Cricket has always had a fun relationship with facial hair – who can forget big Merv Hughes’ famous moustache?
Hughes was a fast bowler, but the spinners have never been far behind when it comes to displaying a grizzled face. Here’s a look at the five best bearded spinners.
BISHEN SINGH BEDI
Slow left arm orthodox, played for India from 1966-79 and part of the famous ‘spin quartet’, taking 266 wickets in 67 Tests.
MONTY PANESAR
English slow left arm orthodox spinner who played an even 50 Tests for 167 wickets. A cult hero with fans throughout his career.
MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN
The controversial Sri Lankan right-arm offbreak spinner is the world record holder for Test wickets taking 800 in 133 Tests.
DANIEL VETTORI
The vintage Kiwi took 362 wickets in 113 Tests over a career that stretched from 1997 to 2014. Another slow left arm orthodox.
MOEEN ALI
The latest spin king, the right arm off spinner is just the second player to score 250+ runs and take 20+ wickets in a series.
