39: In the world of cricket, every player’s jersey number is often associated with their unique identity on the field. Some numbers become iconic due to the players who wear them, and over time, these numbers carry a story of achievement, style, and dedication. One such number that has garnered attention and significance in the cricketing world is 39.
While jersey numbers like 10, 7, or 3 have become globally recognized due to legendary players, the number 39 stands out because of the handful of cricket icons who made it their own. This article explores the cricket players who wore the number 39 jersey, their achievements, and how they made this number famous.
1. Shane Watson: The Australian All-rounder
The number 39 jersey became synonymous with Australian all-rounder Shane Watson. Known for his powerful batting, sharp bowling, and dynamic fielding, Watson is one of the most successful cricketers to have donned the number 39 shirt.
Shane Watson’s Cricket Career:
- Debut: Watson made his debut for Australia in 2002 and quickly became one of the most valuable all-rounders in the world.
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
- Major Achievements:
- Watson was part of the Australian squad that won the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- He became one of the most successful all-rounders in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20Is.
- He has several match-winning performances in both limited-overs and Test cricket.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 59 | 3,731 | 35.19 | 75 | 33.61 |
| ODIs | 190 | 5,757 | 40.54 | 168 | 39.22 |
| T20Is | 58 | 1,398 | 33.81 | 48 | 32.79 |
Watson’s versatility as both a top-order batsman and an effective bowler made him a fixture in Australia’s international cricket team. His ability to perform under pressure in limited-overs cricket earned him the respect of fans worldwide.
Legacy:
- Watson’s popularity in the 39 jersey extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. His presence as a dynamic all-rounder who could change the course of a game made him one of the most admired cricketers to wear the number.
2. Morne Morkel: The South African Fast Bowler
Another prominent cricketer who made the number 39 famous is Morne Morkel, the South African fast bowler known for his pace, bounce, and lethal deliveries. Morkel was a key player for South Africa during the 2000s and early 2010s and made significant contributions with the ball in all formats.
Morne Morkel’s Cricket Career:
- Debut: Morkel made his international debut for South Africa in 2006.
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
- Major Achievements:
- Morkel was part of the South African team that dominated the Test rankings for years.
- He was known for his ability to bowl consistently at high speeds, troubling some of the best batsmen in the world.
- Morkel played a crucial role in several memorable series victories, especially in Test matches.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 86 | 309 | 26.62 |
| ODIs | 118 | 188 | 25.32 |
| T20Is | 44 | 56 | 22.71 |
Morkel’s tall frame, combined with his pace, made him one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. His ability to generate bounce and move the ball both ways made him a vital asset for South Africa in all formats.
Legacy:
- Morkel’s legacy as a key bowler for South Africa is deeply associated with the number 39 jersey. His consistency and performance on challenging pitches cemented his place as one of the finest fast bowlers of his era.
3. David Willey: England’s Seam Bowler
Another cricketer who wore the number 39 jersey and carved out a niche for himself in England’s limited-overs setup is David Willey, an English all-rounder known for his swing bowling and middle-order batting.
David Willey’s Cricket Career:
- Debut: Willey made his international debut for England in 2011.
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Bowling Style: Left-arm medium-fast
- Major Achievements:
- Willey was instrumental in England’s rise as a dominant force in limited-overs cricket, especially in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- His ability to swing the ball both ways, especially in the powerplay overs, made him a key player in England’s pace attack.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 48 | 204 | 14.57 | 70 | 32.77 |
| T20Is | 39 | 70 | 17.50 | 52 | 30.71 |
Willey was a key figure in England’s transformation into a powerhouse in white-ball cricket. His accurate swing bowling in the opening overs made him a vital player for his country.
Legacy:
- While Willey may not be as internationally recognized as some other players, his contributions to England’s limited-overs cricket and the 39 jersey will not be forgotten. His disciplined performances have earned him a reputation as a dependable bowler.
4. Yasir Shah: Pakistan’s Leg-spinner
Yasir Shah, the Pakistani leg-spinner, also made the number 39 famous during his career. Known for his control and variations, Yasir became one of Pakistan’s key players in Test cricket, especially in the 2010s.
Yasir Shah’s Cricket Career:
- Debut: Yasir Shah made his Test debut for Pakistan in 2014.
- Bowling Style: Right-arm leg-spin
- Major Achievements:
- Yasir became one of Pakistan’s leading spinners in recent years, playing crucial roles in their victories, particularly in the Test series against Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
- He has been Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in several key Test series.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 50 | 230 | 30.62 |
| ODIs | 20 | 29 | 31.79 |
| T20Is | 22 | 28 | 24.71 |
Legacy:
- Yasir Shah’s impact on the number 39 jersey is deeply connected to his rise as one of the best spinners Pakistan has produced in recent times. His performances in the subcontinent and abroad have ensured his place in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
The number 39 jersey may not have the widespread fame of iconic numbers like 7, 10, or 11, but the cricket icons who wore it have certainly left a mark in the history of the game. From all-rounders like Shane Watson and David Willey to fast bowlers like Morne Morkel, the number 39 has been associated with a diverse set of skills and personalities.
These players may not have always worn the same jersey number as the legendary cricketers, but their contributions to the sport have ensured that the number 39 holds a special place in the cricketing world. Each of these icons made an indelible mark on the sport, and their legacy will live on through their records, performances, and association with the number 39 jersey.
