Bowlers that bowl no-balls, irrespective of the game’s style, can be aggravating. The fielding squad must pay a high price for this, as they have done on many instances. It hits the squad even harder as it arrives during an ICC tournament knockout game. Also the best bowlers face a difficult challenge in maintaining their career without going overboard. Take a look at some bowlers who have never bowled a no-ball in their entire careers.
1. Ian Botham
Ian Botham was the present Ben Stokes, capable of turning a game on its head with his batting and bowling. Botham’s Ashes were named after him when he took 39 wickets and scored 399 runs in six Ashes Tests in 1981. He bowled over 27000 balls during his successful cricketer-turned-commentator career, which spanned 128 games in Tests and ODIs. Botham took 383 Test and 145 One-Day International wickets, though never bowled a no-ball. Ian retired from the gentleman’s game in 1992, after making his international debut in 1976.
2. Imran Khan
When Pakistan defeated England in the 1992 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Imran Khan led the team to their most notable win in the sport. The all-rounder took over, batting at third position and leading the team with 72 points. The Lahore-born cricketer appeared in 88 Tests and 175 One-Day Internationals, bowling over 13000 balls. He bowled 362 Test and 88 One-Day International wickets while never bowling a no-ball. He played his farewell game for Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup final, following which he went into politics and charitable work.
3. Dennis Lillee
Dennis Lillee dominated the ancient ages. Lillee overcame many career-threatening accidents to become the Australian bowling attack’s undisputed leader for more than a decade. The Western Australian broke Lance Gibbs’ record of 309 Test wickets, and his 355 from 70 games was a world record at the time. Lillee bowled over 22000 deliveries in 133 Test and ODI games without losing a single no-ball.
4. Bob Willis
Bob Willis, the late cricketer, is actually England’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Bob Willis, among the most fearless fast bowlers in history, teamed up with Ian Botham to create a lethal bowling combo. He bowled without discomfort while undergoing surgeries on both knees. The Durham-born bowler bowled 20000 deliveries without surrendering a no-ball in 154 games of ODI and Test cricket.
5.Graeme Swann
Graeme Swann is also one of the few bowlers who has never given up a no-ball. Swann played all forms of the game and delivered over 19000 deliveries throughout his 13-year international career. With 255 Test wickets, the Northamptonshire-born spinner is England’s second-highest wicket-taker following Derek Underwood amongst spin-bowlers. The 41-year-old was successful in three Ashes wins as well as England’s 2012 victory over India.