Joel Garner: Biography, Records, Age, Height, Achievements, Family and Career Statistics

Joel Garner is a former West Indian cricketer, who is widely recognised for his devastating Yorkers. Moreover, Joel Garner is a known member of the highly regarded late 1970s and early 1980s West Indies cricket teams. As per reports, his bowling figures remain the best in the tournament finals for a long time. Furthermore, the player is considered as the highest ranked One Day International bowler. 

However, Garner appeared in nearly 58 test matches for the West Indies between 1977 and 1987. Overall, he managed to take 259 wickets at an average of above 20, which further statistically made him one of the most effective bowlers of all time. Moreover, the player successfully made his test debut against Pakistan in 1977 and took 25 wickets in his debut series. Furthermore, Garner was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010. 

Joel Garner Biography: 

• Real Name: Joel Garner
• Other/Nicknames: Big Bird
• Profession: Former West Indian cricketer
• Famous For: Being one of the tallest sportspersons
• Batting: Right-handed
• Bowling: Right arm fast
• Joel Garner Net Worth: $5 Million
• Joel Garner Salary: $32000

Joel Garner Physical Features:

• Height: 6 ft 8 in
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Black

Joel Garner Personal Life:

• Date of Birth: December 16, 1952
• Age: 69 years (as in 2021)
• Nationality: Barbadian
• Birthplace: Christ Church, Barbados
• Hometown: Christ Church, Barbados
• School: Boy’s Foundation School, Christchurch, Barbados
• Religion: Christianity
• Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
• Relationship Status: Single

Joel Garner Career Debut:

• Test: 18 February 1977 against Pakistan
• ODI: 16 March 1977 against Pakistan
• National Side: West Indies (1977–1987)

Joel Garner Career Stats:

• Matches: 58
• Runs scored: 672
• Wickets taken: 259
• Batting Average Recorded: 12.44
• Bowling Average Recorded: 20.97

Joel Garner Achievements:

• Out of all the bowlers who have taken over 100 wickets, Garner averaged the best with 18.84. 

• During the 1979 World Cup final, Joel Garner’s dream performance of five for 38 against England led West Indies to achieve a second World Cup title. Moreover, it was the last time when a bowler successfully took a five-wicket haul in the World Cup final. 

• In 58 Tests, Garner successfully took 259 wickets at an average of 20.97, which further made him one of the most effective cricketers of all time.

• Garner was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010. 
• As per ICC best-bowling ratings, Garner is considered as the highest ranked One Day International bowler. And 37th in Test cricket formats. 

Some of the Lesser-Known Facts about Joel Garner are:

• Garner in an interview with The Hindu, revealed that Hall, (his first captain after he finished school) was his inspiration and role model.

• Garner was known as ‘Big Bird’ in the cricketing circle. However, he has been named after the Doctor Bird, the national bird of Jamaica. The bird is a Caribbean species, distinguishable by its stilt-like legs.

• Garner had Pringle for lunch at a kiosk in Oistins, once in his hometown. Later, he insisted that it was the best food on the island and stated that he has been eating this since he was six years old. 

• In 2010, Garner was made the interim manager of team West Indies for the tour of Sri Lanka.

• At 6’8”, Garner was recorded as the tallest international cricketer of the era.

If you love reading biographies of some popular cricketers and note their contributions, then you could also read the noteworthy contributions of cricketers like Quinton de Kock.

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