Shoaib Akhtar names his "three greatest cricketers" of all time

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has named his three greatest cricketers of all time. The list includes one Pakistani, an Australian, and one Indian player.

The 46-year-old named all three players he played with during his 14-year career. He named former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, and spin wizard Shane Warne who shockingly passed away earlier this month.

Akhtar had high regard for Shane Warne, and his sudden demise was very disturbing for the world's fastest bowler.

"He was a large-hearted person, he would be a good friend, always ready to help and such a great bowler," said Akhtar in a Youtube chat show hosted by comedian Tanmay Bhat. 

"He had a fast bowler hidden inside him. He was that kind of a spinner. I was very sad to hear about his passing. He went too early. The greatest three players for me are Wasim, Shane Warne, and Sachin," he further said. 
 
Taking a sneak peek at the illustrious career of the three greats of the game, here is an overview of their achievements.
 
Sachin Tendulkar
 
Sachin Tendulkar was given the title of 'Master Blaster'. The right-handed batsman has countless records to his credit, scoring 34357 runs in his international career across three formats, including 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries. Tendulkar also had 201 international wickets to his name.
 
He has many records under his belt. Some of them include:
 
·        Most runs in ODI (18426)
·        Most runs in Tests (15921)
·        First player to score a double century in ODI
·        Only player to play 200 Tests
·        Most centuries in ODI (49) and Tests (51)
 
 Wasim Akram

'Sultan of Swing' is one of the greatest fast bowlers ever played the sport. He is the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in ODI (502) and Tests (414). Wasim was also handy with the bat as he had a double century in Test cricket and scored over 6600 runs in international cricket, including three centuries and 13 half-centuries.
 
The left-arm pacer has many records to his name. Some of them are as follows:
 
·        Most wickets in ODI (502) and Tests (414) for Pakistan
·        Highest score in an innings by batting position (257* at number 8)
·        Most sixes in an innings (12)
 
Shane Warne
 
Shane Warne was given the title of 'Spin Wizard' and 'Docter of Spin'. The right arm leg spinner was one of the best spin bowlers ever to walk the field of cricket. He had 1001 international wickets to his name. He also played some match-saving innings with the bat for Australia. He has over 4000 runs to his credit in international cricket, including 13 half-centuries.
 
The Docter of spin has many records to his few of them are mentioned below.
 
·        Most wickets in a calendar year in Tests (96) in 2005.
·        Most wickets in Tests for Australia (708)
·        Most wickets in international career for Australia (1001)
 
 Shane Warne will be honored with a state funeral on March 30. It was earlier announced that the player draft for men's hundred will be postponed to April 5 in order to avoid a clash with Warne's final farewell.
 
Warne was the coach of the London Spirit's men's side in the first edition of The Hundred last year and was set to lead the team again this season.