5 international Test Trophies which are named after famous cricketers

Test cricket has been and will always be the ultimate form of the game. With the advent of limited overs, Test cricket may have lost its viewers in masses, it doesn't change the fact that the cricketers face their ultimate test while playing the longer version of the game.

There are some cricketers who have totally changed the face of the game and have also steered their team through several tumultuous occasions. They have known for changing it to the extent of being named a historic series after them or an entire stadium which perhaps is a euphemism, according to the contribution they have provided.

We look at some of the Test cricket series being named under some of the most exceptional cricketers.

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5. Basil D'Oliveira Trophy

The Basil D'Oliveira Trophy

The Basil D'Oliveira is a trophy awarded to the victorious team in the Test series between England and South Africa. The series for the Basil D'Oliveira was first played in 2004-05 and was first played in South Africa.

The trophy is named after the English cricketer Basil D'Oliveira, who was a South-African born player. In the 1968-69 series held in South Africa, his inclusion in the English squad sparked an outcry which led to the South African authorities canceling the tour due to D'Oliveira's classification as "coloured".

England are the current holders of the trophy, having won three titles overall. Jacques Kallis, with 1354 runs, holds the record for the highest number of runs. James Anderson is the most prolific wicket-taker in this particular series with 69 wickets.

4. Pataudi Trophy

Pataudi Trophy

The Pataudi Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Test series between India and England. The series for the Pataudi Trophy had first started in 2007 to honor the 75 years, since the first Test match was played between the two sides.

The trophy is named after the Pataudi cricketing family, the prominent player being Ifthikar Ali Khan Pataudi. Ifthikar Ali Khan Pataudi played for India and England on three occasions.

The England-India Test series, when played in India is played for the Anthony De Mello Trophy. The Pataudi Trophy is currently held by England, having retained the Trophy in 2011, 2014 and 2018.

Alistair Cook holds the record for most runs in Pataudi Trophy with 1186 runs while James Anderson holds the record for the highest number of wickets. Anderson has 82 wickets in Pataudi Trophy.

3. Frank Worrell Trophy

Frank Worrell Trophy

The Frank Worrell Trophy is played between Australia and the West Indies. The Trophy is named after the West Indies cricketer Frank Worrell. Sir Frank Worrell became famous in the 1950s as the first black captain of the West Indies cricket team. He was a stylish right-handed batsman and more than a useful left-arm seam bowler. His average in 51 Tests was an impressive 49.48. Along with Everton Weekes and Clyde Walcott, he formed what was known as "The Three Ws" of the West Indian cricket.

Since the 1960-61 series, the Frank Worrell Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Test series between Australia and West Indies. The current holders of the Trophy are Australia who have 14 wins around their belt. The highest run scorer in this trophy is Brian Lara with 2815 runs and Courtney Walsh having the highest number of wickets with 135.

2. Warne-Muralidharan Trophy

Warne-Muralidharan Trophy

The Warne-Muralidharan Trophy, played between Australia and Sri Lanka is named after two of the greatest spinners in cricket history - Shane Warne and Muralidharan, The two spinners, being polar opposites but changed the face of how their teams renditioned.

Before the inaugural series in 2007-08, Australia and Sri Lanka had played each other in 18 tests. Australia had won 11 of them and Sri Lanka's only win came in the year 1999 with six Tests going for a draw. Before the 2007-08 series in Australia, all the series which held between the two teams were regular ones.

Australia have won the trophy most of the times with Sri Lanka being the current recipient when they scored a dominant series win in 2016. Michael Hussey holds the record for the highest number of runs with 994 runs in the trophy's history while Rangana Herath holds the record of bagging the most number of wickets with 56.

1. Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Border-Gavaskar Trophy

This series is named after Sunil Gavaskar, one of the greatest opening batsmen in Test cricket of his time. Allan Border, who was not only a magnificent batsman but also one of the greatest captains Australia ever had and had steered the team to dominance through turbulent times.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, played between India and Australia, is one of the most intense and the high stakes series played in Test cricket. The stakes are high because of both the sides having a desire to topple each other at their home soil. While Australia have managed to beat India on their home soil in the 2004-05, which they had not done since 1969-70. Concurrently, India have never managed to win a test series in Australia.

The 2000-01 series in India was one of the most competitive and the enthralling series played. Steve Waugh used to call the India tour as "The Final Frontier". The 2007-08 series in Australia was one of the most controversial series, best known for the altercation between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds and some highly debatable umpiring decisions.

India are the current holders of the Trophy, w the series victory in the 2016-17 series in India which was yet another nail-biting series. India have also won it most times with seven trophies under their belt. Sachin Tendulkar, in the history of the trophy, holds the record for the highest number of runs with 2380 runs. The highest number of wickets for this trophy is currently held by Anil Kumble with 111 wickets.