Top 5 orthodox left-arm spinners of all time

Ostensibly, off-spinners and leg-spinners are the dominant sects of the slow bowling department. Even as the right-armers have walked away with the plaudits more often than not, their left-arm counterparts have carved a niche for themselves without getting their deserved share of the limelight.

Across all formats of the game, left-arm spinners have consistently turned out to be effective as their stock ball leaves the right-handers who appear to claim the vast majority in the annals of batsmanship. Since the art of wrist-spin is much more difficult among southpaws, almost every eminent left-arm spinner has emerged from the orthodox class.

In order of merit, let us take a look at five of the best left-arm orthodox spinners in the history of the game. Versatile spinners such as Sir Garry Sobers and Johnny Wardle who combined convention with chinaman are not factored into account for this particular segment.

Performances at Test level are given greater significance than those in limited-overs formats. For white-ball cricket, game-changing spells in multi-team tournaments hold higher value than those in bilateral matches.

Honorary Mentions: Tony Lock, Hedley Verity, Colin Blythe, Bobby Peel and Johnny Briggs

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#5 Ravindra Jadeja

The presence of an active cricketer such as Ravindra Jadeja over acclaimed masters of yore may raise many eyebrows. However, the 28-year old is one of the major reasons behind India's recent ascent to the top of the Test rankings. After spending the initial phase of his career under the shadow of spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja has emerged to become an integral component of India's bowling attack in Tests.

Positioned at number three, Jadeja is the top ranked spinner in the premier format of the game at the moment. It is pertinent to note that he had reached the number one rank in Tests earlier this year. In fact, among all left-arm spinners with at least 150 Test wickets, his current bowling average of 23.65 (as of 23rd November, 2017) is comfortably the best in the long and illustrious history of the format. Naysayers may point out that he has taken the bulk of his wickets on tailor-made home pitches. However, his recently enhanced relentless accuracy can hold him in good stead when the next round of overseas trips start.

With 12 wickets from five matches at an economy-rate of 3.75, Jadeja was instrumental in India winning the 2013 Champions Trophy held in England & Wales. After clinching the Player of the Match award in the final, the left-armer went on to usurp the number one position in the rankings for ODI bowlers. Four years since then, his white-ball career has come to a standstill as the evolution of the limited-overs formats has skewed the game in favour of wrist-spin.

Overall Career*

Tests - 155 wickets from 33 matches at an average of 23.65 and strike-rate of 60.7 with 9 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul

ODIs - 155 wickets from 136 matches at an average of 35.87 and economy-rate of 4.90 with 1 five-wicket haul

T20Is - 31 wickets from 40 matches at an average of 31.70 and economy-rate of 7.27

(*Note: All Statistics are accurate as of 23rd November, 2017)

#4 Daniel Vettori

Vettori's impeccable control helped him adapt to the seam-friendly pitches in New Zealand

When the focus shifts towards the great spinners of the post millennial era, the likes of Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan and Anil Kumble invariably hog the attention. After all, they had both longevity and productivity. As he so often did to entrap opposition batsmen, Daniel Vettori slips by unnoticed. One of the most underrated cricketers of his generation, the affable all-rounder contributed immensely to New Zealand's fortunes by chipping in with valuable performances on a wide variety of pitches.

With a combined 705 wickets from 442 matches across all three formats of the game, Vettori single-handedly led New Zealand's spin department right throughout his stellar career. Only four spinners have picked up more international wickets than him and all of them were right-armers. Despite having had to operate mostly on seam-friendly surfaces in New Zealand, the left-arm spinner created enormous pressure with his impeccable control and managed to procure wickets aplenty by adhering to the basics.

Overall Career

Tests - 362 wickets from 113 matches at an average of 34.36 and strike-rate of 79.5 with 20 five-wicket hauls and 3 ten-wicket hauls

ODIs - 305 wickets from 295 matches at an average of 31.71 and economy-rate of 4.12 with 2 five-wicket hauls

T20Is - 38 wickets from 34 matches at an average of 19.68 and economy-rate of 5.70

#3 Derek Underwood

Underwood's deceptive action and variations in pace turned him into a nightmarish proposition

Owing to his often unplayable style of bowling on surfaces with even the slightest hint of dampness, 'Deadly' became the metaphorical middle-name of Derek Underwood. The exalted spinner's dexterity can be discerned from the manner in which he adapted to the gradual phasing out of uncovered pitches during the late 1960s. Even as the playing field changed significantly, the left-armer's menace remained unperturbed as he continued to scythe through batting lineups akin to a hot knife running through delectable butter.

When Jim Laker's retirement in 1959 left a gaping hole in the spin attack, England did not have to wait for too long as Underwood emerged within seven years to add a new dimension to the bowling unit. While he was classified as slow left-arm orthodox, his lithe run-up and quirky bowling action helped his pace veer into the medium territory. The Kent stalwart's sharp tactical acumen and penchant for delivering lengthy spells transformed him into a versatile spinner. Only 13 bowlers in the history of first-class cricket have picked up more wickets than him.

Overall Career

Tests - 297 wickets from 86 matches at an average of 25.83 and strike-rate of 73.6 with 17 five-wicket hauls and 6 ten-wicket hauls

ODIs - 32 wickets from 26 matches at an average of 22.93 and economy-rate of 3.44

First-class: 2465 wickets from 676 matches at an average of 20.28 and strike-rate of 56.7 with 153 five-wicket hauls and 47 ten-wicket hauls

#2 Bishan Singh Bedi

Bishan Bedi's languid run-up and enchanting action elevated the art of spin bowling

In an era wherein the vast majority of cricket pundits play to the gallery and remain politically correct, Bishan Singh Bedi's candidness comes across as a breath of fresh air. Much like his propensity to critique from the heart, he was one of a kind during his heydays as well. The legendary spinner did not resort to the gimmicks of innovation to stand out.

With his flawless action and immaculate flight, the left-armer added elegance to the art of spin bowling. Alongside fellow icons Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, he formed an indispensable component of the fabled spin quartet of the glorious 1970s.

One of only four Indians in ICC's Hall of Fame, Bedi left behind an indelible imprint on those deriving long lasting contentment from the wholesome nature of Test cricket. Aside from his remarkable exploits on home soil, the classical left-armer also played his part in India's memorable away Test victories in places ranging from Auckland and Port of Spain (twice) to Melbourne and Sydney.

Overall Career

Tests - 266 wickets from 67 matches at an average of 28.71 and strike-rate of 80.3 with 14 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul

First-class - 1560 wickets from 370 matches at an average of 21.69 and strike-rate of 57.9 with 106 five-wicket hauls and 20 ten-wicket hauls

List-A: 71 wickets from 72 matches at an average of 29.39 and economy-rate of 3.39 with 1 five-wicket haul

#1 Rangana Herath

Herath is the most prolific wicket-taker among all left-arm spinners in Test history

Even though his number speak for themselves, Rangana Herath has not quite received his deserved recognition among the myriad experts. Statistics show that there has never been a better defender of fourth-innings totals than the portly left-arm spinner from Kurunegala. The legacy left behind by any cricketer seldom stems from statistics. More so for a spinner who has the capacity to enchant countless cricket aficionados.

Extra Cover: The Rangana Effect - Why Herath's legacy is more than just numbers

Unlike some of his more popular peers, Herath's bowling does not possesses the extravagant zing of mystery. Instead, he outsmarts even accomplished batsmen with his subtle variations in length and pace. The sight of a well-settled batsman lunging forward and getting beaten in flight by the wily old fox will be permanently etched in the minds of those fortunate enough to participate in the journey of one of cricket's finest.

Already the only left-arm spinner to reach the 400-wicket mark in Tests, Herath is just ten wickets short of overhauling Wasim Akram's tally and becoming the most prolific wicket-taker among all types of left-arm bowlers. When the inevitable moment approaches, the statistical landmark is not only a feather in Herath's hat but also a triumph for the game in itself. After all, there cannot be a more affable and self-effacing man to surge to the top of an all-time chart.

Overall Career*

Tests - 405 wickets from 86 matches at an average of 27.90 and strike-rate of 59.6 with 33 five-wicket hauls and 9 ten-wicket hauls

ODIs - 74 wickets from 71 matches at an average of 31.91 and economy-rate of 4.37

T20Is - 18 wickets from 17 matches at an average of 20.72 and economy-rate of 6.13

(*Note: All Statistics are accurate as of 23rd November, 2017)