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In a special episode of Stick to Cricket Podcast that brought together cricket’s most respected voices, West Indian icon Brian Lara appeared on a cricket legends panel show alongside former England greats like Sir Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and David Lloyd.
West Indian great Brian Lara joins legendary panel
The discussion revolved around assessing modern and past players by assigning them into categories: “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), “Legend,” or “Great.” Lara, known for his astute cricketing mind and unmatched batting artistry, didn’t hesitate in voicing strong opinions on some of cricket’s most influential players across generations. The format was quickfire, but Lara’s answers carried deep cricketing insight. From pace sensations to batting giants, the list included a diverse mix, both retired and active. His selections reflect a blend of statistical brilliance and contextual impact on the game. Lara’s judgments, though brief in words, echo with authority given his towering stature in the sport.
From Jasprit Bumrah to Rohit Sharma: Lara picks legends and GOATs
Lara classified Kevin Pietersen as a Legend, and his career supports that label. Pietersen scored over 8,000 runs in 104 Tests at an average of 47.28, including 23 centuries. He was England’s most aggressive modern-era batsman, playing a pivotal role in Ashes victories and redefining England’s middle-order flair.
Glenn McGrath received the rare GOAT tag from Lara. McGrath, Australia’s fast bowling linchpin, retired with 563 Test wickets in 124 matches at an astonishing average of 21.64. His accuracy and relentless line-and-length play tormented batters across continents and set new standards for fast bowling consistency.
When Jasprit Bumrah was named a GOAT, it shows Lara’s admiration is likely based on impact rather than longevity. Bumrah has already taken over 200 wickets in fewer than 50 Tests, with an average under 20 and remarkable performances in all formats, including match-winning spells in England, Australia, and South Africa.
Shaheen Afridi was labeled a Legend. Though still in the early phase of his career, Shaheen has made significant impact with over 100 Test wickets by age 24. His left-arm swing, early breakthroughs, and performances in ICC events like the 2021 T20 World Cup have cemented his rising status.
Chris Gayle, Lara’s countryman and long-time teammate, also earned the Legend status. Gayle has over 13,000 runs in T20s alone, and his international career features two triple centuries in Tests and a World Cup double century. His explosive style redefined power-hitting globally.
Kane Williamson, awarded Legend status, is one of the most technically gifted batters of the modern era. The New Zealand captain has amassed over 9,000 Test runs at an average above 50, including 33 centuries in the longest format. He led New Zealand to a World Test Championship title and continues to anchor their batting.
Rohit Sharma, another Legend in Lara’s book, has rewritten the rulebook in white-ball cricket. With three ODI double centuries and over 10,000 runs in ODIs, Rohit is among the most dominant opening batsmen. He also led India to major victories as captain and excels across all formats.
Jacques Kallis was instantly dubbed a GOAT, and rightly so. The South African all-rounder is the only player to score over 10,000 runs and take 250 wickets in both ODIs and Tests. With 45 Test centuries and a batting average of 55.37, his impact as a genuine all-rounder is unparalleled.
Finally, Adam Gilchrist joined the elite GOAT club in Lara’s list. Gilchrist redefined the wicketkeeper-batter role with his explosive style, scoring over 5,500 Test runs at a strike rate of over 80 and claiming 416 dismissals behind the stumps. His World Cup victories and Ashes heroics make him one of the game’s transformative figures.
