Cricket is often thought of as a game for tall athletes, like fast bowlers and batsmen with long reaches. Records show success is more about skill and determination than height. Here are Top 10 of the shortest international cricketers who made a big impact.
Shortest Cricketers In History of Cricket
| Rank | Height (cm) | Height (feet/inch) | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 150 | 4’9” | Kruger Van Wyk | New Zealand |
| 2 | 152 | 5’0” | Tich Cornford | England |
| 3 | 157 | 5’2” | Sunil Gavaskar | India |
| 4 | 157 | 5’2” | Tich Freeman | England |
| 5 | 160 | 5’3” | Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh |
| 6 | 160 | 5’3” | Parthiv Patel | India |
| 7 | 160 | 5’3” | David Boon | Australia |
| 8 | 160 | 5’3” | Gundappa Vishwanath | India |
| 9 | 161 | 5’3.5” | Mominul Haque | Bangladesh |
| 10 | 163 | 5’4” | Prithvi Shaw | India |
1. Kruger van Wyk (New Zealand) – 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m)
Kruger van Wyk, at 4 ft 9 in, is the shortest Test cricketer. He played for New Zealand after moving from South Africa, debuting in 2012. Though short, his wicket-keeping was good. In 9 Tests, he scored 341 runs with a highest score of 71, took 23 catches and one stumping. Despite a short international career, he proved that determination beats physical limits.
2. Tich Cornford (England) – 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m)
Tich Cornford, a 5-foot wicket-keeper, played four Tests for England in 1930. He was famous in English domestic cricket as a great keeper. In Tests, he scored 36 runs and had 8 dismissals (5 catches, 3 stumpings). He also scored over 6,500 runs in over 400 first-class games and earned respect for his skills during an era of fast bowling.
3. Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)
Sunil Gavaskar, considered one of the greatest opening batsmen, changed the way people looked at batting against fast bowlers. At 5 ft 4 in, he was the first to score over 10,000 Test runs. From 1971 to 1987, he played 125 Tests, scoring 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12, with 34 centuries. He added 3,092 runs in ODIs. Gavaskar’s technique and composure helped India compete, especially against the West Indies’ fast bowlers.
4. Tich Freeman (England) – 5 ft 2 in (1.58 m approx.)
Tich Freeman, one of cricket’s most successful bowlers, was a leg-spinner who was known for his accuracy. He played only 12 Tests between 1924 and 1929, taking 66 wickets at 25.86. He took 3,776 wickets in 592 first-class matches, including 386 five-wicket hauls. His height helped him create deceptive bounce and turn.
5. Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh) – 5 ft 3 in (1.61 m)
Mushfiqur Rahim, around 5 ft 3 in, is a mainstay of Bangladesh. He has played 94 Tests, scoring 6,007 runs at an average of 37.77, with 11 centuries. He was the first wicket-keeper to score three double centuries in Tests. In ODIs, he has over 7,795 runs in over 270 matches. His size helps him play well against both spin and pace.
6. Parthiv Patel (India) – 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)
In 2002, Parthiv Patel became the youngest wicketkeeper for India at 17 years old. Although he was only 5’3, he was quick behind the wickets and his footwork allowed him to handle both pace and spin. He played 25 Tests, scored 934 runs at 31.13 and 38 ODIs, and scored 736 runs. Due to tough competition, Parthiv was in and out of the Indian team. Still he had a good domestic career and later became a mentor.
7. David Boon (Australia) – 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)
David Boon, an Australian great of the 80s and 90s, was famous for his strong build, determination and solid batting. At 5’3, Boon was a key part of Australia’s comeback in world cricket. He played 107 Tests, scored 7,422 runs at 43.65, 21 centuries. In ODIs, he scored 5,964 runs in 181 matches. Boon was also part of Australia’s 1987 World Cup winning team and became a symbol of determination and consistency as an opener.
8. Gundappa Viswanath (India) – 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)
Gundappa Viswanath, another Indian great of short stature at 5’3, had some of the most beautiful shots in cricket. From 1969 to 1983, he played 91 Tests, scored 6,080 runs at 41.93, 14 centuries. Known for his wristy flicks and composure under pressure, Viswanath played well in tough conditions. He didn’t play many ODIs (25) but cricket fans still remember his Test performances.
9. Mominul Haque (Bangladesh) – 5 ft 3.5 in (1.61 m)
Mominul Haque, a mainstay of Bangladesh’s Test team, is known for his solid technique and patience at the crease. At 5’3.5, he is one of Bangladesh’s most consistent Test batsmen. So far Mominul has played 57 Tests, scored 3,791 runs at 37.16, 11 centuries. He also led the team during a transition period and was praised for his leadership and calmness.
10. Prithvi Shaw (India) – 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)
Prithvi Shaw made a big impact in 2018 with a century in his first Test against the West Indies at 18 years old. Although 5’4, Shaw is known for his aggressive batting and fearless approach as an opener. He has played 5 Tests so far, scoring 339 runs at 42.37. He hasn’t had many chances in limited overs cricket but his domestic and IPL performances keep him in the spotlight.
