5 Famous attacking Batsmen who have massively entertained the crowd

Cricketer's of today's era tend to have a higher strike rate compared to the earlier age. Generally, there are three types of techniques through which a style of batting can be recognized. A batsman can have a Defensive, Moderate or Attacking pattern of play.

Defensive batsmen are a rarity these days, they are moreover suited to the more extended format of the game, where the strike rate has lesser value to the result of the game. Former England captain's Geoffrey Boycott and Alastair Cook are prime examples of great accumulators.

Moderate batsmen are both, defensive as well as attacking in nature. Their style of play is mostly based on the situation of the match. Joe Root and Kane Williamson can be counted in this particular category.

Attacking batsmen are those eye-catching performers who attack the ball from the word go. They are fearless and are mostly in demand for T20 cricket.

Here are the 5 attacking batsmen who massively entertained the crowd:

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#1 Virender Sehwag

Widely regarded as one of the most destructive batsmen of all time. Sehwag was hugely popular to give India flying starts in all forms of the game. His aggressive gameplay was eye-catching and no less than a roller-coaster ride for the spectators.

He is known for scoring the fastest triple century in Test cricket off just 278 balls. Sehwag's ODI strike rate of 103.44 is among the best in International cricket. The habit of reaching personal landmarks by hitting sixes gave thunderous delight to the omnipresent crowd.

In 2005 he was described by Wisden Cricketers' Almanack as the "most exciting opener in the world". Over the next decade or so he did maintain this tag until he retired.

#2 Brendon McCullum

His presence on the crease makes bowler's bowl defensive lines

Former Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum knew only one way to play i.e attacking mode. His entertaining batsmanship was at display in all forms of the game.

In 2006 he was described as a player "especially suited to T20 cricket" when he signed for T20 cricket in England.

The fastest Test century is recorded in his name when he scored 100 from 54 balls in Christchurch, New Zealand against Australia.

He broke the previously held record of Viv Richards and Misbah-ul-Haq off 56 balls. After retiring in 2015 from international cricket, he is still playing T20 cricket all over the globe and continuing to enthrall the fans.

One thing is duly sure when McCullum is at the crease no bowler can rest easy.

#3 Adam Gilchrist

Easily, the most dangerous wicket-keeper batsmen ever

Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist was an attacking left-hand batsman. He is considered to have defined the role in the Australian team with his aggressive batting and determined intent.

His strike rate is among the best in international cricket. He holds the record of being the first player to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. Gilchrist's ability to attack with consistency created a very dynamic world-class cricketer.

Spectators were usually on the edge of their seats when Gilchrist used to bat. His habit of walking, when he considered himself out, is also one of the factors which made him a crowd favorite.

#4 Sir Vivian Richards

How lucky would it be, to see Viv Richards bat in today's time

The only player in the list, who has not played international cricket in the 21st century is Sir Vivian Richards. The former West Indies great is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

In a time when coaches used to forbid attacking batting, Viv Richards was known for his extremely attacking style. He was known for punishing bowlers who dared to sledge him.

Viv Richards famous 189* against England in 1984, was the then world record in one-day cricket. This inning has been described by many as one of the best ODI innings.

His fearless and aggressive style of play and relaxed but determined demeanor made him a great crowd favorite.

#5 Shahid Afridi

Boom Boom Afridi

An attacking batsmen list can never be completed without mentioning Boom Boom Afridi.

Afridi, in his first international innings, scored the then world record 37 ball century in 1996 against Sri Lanka. At 16 years of age, he became the youngest to score an ODI century. Out of the seven fastest centuries of all time, two are in Afridi's name.

His ODI strike rate is considered to be the highest ever by any cricketer. Although Afridi came to be known as a better bowler than batsman, his batting was a luxury for Pakistan on the days it took off. Thus making him a real crowd favorite.