Flashback: The only players with Test triple of 1000 runs, 100 wickets, 100 catches

Test cricket has seen several outstanding performers over the years who have excelled in their roles as bowlers or batters or fielders. But only a few cricketers managed to perform admirably in all three areas on the pitch. Here are a handful of players who scored 1000 runs, grabbed 100 wickets, and took 100 catches in the oldest format of the game.

Garfield Sobers – 8032 runs, 235 wickets, 109 catches

One of the greatest all-rounders of his time, Garfield Sobers was a serial match winner for the West Indies side during the 50s and 60s. The left-arm bowler was visibly ahead of his peers as he was capable of bowling at a medium pace, left-arm spin bowling, and left-arm wrist spin. By the time the powerful cricketer retired from the game, he had already amassed 8032 runs at a stupendous average of 57.78 along with 235 wickets and 109 catches in Tests.

Ian Botham – 5200 runs, 383 wickets, 120 catches

England all-rounder Ian Bothan was the leading sports personality in the nation during his heydays. He was often in the news for his heroics for the English side with his aa-round display. The former England captain registered 5200 runs in red-ball cricket along with 383 wickets and 120 catches to his name.

Carl Hooper – 5762 runs, 114 wickets, 115 catches

One of the finest cricketers of his generation, Carl Hopper often found himself leading from the front in difficult situations. The former West Indian skipper was one of the most talented players to have ever played the game and ended with 5762 runs under his belt, along with 114 wickets and 115 catches in red-ball cricket.

Shane Warne – 3154 runs, 708 wickets, 125 catches

Arguably the greatest bowler of all time, Shane Warne entertained cricket fans with his exceptional bowling prowess. But people often overlooked his contributions as a batter and a fielder on the team. The legendary spin bowler is the second leading wicket-taker in the history of Tests, with 708 scalps to his name.

Jacques Kallis – 13289 runs, 292 wickets, 200 catches

One of the greatest, if not the greatest all-rounder of all time, Jacques Kallis ruled the game of cricket for nearly two decades. A strongly built cricketer, Kallis was formidable with his batting, playing in various roles for the South African team. The effervescent Protean was equally lethal with the ball in hand apart from being a tremendous catcher in the slip cordon.

James Anderson – 1285 runs, 664 wickets, 100 catches

Hailed as the greatest English fast bowler of all time, the veteran pacer James Anderson is breaking records with every match he plays at the ripe age of 40. Renowned for his exceptional exploits with the Dukes ball, James Anderson is the latest addition to this illustrious list after snaffling his 100th catch in red-ball cricket.