5 of the most Underrated Cricketers of the modern era

Cricket is indeed a funny game. It takes a combination of heroes and sidekicks to win you games. On a cricket field, the amount of hard work required, along with concentration is unmatched. To make it in the squad for your national team is a moment to cherish for every human being.Almost every team in cricket today carries their individual icons. These guys can be described as the face of their respective teams. These heroes are always in the headlines, but what about those unsung heroes?Here is a list of some unsung/underrated stars of the cricketing fraternity in modern day:

#1 Rangana Herath

Herath has 297 wickets in 67 matches for Sri Lanka

It’s tough to make a mark as a spin bowler when you play in the same team as Muttiah Muralidharan. Herath made his debut in 1999 when Murali was ripping the opposition batting line-up. This case is similar to McGill-Warne scenario, where the brilliance of one, didn’t allow much of a chance to another.

Herath came to the party big time in the post-Murali era. His left arm spin bowling tests the mental strength of a batsman. The ability to spin away and bowl an arm ball from the same area makes him a lethal option on any pitch, against any team

#2 Azhar Ali

Ali has an average of 43.37 in test and 43.82 in ODIs

Pakistan’s current one-day skipper was not even part of the world cup campaign. His performances in the test arena were always admired but, in the 50 over format, Azhar was looked over despite some quality shows against the Lankan lions.

Even today, Pakistan’s captain was selected in the Silver category in Pakistan Super League. The bravery of Azhar Ali opening the innings on his comeback was hardly ever mentioned. It takes a lot of courage to shift yourself up the order and face the music, especially on your comeback.

Despite all the contributions, people were pointing fingers on him in the Mohammad Amir saga. Azhar as a skipper deserves a lot more respect and credit than he is usually given.

#3 Nathan Lyon

Lyon has 182 wickets in 51 test matches

The post-Shane Warne era was always going to be difficult even for the mighty Aussies. It was always going to be hard to replace a once in a lifetime cricketer.

At this point of time, Nathan Lyon is Australia’s most reliable spinner. Not as lethal as the master of leg spin, but Lyon has cemented his place in the Australian test team.

The thing with Lyon is that he never gets the credit he deserves. Fans are always appreciating the talents of their fast bowling factory. In 51 matches, the man from New South Wales has picked up 182 wickets. He may not produce a colossal spell of 7 or 8 wickets, neither he picks a 5 wicket haul on a consistent basis, nevertheless, he does chip in with vital breakthroughs in almost every innings.

#4 George Bailey

Bailey has an ODI average of 42.18

It’s another Australian in our list. The man from Tasmania is surely a smiling assassin. When talking about the Australian batting, the things that are being most discussed are the consistency of Steve Smith and powerful stroke making of David Warner.

However, Bailey has been a crucial contributor. His batting abilities are effective as he knows the art of shifting gears. At an average of over 40, the 33-year-old holds the key in the middle order especially after the departure of Micheal Clarke.

Bailey is underrated as his performance is often shadowed by other remarkable performances. Currently playing for Hobart, Bailey is among the runs for his side and holds the key in their success.

#5 Morne Morkel

Morne’s pace and bounce has helped the Proteas all-around the World

The tall fast bowler from South Africa has served his nation for over 9 years. He is one of the finest examples of bounce and pace in modern day cricket. His commitment in all three formats has resulted in a lot of success for South Africa.

However, his performances are usually shadowed by the best pacer in the world- Dale Steyn.

One simply cannot take the spotlight away from the beast of pace and swing. Steyn carries with himself the aggressive attitude, which is usually associated with a fast bowler. On the other hand, Morkel is calm and always thinking deep to outwit the opposition. He is undoubtedly, the unsung hero of South African cricket.