Online Reporter
SEAN Williams of Zimbabwe entered his 21st year in international cricket when he took the field against Bangladesh in the first Test in Sylhet on Sunday.
Here’s the complete list of players who have had the longest international cricket careers.
When did Sean Williams make his Zimbabwe debut?
Williams, a left-hand batter and left-arm orthodox spinner, played his first match for Zimbabwe in February 2005, an ODI against South Africa.
It was an uneventful start for the all-rounder, whose three overs went for 16 runs and fetched no wickets, while he was run out for 12 off 26 batting at No.8 in a failed run-chase.
Williams’ T20I debut came in November 2006, while his first Test match was against the West Indies in March 2013.
The ongoing Test against Bangladesh is his 18th, to go with 162 ODIs and 81 T20Is. As of day two of the first Test (April 21), Williams’ international career span stands at 20 years 55 days.
Entering this game, Williams had a Test batting average of 45 with five hundreds to his name.
In ODIs, he averages 37 with eight hundreds, while his T20I average is 23, at a strike rate of 126. Williams also has 25 Test, 85 ODI, and 48 T20I wickets to his name.
Who had the longest international career in men’s cricket?
Wilfred Rhodes holds the record for the longest career in men’s international cricket. He debuted for England in June 1899 and played his final Test in April 1930 aged 52 years. His career spanned 30 years and 315 days.
Who has the longest men’s international career among active cricketers?
Williams career span of 20 years and 58 days (till the end of the first Test vs Bangladesh) is the longest among players still active in men’s international cricket.
Shoaib Malik of Pakistan debuted in 1999 and made his last international appearance in 2021, a span of 22 years and 37 days.
He hasn’t technically announced his retirement yet, and is featuring in the ongoing PSL 2025.
James Anderson had the longest career among active international cricketers until last year when he announced his retirement, his career spanning 21 years and 210 days. — wisden.com/Sports Reporter
