35: Cricket, a sport loved by millions around the world, is often defined by iconic moments, legendary performances, and the larger-than-life players who leave their mark on the game. While jersey numbers in cricket may not carry the same historical significance as in other sports like football or basketball, certain numbers have been associated with legendary players and unforgettable moments.
Among these, the number 35 has a special place in cricket history. This article takes a deep dive into some of the most iconic cricket players who wore the number 35 jersey throughout their careers. Whether they were known for their batting prowess, bowling brilliance, or leadership skills, these players made the number 35 a part of their legacy.
Why the Number 35 Matters in Cricket
In cricket, jersey numbers are usually chosen by the players themselves, with some opting for numbers that have personal significance or are a representation of their personality or playing style. While some players prefer lower numbers for their simplicity or historical reasons, others choose numbers that stand out and become synonymous with their playing careers.
The number 35 is not one that many players choose as their permanent number, but for those who have worn it, it has become iconic. Whether it’s a result of the player’s standout performances while wearing the number, or their association with this particular digit, the number 35 has come to represent moments of excellence in cricket.
Legendary Cricket Players Who Wore the Number 35 Jersey
| Player Name | Country | Role | Years Active | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Bevan | Australia | Batsman | 1994-2012 | Famous for his finishing skills, particularly in limited-overs cricket. |
| Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | Fast Bowler | 1997-2011 | Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” one of the fastest bowlers in history. |
| Chris Cairns | New Zealand | All-Rounder | 1989-2006 | One of New Zealand’s greatest all-rounders, famous for his batting and bowling. |
| Mohammad Azharuddin | India | Batsman, Captain | 1984-2000 | Former Indian captain and one of the finest batsmen in limited-overs cricket. |
| Ravindra Jadeja | India | All-Rounder | 2009-Present | Known for his sharp spin and dynamic fielding, a key player for India. |
| David Warner | Australia | Batsman | 2009-Present | A destructive opening batsman with a reputation for aggressive batting. |
Michael Bevan: A Finisher Like No Other
One of the most notable cricketers to have worn the number 35 jersey was Michael Bevan from Australia. Known for his ability to chase down targets with remarkable consistency, Bevan earned a reputation as one of the best finishers in limited-overs cricket. He played for Australia from 1994 to 2012 and was a crucial part of the team during its golden era in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Bevan’s calm and composed approach to run-chases, especially in One Day Internationals (ODIs), was unmatched. His contributions helped Australia win multiple prestigious titles, including the 1999 Cricket World Cup. Bevan’s performances while wearing the number 35 jersey made the number synonymous with cricketing excellence, especially in tight situations.
Shoaib Akhtar: The Rawalpindi Express
Shoaib Akhtar, a former Pakistani fast bowler, was another legendary player associated with the number 35 jersey. Known for his blistering pace, Akhtar earned the nickname “The Rawalpindi Express” due to his ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h). His fierce pace, aggressive mindset, and ability to intimidate batsmen made him a feared opponent across all formats of the game.
Akhtar made his debut for Pakistan in 1997 and played international cricket for over 14 years. Throughout his career, he was one of the fastest bowlers to ever play the game, with his deliveries frequently clocking above 150 km/h. Wearing the number 35 jersey, Akhtar became a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling lineup during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Chris Cairns: The All-Rounder from New Zealand
Chris Cairns, one of New Zealand’s most prominent all-rounders, was also a player who sported the number 35 jersey. A powerful batsman and a highly effective bowler, Cairns was an integral part of the New Zealand team during the 1990s and 2000s. Known for his hard-hitting batting, particularly in the middle overs of limited-overs cricket, Cairns also bowled incisive seam and swing deliveries.
He played an essential role in New Zealand’s success, particularly in ODIs. Cairns was a part of the 2007 ICC World Cup squad and was pivotal in New Zealand’s performances in ICC tournaments. His versatile contributions, both with the bat and ball, made the number 35 even more iconic in cricketing history.
Mohammad Azharuddin: India’s Stylish Batsman
Mohammad Azharuddin, one of India’s most elegant and stylish batsmen, wore the number 35 jersey during his career. Azharuddin’s reputation as a classy batsman who could dominate any attack was established early in his career. He was known for his wristy shots and ability to play in all formats of the game.
Azharuddin captained India during various phases, and although his career was mired in controversy, his contributions to Indian cricket cannot be denied. He was instrumental in the rise of Indian cricket in the late 1980s and 1990s, and his association with the number 35 jersey remains a memorable part of his legacy.
Ravindra Jadeja: India’s Modern-Day All-Rounder
In the present era, Ravindra Jadeja has been one of the most reliable and consistent players for India. An outstanding all-rounder, Jadeja excels in all facets of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding. His left-arm orthodox spin bowling has made him a key player for India, particularly in Test matches.
Jadeja’s agility in the field is another defining characteristic, and he is known as one of the best fielders in the world. He has been a part of India’s success in major ICC tournaments, including the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, and continues to be an essential part of India’s cricket team. His performances with the number 35 jersey have only added to its iconic status.
David Warner: The Aggressive Opener
Another prominent player who wore the number 35 jersey is David Warner from Australia. Warner is one of the most destructive opening batsmen in the history of limited-overs cricket. Known for his aggressive style and ability to take on the best bowlers in the world, Warner has been a constant force for Australia in both ODIs and T20s.
Warner has been crucial in Australia’s World Cup campaigns and is one of the few players to have scored over 7000 runs in ODIs. His explosive batting, coupled with his consistency at the top of the order, makes him one of the most fearsome cricketers in the modern game.
The Legacy of the Number 35
From Bevan’s masterful finishing skills to Akhtar’s fiery pace and Warner’s aggressive batting, the number 35 jersey has been worn by some of the finest cricketers in the history of the game. While it may not be as universally iconic as other numbers, such as the number 7 (associated with MS Dhoni or Sir Donald Bradman), the players who wore 35 have undoubtedly left their own mark on the sport.
Each of these players brought their unique flair to cricket while wearing this number, contributing to the rich tapestry of cricketing history. Whether through their batting, bowling, or leadership, they exemplified the spirit of the game and made the number 35 jersey synonymous with excellence.
In the world of cricket, the number 35 may not be as widely recognized as some of the other famous jersey numbers, but it has been worn by some of the sport’s greatest players. Michael Bevan, Shoaib Akhtar, Chris Cairns, Mohammad Azharuddin, Ravindra Jadeja, and David Warner all wore the number with distinction, creating a legacy that transcends the number itself. Their contributions to the game of cricket have made the number 35 iconic, and they will be remembered as legends of the sport.
