5 greatest exponents of the cover drive

With youngsters, who are willing to take up the sport, lured towards big hitting and slogging, modern cricket is often been associated with slam bang approach. Since the advent of T20 cricket, the long-lasting pleasure of watching genuine cricket shots have made way for the cheap thrills of destructive hitting.

The cover drive has to be most pleasing shot in cricket as it involves both hand-eye coordination and definitive footwork. A perfectly executed cover drive would be the most pleasing sight for an ardent fan due to the stroke's class and style. In today's generation of batsmen, Virat Kohli looks the most elegant while playing this shot. Let us take a look at some of the yesteryear legends who perfected the cover drive to the hilt.

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#5 Damien Martyn

Damien Martyn was Australia's go-to man in crisis situations as he was blessed with a solid technique and clinical temperament. The right-hander was all class and timing at the crease. He always played textbook shots with perfect poise.

Particularly, Martyn's cover drives were scintillating to watch as he played them with an air of nonchalance. He played an important knock of 88* and put on a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting during the 2003 World Cup Final against India. Martyn was one of the pillars of the Australian middle order before eventually retiring in 2007.

#4 Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid used the cover drive to perfection

The 'Wall' of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid always played textbook cricket shots and was one of the most reliable batsmen in the lineup. Dravid holds the record for the most number of catches (210) taken by a non-wicketkeeper in Tests. Even though the right-hander favoured the square cuts more, the way he drove the ball was just amazing.

Over pitched deliveries were promptly sent to the boundary as Dravid peppered the off-side region with his magnificent strokes. He judged the length of the ball so early, making him execute the required feet movement and easily reach the pitch of the ball. The sight of Dravid bent on one knee and driving the ball through the covers was always a treat to watch.

#3 Brian Lara

Brian Lara's cover drive was a work of art

Highly regarded as one of the best batsmen to play the game, Brian Lara possessed an array of strokes in his bag that no one else could match. Aside from his delectable late cuts, the shot that stood out was his well-timed drive through the covers. The stroke more or less fetched him boundaries at will.

Lara plundered opposition attacks with his trademark shots even as his unusual stance added to the style quotient. He finished with 11,953 runs in Test cricket and still holds the record for the highest individual score in the format. The left-hander was certainly one of the greatest batsmen to emerge from the Caribbean islands.

#2 Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara was a terrific timer of the cricket ball

Kumar Sangakkara remained an elegant stroke-player right throughout his career. The left-hander played orthodox shots against the best of bowlers with consummate ease. The Sri Lankan maestro's cover drives were technically brilliant and the highlight was his still head position at the point of contact with the ball.

Sangakkara was always committed to the front foot, thus making his cover drives even more beautiful. He amassed more than 28,000 runs across all three formats combined. The southpaw belongs in the upper tier of the batting greats of all-time. He was also an excellent wicket-keeper and accounted for 678 dismissals in his remarkable career.

#1 Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis added great technical skill to his cover drive

One of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, Jacques Kallis has always remained the fulcrum behind many South African triumphs. He was an excellent batsman with a solid technique, scoring 13289 runs in his Test career. The right-hander's drives through the off-side made for enriching viewing.

Extra Cover: Cricketers and their Trademark Shots

Kallis was the perfect exponent of the cover drive as he played that shot with utmost technical skill. Precise footwork and reading the length of the ball were his biggest strengths. He was also blessed with pristine timing. The right-hander always contributed to the team in one way or another even as opponents chalked out numerous plans to counter him.