Barbadian · Christ Church, Barbados · Born 16 December 1952Barbadian cricket fast bowler known as 'Big Bird', West Indies legend with 259 Test wickets and key member of 1970s-80s dominant team.
Joel Garner was born in Christ Church, Barbados in 1952. He stands 6ft 8in — the tallest fast bowler to play Test cricket at elite level. His height produced a steep angle of delivery that made his yorker almost uniquely unplayable — the ball arriving at boot height from a trajectory that batsmen couldn't reliably predict. He took 259 Test wickets at an average of 20.97. He played county cricket for Somerset alongside Viv Richards and Ian Botham in one of the most celebrated county partnerships. He was a key member of the West Indies pace attack that dominated world cricket. He was awarded a CBE for services to cricket in Barbados.
He holds the record for the best bowling figures in a World Cup final, taking 5 wickets for 38 runs against England in the 1979 Cricket World Cup final.
How They Played
Garner used his exceptional height of 6'8" to generate steep bounce and awkward angles that troubled batsmen. His trademark delivery was the yorker, which he could bowl with pinpoint accuracy at express pace, making him nearly unplayable in the death overs. He combined raw pace with remarkable control and accuracy for such a tall bowler.
Lasting Impact
Garner was instrumental in establishing the West Indies as the dominant force in world cricket during the late 1970s and 1980s. His bowling techniques and use of height advantage influenced a generation of tall fast bowlers who followed.
Career Honours
- World Cup 2x (1975,1979)
- Somerset County Champion
| Club | Period | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbados | 1975–1987 | 112 | 474 |
| Somerset | 1977–1986 | 142 | 489 |
Barbadian Athletes