If cricketers had a day named after them

12. Swing Bowler’s Day – Wasim Akram (June 3):

The “King of Swing”, Wasim Akram, never played first-class cricket before his International debut. Akram is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game. He is considered to be one of the founders and perhaps the finest exponent of reverse swing bowling. A perfect idol for young bowlers, Wasim wrecked havoc with his bowling partner Waqar Younis in the 90s and formed the deadliest bowling partnership ever.

During the 2003 World Cup, Akram became the first man on the planet to record 500 wickets in the 50-over format. Eventually, he finished his career as Pakistan’s top wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs. He was also the leading wicket-taker in ODIs, with 502 wickets, until Muttiah Muralitharan overtook him to push him to the second spot.

Unplayable when at his best, Akram was a monumental figure in Pakistan’s World Cup triumph in 1992 in Australia and was awarded the Man of the Match for his game changing spell in the final after a quick-fire 33. With his seam and swing bowling abilities, Akram fooled the batsmen on most occasions and his knowledge of the art of reverse swing made him most dangerous bowler in the world during his playing days.

Also read – Watch: Wasim Akram’s special gift to Sachin Tendulkar