Off-spinners and leg-spinners are the main types of slow bowlers. Right-arm off-spinners often receive more praise, but left-arm spinners have also made a name for themselves, even though they don’t always get as much attention.
In cricket, especially against right-handed batsmen who are the majority, left-arm spinners have consistently been effective. They mainly use orthodox spin because wrist-spin, which is more difficult, is rare among left-handers.
Here, we’ll look at five of the best orthodox left-arm spinners in cricket history
5. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, a current cricketer, has surprised many by becoming a key player in India’s rise to the top of Test cricket rankings. Initially overshadowed by Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja has now become essential to India’s Test bowling attack.
Ranked as the top spinner in Test cricket, Jadeja had even reached number one earlier this year. His bowling average of 23.65 is the best among left-arm spinners with over 150 Test wickets. Some critics argue he excels mostly on favorable home pitches, but his improved accuracy suggests he could perform well abroad.
Jadeja played a crucial role in India’s victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy, taking 12 wickets in five matches with an economy rate of 3.75. However, his success in limited-overs cricket has slowed due to the dominance of wrist-spinners in modern formats.
Career stats:
- Tests: 155 wickets in 33 matches at an average of 23.65.
- ODIs: 155 wickets in 136 matches at an average of 35.87.
- T20Is: 31 wickets in 40 matches at an average of 31.70.
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4. Daniel Vettori
When the focus shifts towards the great spinners of the post millennial era, the likes of Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan and Anil Kumble invariably hog the attention. After all, they had both longevity and productivity. As he so often did to entrap opposition batsmen, Daniel Vettori slips by unnoticed. One of the most underrated cricketers of his generation, the affable all-rounder contributed immensely to New Zealand’s fortunes by chipping in with valuable performances on a wide variety of pitches.
With a combined 705 wickets from 442 matches across all three formats of the game, Vettori single-handedly led New Zealand’s spin department right throughout his stellar career. Only four spinners have picked up more international wickets than him and all of them were right-armers. Despite having had to operate mostly on seam-friendly surfaces in New Zealand, the left-arm spinner created enormous pressure with his impeccable control and managed to procure wickets aplenty by adhering to the basics.
Career stats:
Tests – 362 wickets from 113 matches at an average of 34.36 and strike-rate of 79.5 with 20 five-wicket hauls and 3 ten-wicket hauls
ODIs – 305 wickets from 295 matches at an average of 31.71 and economy-rate of 4.12 with 2 five-wicket hauls
T20Is – 38 wickets from 34 matches at an average of 19.68 and economy-rate of 5.70
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3. Derek Underwood
Derek Underwood earned the nickname ‘Deadly’ because of his exceptional bowling, especially on slightly wet pitches. He adjusted well when cricket changed from uncovered pitches in the late 1960s. Despite this shift, his ability to dismiss batsmen remained strong, cutting through them effortlessly like a hot knife through butter.
When England needed a new spinner after Jim Laker retired in 1959, Underwood quickly emerged as a key player within seven years. Though known as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, his unique bowling style and smooth run-up made his pace more medium. His strategic thinking and ability to bowl long spells made him a versatile spinner. He ranks among the top 13 bowlers in first-class cricket history for most wickets taken.
Career stats:
- In Tests, he took 297 wickets in 86 matches with an average of 25.83 and a strike-rate of 73.6. He had 17 matches where he took five wickets in an innings and 6 matches with ten wickets.
- In ODIs, he took 32 wickets in 26 matches with an average of 22.93 and an economy rate of 3.44.
- In first-class cricket overall, he took 2465 wickets in 676 matches with an average of 20.28 and a strike-rate of 56.7. He achieved 153 matches with five wickets and 47 matches with ten wickets.
2. Bishan Singh Bedi
In a time when most cricket experts play it safe and avoid controversy, Bishan Singh Bedi stands out for speaking his mind honestly. He was unique in his heyday too, choosing skill over flashy tricks to succeed.
Bedi, a renowned left-arm spinner, brought grace to spin bowling with his smooth action and precise flight. Alongside other greats like Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, he formed India’s famous spin quartet in the 1970s.
Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, Bedi is remembered for his impact on Test cricket lovers. His performances both in India and abroad, including wins in Auckland, Port of Spain (twice), Melbourne, and Sydney, were crucial.
Career Stats:
- Tests: 266 wickets in 67 matches at an average of 28.71 and a strike-rate of 80.3, with 14 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul.
- First-class: 1560 wickets in 370 matches at an average of 21.69 and a strike-rate of 57.9, with 106 five-wicket hauls and 20 ten-wicket hauls.
- List-A: 71 wickets in 72 matches at an average of 29.39 and an economy-rate of 3.39, with 1 five-wicket haul.
1. Rangana Herath
Despite his impressive statistics, Rangana Herath hasn’t received the recognition he deserves from many experts. He’s unmatched in defending fourth-innings totals in cricket history. But Herath isn’t just about numbers; his legacy goes beyond stats, especially for a spinner who captivates fans with his skill.
Unlike some famous bowlers known for mystery deliveries, Herath doesn’t rely on flashy tricks. Instead, he deceives batsmen with subtle changes in how he bowls. His ability to outwit even the best batsmen, making them miss with clever changes in speed and length, leaves a lasting impression.
Already the only left-arm spinner with over 400 Test wickets, Herath is close to surpassing Wasim Akram’s record. This milestone isn’t just a personal achievement but a triumph for cricket. Known for his humility, Herath’s rise to the top of the all-time wicket-takers list would be celebrated by all who admire the game.
Career stats:
- Tests: 405 wickets from 86 matches at an average of 27.90 with 33 five-wicket hauls and 9 ten-wicket hauls.
- ODIs: 74 wickets from 71 matches at an average of 31.91.
- T20Is: 18 wickets from 17 matches at an average of 20.72.
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