Joel Garner

Joel Garner (born December 16, 1952) also known as "Big Joel" or "Big Bird", was a West Indian cricket player, and a member of the highly regarded late '70s and early '80s West Indies cricket sides. He was a popular 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) fast bowler capable of ripping through the heart of opposing batting line-ups. In conjunction with fellow fast bowlers Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft and later Malcolm Marshall, the West Indies reached unprecedented heights in the test and one-day cricket arenas, not losing a test series for over ten years. He is the tallest bowler ever to play Test cricket.

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In Test cricket he took over 200 wickets at an average of barely above 20, making him one of the most effective bowlers of all time. His 5-39 in the 1979 World Cup (cricket final vs. England remains the best ever performance by a bowler in a World Cup final.

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However, it was in the limited overs cricket that Garner put his height to use with devastating effect. His economy rate of just over 3 runs per over and strike rate of less than 20 runs per wicket are the best ever for anyone who took more than 100 wickets.

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His height is almost the same as that of his successor Curtly Ambrose, hence the same "Big" prefix.

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December 16: December 16 is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 15 days remaining....

1952: 1952 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar)....

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