Michael Bevan

Michael Bevan’s name will be forever etched in the pages of Australian cricket history. His ability to pick gaps, quick and aggressive running between the wickets, dubbed him as the best limited-overs batsman in the world. A trendy left-handed batsman and left-arm chinaman spin bowler, Bevan contributed extensively to the middle-order.

"Bevo”, as he is nicknamed, debuted in first-class cricket in 1989-90 for South Australia, but played most of his domestic cricket for New South Wales, before moving to Tasmania at the end of his career. He has also represented Yorkshire, Kent, Leicestershire and Sussex in England.

The “Pyjama Picasso” made his ODI debut for Australia in 1994. Known as “The Finisher”, he would often come to the team’s rescue after a top-order collapse. Batting at number four, he played 232 matches for his team, with a classic average of 53.58. Bevan’s Test career was relatively short-lived and less successful than his ODI career. He was highly susceptible to short-pitched deliveries and hence, could not succeed in the longer version of the game. However, his left-arm chinaman spin helped him as an all-rounder in the team.

In 2007, Bevan retired from all forms of international cricket following a series of injuries. Later in 2011, he was appointed as the coach of the Kings XI Punjab, a franchise of the IPL.