Sporting icons: Dennis Lillee - Aussie lethal fast bowling legend- Career HLs & video

 

Dennis Keith Lillee  is an iconic figure in the world of cricket, known for his fiery pace and competitive spirit. Born on July 18, 1949, in Subiaco, Western Australia, Lillee is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. He formed one of the most fearsome bowling pairs in test cricket history with the fast and furious Jeff Thomson during the 1970s 

### Playing Style

Lillee was renowned for his exceptional pace, aggressive demeanor, and never-say-die attitude on the field. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his sheer speed, made him a formidable opponent for any batsman. Despite suffering from multiple injuries throughout his career, Lillee's determination and rigorous fitness regime enabled him to make a remarkable comeback and achieve great success.

### Career Highlights

#### Early Career and Rise to Fame

- **Debut**: Lillee made his Test debut for Australia against England in the 1970-71 Ashes series, making an immediate impact with his raw pace and aggressive bowling.

- **Ashes Heroics**: His performance in the 1972 Ashes series in England was a standout, where he took 31 wickets at an average of 17.67, establishing himself as a key player for Australia.

#### Overcoming Injury

- **1973 Stress Fracture**: In 1973, Lillee suffered a serious back injury, a stress fracture that threatened to end his career. However, after a period of intense rehabilitation and a change in bowling action, he made a successful return to cricket.

#### The Packer Era

- **World Series Cricket (1977-79)**: Lillee was one of the marquee players in Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket. His battles with some of the world's best batsmen during this period were legendary and further cemented his status as a cricketing great.

#### Later Career and Records

- **Record-Breaking Wickets**: On December 2, 1981, Lillee became the world record holder for the most Test wickets, surpassing Lance Gibbs' record of 309 wickets. He ended his career with 355 Test wickets, a record at the time of his retirement.

- **Retirement**: Lillee retired from Test cricket in 1984 after the series against Pakistan, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional fast bowling.

### Test and ODI Records

#### Test Cricket

- **Matches Played**: 70

- **Wickets Taken**: 355

- **Bowling Average**: 23.92

- **Best Bowling in an Innings**: 7/83

- **Five-Wicket Hauls**: 23

- **Ten-Wicket Hauls**: 7

#### One Day Internationals (ODIs)

- **Matches Played**: 63

- **Wickets Taken**: 103

- **Bowling Average**: 20.82

- **Best Bowling**: 5/34

- **Economy Rate**: 3.58

### Achievements

- **Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1973)**: Recognized for his outstanding performances and contributions to cricket.

- **Australian Cricket Hall of Fame**: Inducted in 1996, acknowledging his significant impact on Australian cricket.

- **ICC Cricket Hall of Fame**: Inducted in 2009, celebrating his status as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the sport.

- **Order of Australia**: Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to cricket.

Dennis Lillee's career is a testament to his skill, resilience, and passion for the game. His contributions to cricket, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Watch Lillee 's lethal biwling spell vs Rest of World in 1971