Some bowlers are quite adept with the bat and have first-class century to their name. They may primarily serve as bowlers in the team, but their batting skills add an extra dimension to the game. It might seem like it’s their lucky day when they perform well with the bat, but it’s more than that. Their experience always helps them rise to the occasion when the team needs them. Such players include Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adil Rashid, and Chris Woakes.
These bowlers aren’t known for big hitting, but they are more than capable of contributing with the bat, particularly when the team is in a tough spot. They often bat at number 8, which is a specialized role in cricket. At number 8, they are expected to come in when the team is struggling and help rebuild the innings. They may also be tasked with accelerating the scoring towards the end of the innings.
These bowlers are often the unsung heroes of the team. They might not grab headlines or score big centuries, but they play a crucial role in the team’s success. They have the ability to turn a match around with their batting, even when the team is in a difficult position.
Bowlers who are also adept with the bat are a valuable asset to any cricket team. They can turn a match around with their batting, even when the team is in a difficult position. Let’s take a look at some of these bowlers who have scored first-class centuries:
Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner is commonly recognized as a disciplined and intelligent bowler, but his batting skills are equally impressive. In 2019 at Mount Maunganui Oval, Santner played a brilliant innings, scoring 126 runs against England, leading New Zealand from 316/6 to 615/9. In 2023, while playing for the Northern Knights, Santner scored 136 runs off 176 balls while batting at number 5 against Central Districts. Santner has four first-class centuries to his name, which explains why he is highly valued by New Zealand and has been a consistent member of the team for the last 5-7 years.
Keshav Maharaj
Another orthodox left-arm spinner on this list is Keshav Maharaj, who boasts two first-class centuries and four scores of 70+ runs in his international test career for South Africa. More than just handy with the bat, Maharaj can tackle both spinners and pacers effectively. In Sydney against Australia, Maharaj played a notable innings of 53 runs, which helped South Africa secure a draw in a match they could have lost. In the South African domestic circuit, while playing for KwaZulu-Natal against Northerns, Maharaj achieved his career-best score of 114 runs.
Tim Southee
While it might be surprising to see Tim Southee’s name on this list, he has made significant contributions with the bat in his first-class career. These may not be big centuries, but valuable 30-40 run knocks that have been crucial for the team. In 2011, while batting for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield, Southee smashed 156 runs off 130 balls with 18 fours and 6 sixes, his only first-class hundred. Coming to bat at number 7 when Northern Districts were struggling at 161/6, Southee tore apart the Wellington bowling attack before taking a five-wicket haul in the second innings. Other than that, Southee has scored five 50+ runs in his test career, including a 40-ball 77* against England in his debut match for New Zealand.
Adil Rashid
Adil Rashid is often a subject of admiration among English cricket fans for his extraordinary record of 10 first-class centuries and 37 half-centuries. In 175 matches, Rashid has taken 512 first-class wickets, scored 10 centuries, and 37 half-centuries, which is indeed remarkable. His highest score of 180 came against Somerset in 2013. Batting at number 6, Rashid played a magnificent first-class innings of 180 runs off 317 balls. Interestingly, Jos Buttler, playing for Somerset, batted at number 7 during that period. Against India in Chennai in 2016, Rashid played a brilliant innings of 60 runs on a challenging batting wicket, showcasing his ability to rescue England from difficult situations multiple times.
Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad is not just a skillful bowler but also a capable batsman. His memorable 169-run innings at Lord’s against Pakistan came in a crucial situation. Throughout his career, Broad has delivered valuable innings with the bat. He has 25 half-centuries to his name, including the famous 76 he scored at Lord’s against South Africa. In a single series against South Africa in 2008, Broad had scores of 67* and 76 against a formidable South African pace attack. Broad’s ability to spend time at the crease and contribute with the bat makes him a reliable figure to play a crucial role when another batsman is at the other end.
Bowlers who can bat are a rare breed, but they are incredibly valuable to any cricket team. They can provide a much-needed boost to the lower order and help the team to post a competitive total. The players mentioned in this article are just a few examples of bowlers who have made significant contributions with the bat.
