! :14:
 
actually it is Sachin, i dint pay atention to his test stats. He started very good a few 50s against Pakistani bowlers and then after few years he was hitting centuries.
 
Sachin all the way.........

Centuries in England and at WACA

Smashing sixes of Qadir.

Scoring 50s againist Wasim Waqar and Imran.
 
What about Ponting, he was quite ready in his teens as well.
 
Since this is just about teenagers, umar akmal would probably be in the top 10 too. He was amazing until he reached 20.
 
Talking about teenager ...read this ...:)

13-year-old takes two hat-tricks in one game

A 13-year-old Cambridgeshire schoolboy has written his name into the record books by taking two hat-tricks in successive overs to bowl his team to victory. Josh Fox, from Chatteris, didn’t concede a run in the two wicket-taking overs and helped skittle the opposition for just 14. The feat is extremely rare in professional cricket, and appears to have only happened once in English first-class cricket – way back in 1907.

"I was just bowling straight and aiming for the feet. I was gobsmacked," he told The Cambs Times. “I have never played in a game like that and it’s probably the only time I ever will.”

"I was on the phone to his dad at the time telling him how Josh was doing,” added Marie, the boy’s mother. "I saw him take the first one, then another, and he just kept going before I could get off the phone. He just got on with it really and he didn't take any praise. We're a cricketing family - and he'd love to play professionally when he's older."
Click to expand...

http://blogs.espncricinfo.com/thebuzz/archives/2011/06/13yearold_takes_two_hattricks.php
 
tendulkar was also was one of the gutsiest. after hit by a lethal waqar bouncer (his debut series), started bleeding and refused to be taken to hospital and kept batting with bloody shirt and all to save the test.
scored a fifty with bloody nose. thats gifted for you.
 
Howzat said:
1. Aged 14, he compiled a 664-run unbroken partnership with Vinod Kambli where he scored 349 NO.
2. Aged 15, he scored a century in his first class debut.
3. Same year he scored a century in his Deodhar trophy debut.
4. Same year he scored a century in hi Deleep trophy debut.
5. Same year he scored a century in Irani trophy final.
6. Aged 16, he made his international debut.
7. Aged 17, he scored a memorable century against England Old Trafford.
8. Aged 19, he scored a century against Australia in WACA is still seen as one of the finest centuries ever by many. That was when Merv Huges made that famous comment to Allan Border: “this little ***** is going to score more runs than you AB.”

At the age of 19, many started considering him the best batsman in the world. Umar Akmal made his debut at that age.

Shahid Afridi, in his teenage years, played six international matches, scored one century, one half century, averaged 32

Tendulkar, in his teenage years, played 16 international matches, scored 3 centuries, 4 half centuries and averaged almost 42.

Clear?
Click to expand...


Agreed, though I 'll put Aamir slightly ahead for his 1st over in Y20 final. He also won the wisden cricketer of the year. Sachin was considered as a great batsman at 19, but Aamir would have been selected in the 2010 Test XI. I watched Sachin's 118 at WACA, & I did watch Aamir's 9+9 to win 2 Test against top 2 sides at lords & Oval & his 1st 2 spells at Lords. He almost won a fixed match (where few bas****s threw own wicket to let the captain down) by putting almost 100 in last wicket with No. 11. Had he been fit, would have definitely won the U-19 WC for his team in '08.

Aamir's FC debut season is as sensational as Sachin's, taking 50+ wickets under 18 & I believe, had he born the other side of the Radcliffe Line, he would have created 10 times more media hype & mockery (I bet, some Indian pundit would have made him modern Sobers, like modern Bradman). Aamir came up with something I can't explain; before 18, he became the spearhead of the best bowling lineup in the world.

In history of cricket, I think Archie Jackson was great at 19, so was George Headly. Sir Gary's first stamp of greatness was at 21 (365*), but he was already a great by then & he had a equally capable competitor in Colly Smith (Who died in road crash at around 23, i think). Hirwani started great, but faded away quickly & Maninder didn't blossom properly. I think, Neil Hervey started career in teens & as a great potential. Hanif was considered as teams best batsman at 18/19, Javed had most of the Test batting records as a teen once & both Was & Waq were regarded as destined to greatness by 19. I think, Graham Pollok started career before 19, as a great. And, though he didn't fulfill potential, Ashraful was really good in first 2/3 years, making debut at official 16. You can add Vettory as well in this list. English selectors hardly gives teenagers a break, but Both was a hero before turning 20. Though not teenager, but Tiger Pat led India just at 21 on a difficult WI tour.

On contrary, Imran was considered as a high society bunny at 19, exploiting family connections.

Missing anyone else?
 
MMHS said:
Agreed, though I 'll put Aamir slightly ahead for his 1st over in Y20 final. He also won the wisden cricketer of the year. Sachin was considered as a great batsman at 19, but Aamir would have been selected in the 2010 Test XI. I watched Sachin's 118 at WACA, & I did watch Aamir's 9+9 to win 2 Test against top 2 sides at lords & Oval & his 1st 2 spells at Lords. He almost won a fixed match (where few bas****s threw own wicket to let the captain down) by putting almost 100 in last wicket with No. 11. Had he been fit, would have definitely won the U-19 WC for his team in '08.

Aamir's FC debut season is as sensational as Sachin's, taking 50+ wickets under 18 & I believe, had he born the other side of the Radcliffe Line, he would have created 10 times more media hype & mockery (I bet, some Indian pundit would have made him modern Sobers, like modern Bradman). Aamir came up with something I can't explain; before 18, he became the spearhead of the best bowling lineup in the world.

In history of cricket, I think Archie Jackson was great at 19, so was George Headly. Sir Gary's first stamp of greatness was at 21 (365*), but he was already a great by then & he had a equally capable competitor in Colly Smith (Who died in road crash at around 23, i think). Hirwani started great, but faded away quickly & Maninder didn't blossom properly. I think, Neil Hervey started career in teens & as a great potential. Hanif was considered as teams best batsman at 18/19, Javed had most of the Test batting records as a teen once & both Was & Waq were regarded as destined to greatness by 19. I think, Graham Pollok started career before 19, as a great. And, though he didn't fulfill potential, Ashraful was really good in first 2/3 years, making debut at official 16. You can add Vettory as well in this list. English selectors hardly gives teenagers a break, but Both was a hero before turning 20. Though not teenager, but Tiger Pat led India just at 21 on a difficult WI tour.

On contrary, Imran was considered as a high society bunny at 19, exploiting family connections.

Missing anyone else?
Click to expand...

for god's sake dont compare sachin with that cheater bloody amir. it pisses me off.
 
MMHS said:
Agreed, though I 'll put Aamir slightly ahead for his 1st over in Y20 final. He also won the wisden cricketer of the year. Sachin was considered as a great batsman at 19, but Aamir would have been selected in the 2010 Test XI. I watched Sachin's 118 at WACA, & I did watch Aamir's 9+9 to win 2 Test against top 2 sides at lords & Oval & his 1st 2 spells at Lords. He almost won a fixed match (where few bas****s threw own wicket to let the captain down) by putting almost 100 in last wicket with No. 11. Had he been fit, would have definitely won the U-19 WC for his team in '08.

Aamir's FC debut season is as sensational as Sachin's, taking 50+ wickets under 18 & I believe, had he born the other side of the Radcliffe Line, he would have created 10 times more media hype & mockery (I bet, some Indian pundit would have made him modern Sobers, like modern Bradman). Aamir came up with something I can't explain; before 18, he became the spearhead of the best bowling lineup in the world.

In history of cricket, I think Archie Jackson was great at 19, so was George Headly. Sir Gary's first stamp of greatness was at 21 (365*), but he was already a great by then & he had a equally capable competitor in Colly Smith (Who died in road crash at around 23, i think). Hirwani started great, but faded away quickly & Maninder didn't blossom properly. I think, Neil Hervey started career in teens & as a great potential. Hanif was considered as teams best batsman at 18/19, Javed had most of the Test batting records as a teen once & both Was & Waq were regarded as destined to greatness by 19. I think, Graham Pollok started career before 19, as a great. And, though he didn't fulfill potential, Ashraful was really good in first 2/3 years, making debut at official 16. You can add Vettory as well in this list. English selectors hardly gives teenagers a break, but Both was a hero before turning 20. Though not teenager, but Tiger Pat led India just at 21 on a difficult WI tour.

On contrary, Imran was considered as a high society bunny at 19, exploiting family connections.

Missing anyone else?
Click to expand...

Do you know at the age of 19 playing his 1st WC in AUS,where most sub continental batsmen fail he was India's best batsman.

And Aamer as a cricketer isnt even close to Tendulkar let alone be ahead.And there are loads of better cricketers at teenage than Cheater Aamer.
 
Howzat said:
1. Aged 14, he compiled a 664-run unbroken partnership with Vinod Kambli where he scored 349 NO.
2. Aged 15, he scored a century in his first class debut.
3. Same year he scored a century in his Deodhar trophy debut.
4. Same year he scored a century in hi Deleep trophy debut.
5. Same year he scored a century in Irani trophy final.
6. Aged 16, he made his international debut.
7. Aged 17, he scored a memorable century against England Old Trafford.
8. Aged 19, he scored a century against Australia in WACA is still seen as one of the finest centuries ever by many. That was when Merv Huges made that famous comment to Allan Border: “this little ***** is going to score more runs than you AB.”

At the age of 19, many started considering him the best batsman in the world. Umar Akmal made his debut at that age.

Shahid Afridi, in his teenage years, played six international matches, scored one century, one half century, averaged 32

Tendulkar, in his teenage years, played 16 international matches, scored 3 centuries, 4 half centuries and averaged almost 42.

Clear?
Click to expand...


Great post! Sachin wins it hands down.
 
I'd have to say Wasim Akram or Tendulkar of the top of my head. Not many 16 year olds could face the 2 Ws.
 
Sachin Tendulkar. Hands down.

Most gifted and actually followed through with his potential.

Mohammad Amir was treading on the same path. He probably still is the CURRENT most gifted teenager in the world in terms of cricket. Sadly, he made a wrong decision and is now suffering from it. :(
 
Pakistani cricketers talking about the 16 year old Sachin they saw on 1989 tour
<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6IazpoQfD1Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

A must watch
 
Last edited:
s2k said:
Do you know at the age of 19 playing his 1st WC in AUS,where most sub continental batsmen fail he was India's best batsman.

And Aamer as a cricketer isnt even close to Tendulkar let alone be ahead.And there are loads of better cricketers at teenage than Cheater Aamer.
Click to expand...


I know man.

I am not comparing Sachin as a person with Aamir. Sachin had a great WC in '92 (Though I think Azhar among Indian had a better WC & few Pak batsmen from Sub-continent also shined). It's unfortunate that, Aamir couldn't play in WC '11, at the same age of Tend' in '92; otherwise you could have got a comparison of Aamir on equally difficult conditions in subcontinent.

What Aamir, hardly anyone as a cricket is in comparison with Sachin of 2011, but compare Aamir of 2010 vs Sachin of 1990/91, you 'll get my answer.
 
Rare video footage of 16 year old Sachin taking on Abdul Qadir
<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5Z9KzQEpMZ0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Which ground is this? Looks quite a big one
 
Last edited:
Imran Khan was absolute pants in his teenage years. There is a story in his autobiography where he talks about how he sent a ball down into the next net. He literally had very little control and not much pace either.

Agree with Tendulkar and Amir. Surprised no one has mentioned Miandad. To be fair he didn't play that much in his teens but he averaged close to 60, with a double hundred already against his name.
 
Last edited:
MMHS said:
I know man.

I am not comparing Sachin as a person with Aamir. Sachin had a great WC in '92 (Though I think Azhar among Indian had a better WC & few Pak batsmen from Sub-continent also shined). It's unfortunate that, Aamir couldn't play in WC '11, at the same age of Tend' in '92; otherwise you could have got a comparison of Aamir on equally difficult conditions in subcontinent.
Click to expand...

Spot on.....

I do not think that Amir can actually be compared at all coz his sample set is too small.... we do not know how he would have fared and handled himself in conditions that were not as helpful as in Eng... His record of first 7/8 odd matches is not that great....

Afridi took the world by storm after his first series and had he not played after that, we would have always thought of him as a boy wonder who could not play after his heroics in the first series and might have been tempted to put him as a great in this thread but we know better.....
 
In this very thread i posted video of Waqar bowling to Tendulkar in 1989. How old was Waqar at that time? 19 or 20 ?
Was bowling beautifully, generating good bounce and swinging it big.
 
When I saw the thread name my first thought was that this was tailor-made for Sachin. However, I agree that Amir too made a similar impact in the bowling department. If he could play more games after the successful (cricket wise) England tour which must have boosted his confidence, he could have actually equaled or bettered Sachin as a teenage talent.

But, cricketing gift/talent is not enough in judging a player and the mental attributes should come into the equation as well, which is why Sachin wins this hands down, for me.
 
People seem to be forgetting Javed Miandad.

655 runs @ 59 before he turned 20, including 100 on debut and a double hundred and fifty in his 3rd test. Lets not forget 13 wickets too in those tests.

Pretty good candidate in my opinion
 
Also Mushtaq Mohammed

Played test cricket when he was 15, was the youngest centurian before Ashraful broke his record.

858 runs @ 37 before he was 20. All tests played against WI, India and Eng. 14 tests, and only 3 at home.
 
I know about Mushtaq Muhammed, must be a very brilliant prodigy
 
freelance_cricketer said:
No fluke please :)
Click to expand...

Why we had not seen such fluke in the past 15 years again from any other player?

Check the top 10 fastest centuries in ODIs and if you can read you will see Shahid Afridi featuring 3 times in that list.

Once is a fluke, twice also if you say but thrice no way a fluke can happen. And guess what no Indian had fluked a fastest century than all of these 3 centuries of Shahid Afridi.
 
It is interesting to note that there are a disproportionately high number of gifted teenage players from India and Pakistan.

Is this because of the high number of Indian or Pakistani posters in the thread or is it because the India and Pakistan tend to provide a short cut to the national team to young and talented players while other countries stick to the best performers in domestic tournaments?
 
The most gifted teenage player who also did reasonably well in his teens? Tendulkar.
The most gifted teenage player who fulfilled all or most of his early promise? Tendulkar.

Are people honest positing the lumpen Afridi as the most gifted teenage player ever?! On the basis of a silly flukey innings in a meaningless ODI?! The disconnect with reality of some on here is truly astonishing, if not actually frightening.

What happened to Hasan Raza? I had hopes of him living upto his promise.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

The Bald Eagle
Which cricketer do you believe possessed the highest cricketing IQ and acumen?
Replies
48
Views
1K
Vikram1989
V
S
The most underappreciated cricketer of this century
2
Replies
118
Views
2K
Hyder
H
R
Could Jasprit Bumrah make it into Pakistan's all-time XI, assuming he were a Pakistani cricketer?
Replies
23
Views
524
kron
K
FearlessRoar
[VIDEOS] Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff
Replies
12
Views
173
BouncerGuy
BouncerGuy
S
Who was the best Pakistan cricketer of 2010s decade across all formats?
Replies
62
Views
2K
mominsaigol
mominsaigol
Back
Top