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MH
Cricket Biography

Michael Holding

Jamaican · Born 1954

West IndiesWhispering Death14 Oval Wickets
Fast Bowler
60
tests
249
wickets
23.68
average

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Whispering Death — the most graceful and terrifying fast bowler in cricket history, whose 14-wicket performance against England at The Oval in 1976 is one of the greatest in Test cricket.

Michael Holding is considered by many to be the most technically perfect fast bowler in cricket history. His run-up was so silent that he earned the nickname "Whispering Death." His 14 wickets in the 1976 Oval Test against England — including 8 for 92 in the second innings — remains one of the most destructive individual bowling performances in history. He later became one of cricket's finest commentators.

His approach to the wicket was so quiet and smooth that it earned him the nickname "Whispering Death" — batsmen could barely hear him coming.

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Career Honours

  • 60 Tests, 249 wickets, average 23.68
  • 14 wickets vs England The Oval 1976