Are these Australia's greatest-ever mens cricketers?

Perhaps the most dominant cricketing nation of all time, there is no shortage of Australian cricketing greats, buts let’s take a look at some of the very best.

With the second most test runs of all time, ‘Punter’ is one of the greatest batters of all time and has a good claim to the ‘Best since Bradman’ title. Averaging nearly 60 until his late career slump, Ponting was an absolute force. He also finished his career with three World Cup winner's medals, not a bad career at all.

There were few sights more worrying for batters in the 1970s than Dennis Lillee’s eponymous moustache charging towards you. Bowling with incredible accuracy, speed and aggressiveness, Lillee was unstoppable at times.

Whilst never embraced by the Australian public like some others on this list, Clarke’s record is exceptional. 8643 test runs at 49 with 28 tons is an incredible record in itself, but when you remember he scored both double and triple centuries against India in one series, his greatness is undisputed.

For a long time, Waugh was the heart and soul of the Australia test side, his grittiness and determination dragging the side beyond their already very significant talent levels. His leadership was important, but scoring nearly 11,000 test runs at 51 wasn’t shabby either.

Going way back into the archive here but Fred ‘The Demon’ Spofforth is truly one of the all-time greats. Despite only playing 18 test matches (94 wickets at 18.41!), his impact went far beyond as it was his bowling that undid the English at the Oval and saw the birth of the Ashes. He also finished his career with 853 first-class wickets at 14.95…

Arguably the most impactful Australian cricketer in the past 50 years, Border’s impact is almost immeasurable. After taking over the captaincy in 1985, he led Australia into a period of dominance and restored the pride in the baggy green. Finishing his career with 11,174 at 50.56 was no mean feat either.

The consummate fast-medium bowler, McGrath was never the fastest nor did he produce prodigious swing or seam. Yet he had an unerring ability to bowl almost unplayable deliveries over and over again. 563 test wickets at 21.64 and a couple of world cups showcase an incredible career.

One of the most destructive batters in cricketing history, Gilchrist appearing at the crease was usually enough to demoralise an opponent by itself. With an average of 47.60 and a strike rate of 81.95, his test record was unparalleled for a wicket-keeper. His match-winning 149 in the 2007 world cup final was arguably his standout innings.

Smith has been the best test batter in the world for most of his career, despite making his debut as a legspinner and lower order bat. Averaging just a tick under 60 and closing in on 9,000 test runs, Smith still has a few years left in him yet.

At times overshadowed by his elder brother Ian, Greg finished his career with significantly better statistics and is truly one of the greats. A key cog of the Aussie sides of the 70s and early 80s, Chappell averaged 53.86 over his career, scoring 7110 runs along the way.

One of the very best to ever open the batting, Hayden was an intimidating prospect for opposition bowlers. The big Queenslander would regularly advance at quick bowlers and dispatch them back over their head. An average of 50.70 along with 8625 runs is a remarkable record for an opener.

Seen by many as the best spin bowler ever, Warne was an impossibly talented leg spinner who could make even the very best look silly at times. 708 test wickets is the second highest total of all time and he still holds the record for most test runs without a century. An absolute legend of the game.

Whilst probably not seen in the same esteemed air as some on this list, Lyon’s record is undeniably great. By the end of this year’s Ashes he will have over 500 test wickets having been a stalwart of the Aussie side over the past decade.

Despite not having a great deal of success in test cricket, Michael Bevan’s One Day International record stands out as one of the best ever. With nerves of steel, Bevan would regularly steer the one-day side to seemingly unwinnable victories. A career worthy of recognition.

When modern batters are simply hoping to be dubbed the ‘Best since Bradman’, Bradman himself must’ve had quite the career. 6996 runs at the now iconic average of 99.94, Bradman’s record stands out alone as truly the greatest batter of all time, let alone the greatest Australian cricketer.