The NSW cricket team, established in 1856, is one of the oldest sports teams ever and is Australia’s most successful state side with a record 47 Sheffield Shields. Being the most populous state, it’s not surprising that they have some exceptional players in their history. What’s surprising is how ridiculously stacked they are; it was incredibly difficult to pick a team, as some of the greatest players ever are from NSW and some legendary players will miss out.
Arthur Morris
One of the greatest left-handed batters of his era, Morris was a key figure in Bradman’s 1948 Invincible team. Despite his small stature, Morris was seen by his peers as an imposing figure, commanding the crease with precision. He could place the ball perfectly into gaps and play counterattacking shots when necessary. He scored 12 centuries and 12 fifties in 46 Tests, meaning he scored at least 50 in more than half of his matches.
Unfortunately, the latter part of his career saw a significant drop, which was a sad end for a legend.
Mark Taylor
Taylor took over the captaincy from Allan Border and guided Australia towards world dominance. His Test debut was phenomenal, scoring 839 runs in an Ashes series, only behind Don Bradman’s 974. Taylor was an exceptional fielder at first slip, holding the record for most catches until Rahul Dravid surpassed him. His safe pair of hands turned half-chances into wickets. He was perhaps the best tactical captain Australia had and refused to sledge like his predecessors. His 334* unbeaten, where he declared to match Bradman’s highest score, showed his class. Taylor is now a familiar voice as a cricket and diving commentator.
Donald Bradman
He is unquestionably the greatest cricket player ever, and there is a legitimate argument that he is the greatest athlete ever, surpassing Muhammad Ali, Lionel Messi, Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt, Tom Brady, and Novak Djokovic. No one dominated their sport like the boy from Bowral did.
Even when England deployed illegal tactics in “Bodyline” to stop him, he still averaged 56. His impeccable balance, footwork, and exceptional eye-hand coordination made him a bowler’s nightmare. Bradman’s ability to adapt to any ball on the fly was extraordinary. His dismissals made headlines, and the term “Bradmanesque” is the ultimate compliment for any elite player.
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Steven Smith
It is fitting that Steve Smith follows Don Bradman in the NSW batting lineup, as he has a legitimate claim to be the best batsman since Bradman. He was the second fastest to reach 25 centuries, behind Bradman, and in 2017, achieved the second-highest Test batting rating, again behind Bradman, at 947 (Bradman’s rating was 961). Smith’s unique mannerisms between deliveries may seem unusual, but they belie his skill. He is superb against spin and can drive quicks for six when in form. His 2019 Ashes series, where he scored eight centuries including a double ton, was the best batting performance I’ve ever seen in a series. Unfortunately, his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal has dented his image and legacy.
Steve Smith. (Photo by Jason McCawley – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Steve Waugh
Waugh, the twin brother of Mark, had a remarkable career transformation. He debuted at 20 as a bowler, and despite early struggles, he captained Australia to a record 16 consecutive victories. He was close to playing rugby league for the Roosters before choosing cricket. Initially, Waugh was an attacking player suited to the shorter format but struggled with poor shot selection early in his career. He evolved into a wiser player, scoring 24 centuries at No.5 and rescuing many innings. As captain, he had an astonishing 72 per cent win percentage and was known for his ruthless approach. Waugh was the world’s best all-rounder in Test and ODI cricket. With his fantastic change of pace, he took 5/28 in a Test in Cape Town but had to stop bowling due to back injuries.
Ricky Ponting described him as the man he wanted batting for his life.Allan Border (C)
Border may not have been the most pleasant on the eye or the most technically gifted, but he was incredibly rugged and durable, playing a then-record 152 consecutive Test matches. Border was a thorn in the side of opponents, rarely getting himself out and punishing poor deliveries. He scored 50 or 100 80 times in 156 Tests, becoming the first man to score 11,000 runs and make 300 catches. His captaincy was crucial in transforming Australia from a struggling team to a world powerhouse, culminating in the 1987 World Cup win. Border was one of the few players who stood up to the fearsome West Indies pace attack in the 80s while others crumbled. He could have scored more runs but played conservatively due to his team’s reliance on him. The “Allan Border Medal” is named in his honour.
Adam Gilchrist (WK)
Commonly referred to as “Gilly,” he revolutionised the wicketkeeper role by becoming an aggressive batsman, epitomised by his quote “just hit the ball.” He scored at an incredible rate of 81 runs per 100 balls in Tests and 96 in ODIs. His inclusion made the Australian team from great to all-time great. It was unfair to have him bat so low in the order, as he was good enough to open in ODIs. Although he may not have been at the same level as Rod Marsh or Ian Healy as a pure gloveman, he was competent with quicks like Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee, and spinners like Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill. He held the record for most ODI dismissals before Kumar Sangakkara broke it. Gilchrist was a favourite among cricket fans worldwide for his batting exploits and sportsmanship, famously walking and conceding he was out even when the umpire did not.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ray Lindwall
Ray Lindwall was the finest fast bowler of his era. He had a smooth and powerful delivery that bamboozled batsmen with his outswinger, considerable pace, and bouncers, allowing him to amass 228 wickets in 61 Tests. He played top-flight rugby league for the Dragons and represented NSW in interstate competition before focusing solely on cricket. Lindwall was often regarded as one of the best bowlers by Alan Davidson and Richie Benaud and was a mentor to a young Dennis Lillee. Though not strictly an all-rounder, he was more than capable with the bat, notching two centuries. Lindwall’s decision not to bowl bouncers to tail-enders, a tactic later adopted by England, was a testament to his character.
Bill O’Reilly
O’Reilly was the top spin bowler of his era. Standing at 6’2″, he bowled with the vigour of a fast bowler, and his wild, almost reckless arm movements made him a bane to English batsmen, taking 102 wickets against them. Throughout his career, no one could dominate or figure him out; he never had a bad series. Remarkably, he was mainly self-taught, learning with his brothers. His fast spin and ability to make the ball bounce surprised many batsmen. O’Reilly was the best spinner Australia produced before Shane Warne and was described by Donald Bradman as the best bowler he had ever seen or played with. A grandstand at the SCG. is named in his honour.
Patrick Cummins
The latest great fast bowler from Australia, Cummins made his debut at 18, taking seven wickets, but didn’t play Test cricket again until five years later due to injuries. He is known for his consistency in getting line and length spot-on across various pitches worldwide. He took over the Australian Test captaincy under unique circumstances and has excelled, leading Australia to retain the Ashes, win the World Test Championship, and the ICC World Cup (where his surprising decision to field first was controversial). His shrewdest moment as captain was noticing Jonny Bairstow’s habit of wandering out of his crease and instructing wicketkeeper Alex Carey to throw the ball at the stumps. Cummins’ career resurgence has been remarkable, and had it not been for injuries, he might have been on track for the most Test wickets.
(Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
Glenn McGrath
McGrath was the most accurate bowler ever, with relentless consistency that kept batters uncomfortable. He was extremely fit, able to bowl for long periods, and his subtle ball movement meant it was only a matter of time before he took a wicket. McGrath was one of the few bowlers who could stand toe-to-toe with Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar. He retired as the leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers with 563, averaging four wickets per match against every team he played against except South Africa, highlighting his effectiveness in various conditions. He has a strong case as the best fast bowler ever.
Michael Clarke (12th Man)
A polarising figure, Clarke was heavily scrutinised as Australian captain, but his ability was unquestionable. Despite battling a chronic back ailment, he was the best player in the world from 2010-2013, earning two Wisden Player of the Year awards. He was always gifted, but it wasn’t until he matured that he managed to put it all together. His 2012 season was perhaps the best year ever by a batsman, scoring 1,595 runs at a staggering average of 106.5 from 11 matches. He was one of only three men, alongside Wally Hammond and Donald Bradman, to score both a triple and a double century in the same series. Clarke also scored two more double centuries that year. Although his persona as a big-time celebrity might have suggested he wasn’t captain material, this was a misconception. He was extremely courageous, as demonstrated by his 149 against South Africa with a broken shoulder.
Alan Davidson (13th Man)
A left-arm fast-medium bowler and a hard-hitting lower-order batsman, Davidson made his Test debut in 1953 and quickly became a key figure in the Australian team. His most notable achievement came in the 1961 Test series against the West Indies, where he played a crucial role in Australia’s victory, becoming the first man to score 100 runs and take ten wickets in a match. Davidson was celebrated for his tenacity and skill, both with the bat and with the ball. His contributions to cricket were recognised with his induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
This team is like the Avengers, featuring 11 Test captains throughout the squad. Six of the batsmen were regarded as the best in the world at one time, with Gilchrist coming in at No.7. The bowling attack is just as lethal: the three fast bowlers are all among the top 15 of all time, with McGrath easily in the top three ever, capable of dismantling any batting line-up. Adding to this is O’Reilly, a top five spinner of all time, ensuring nonstop assault.
Imagine facing two great openers in Taylor and Morris, with them being the worst batsmen in the order, excluding the bowlers. With Bradman, Smith, Waugh, and Border, the lineup is downright intimidating. If it’s not a spinning deck, add Clarke, who would waltz into any other team.
This team is undoubtedly the best from any state in Australia. But how would a second XI fare against other states?
Second XI
Simpson
Warner
Trumper
Clarke
M. Waugh
McCabe
Davidson
Oldfield (WK)
Benaud (C)
Starc
Thompson
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