It is not uncommon in international cricket for talent to be inherited. Not all cricket brothers are equally popular or successful though. While some have made great careers out of their own, most have stayed in the shadow of their more successful siblings.
9 cricket brothers who stayed under siblings’ shadow
- Albie Morkel – Morne Morkel’s Shadow
Albie Morkel was a popular white-ball all-rounder for South Africa in the late 2000s. A powerful hitter and useful medium pacer, he won the hearts of the fans in the IPL, particularly with the Chennai Super Kings.
But Albie’s overseas record of 58 ODIs and a lone Test was modest. His younger brother, Morne Morkel, meanwhile, emerged as one of South Africa’s top fast bowlers, picking up over 300 Test wickets and making a deadly pace troika with Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. In the cricket brother debate, Morne is distinctively ahead.
- Shane Lee – Brett Lee’s Less Fêted Brother
Shane Lee was a reliable all-rounder for Australia from 1995 to 2001, featuring in 45 ODIs. His contribution was important but rarely noticed. Brett Lee, the fastest of cricketing times, took over afterwards. Over 700 international wickets and unparalleled speed, Brett’s star overshadowed Shane’s steady work. Among brothers of cricket, Brett’s firecracker career overshadowed Shane’s stable one hands down.
- Nathan McCullum – Always in Brendon’s Wake
Nathan McCullum etched a respectable white-ball career for New Zealand as a shrewd off-spinner and agile fielder. He featured in more than 80 ODIs and was an accomplished team man.
But his younger brother Brendon McCullum transformed the landscape of New Zealand cricket. “Baz” took the team to a World Cup final, notched more than 6,000 Test runs at an incredible rate, and subsequently redefined England’s Test team as a coach with “Bazball.” Among cricketing brothers, Nathan was consistent; Brendon, a game-changer.
- Krunal Pandya – Overtaken by Hardik Pandya
Krunal Pandya established himself in the IPL and played for India in T20Is and ODIs as a spin-bowling allrounder. His left-arm spin and middle-order batting helped him achieve IPL success.
But his younger brother, Hardik Pandya, became a superstar. A seam-bowling allrounder capable of winning matches on his own, Hardik has led India and Gujarat Titans, plugging a gaping hole in India’s batting order. Of Indian cricket siblings, Hardik’s ascension has unmistakably overshadowed Krunal’s.
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- David Hussey – In Mike Hussey’s Long Shadow
David Hussey was a force to be reckoned with in Australian domestic cricket and a solid middle-order batsman in limited-overs internationals, featuring in 69 ODIs and 39 T20Is for Australia.
However, his older brother Mike Hussey, also known as “Mr. Cricket,” averaged more than 51 in Tests and 48 in ODIs, going on to become one of the most consistent batsmen of his time. In Australian cricket history brothers, Mike’s achievement outweighs David’s decent, though smaller, contribution.
- Shaun Marsh – Initially Ahead of Mitchell Marsh
Shaun Marsh made an early promise with a Test century on debut and classy stroke play. Though he played 38 Tests, inconsistency was a hallmark of his career.
Mitchell Marsh initially suffered the same scrutiny. But his recent metamorphosis as a forceful allrounder, particularly in white-ball cricket, arrived with a Player-of-the-Match show in the 2021 T20 World Cup final. Whereas Shaun used to dominate the Marsh brothers’ story, Mitchell is currently in the limelight.
- Grant Flower – Shadows of Andy Flower
Grant Flower was one of Zimbabwe’s stalwarts in the team lineup in the 90s and early 2000s. He made more than 6,500 runs and also contributed on the field with the ball.
But Andy Flower, his elder brother, is widely regarded as Zimbabwe’s greatest-ever cricketer. A wicketkeeper-batter averaging over 50 in Tests, Andy carried his nation’s hopes for years and later found success as England’s head coach. Of Zimbabwe’s most iconic cricket brothers, Andy stands at the pinnacle.
- Duan Jansen – Yet to Catch Up with Marco Jansen
Even earlier in his career, Duan Jansen is mostly recognized for local performances and franchise cricket. His twin brother, Marco Jansen, has already cut a swathe on the international scene.
Standing at 6ft 8in, Marco’s speed and bounce have seen him included in South Africa’s Test team and prominent IPL recognition. Among the freshest new generation of cricket brothers, Marco is unequivocally the standout presently.
- Trevor Chappell – The Chappell Brother Forgotten
The Chappell brothers are Australian cricket folklore. Ian and Greg Chappell were great player and captain. But Trevor Chappell, the youngest brother, is best remembered for the underarm scandal in 1981 a notorious incident engineered under the captaincy of Greg.
Trevor’s career was brief (3 Tests, 20 ODIs) compared to his illustrious brothers. Among cricket brothers with iconic siblings, Trevor’s was the worst fate.
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