It has been said that a good bowler can single-handedly make his entire team win. There have been a number of excellent bowlers in cricket history, the following are the top 10:

1. Glenn McGrath-Australia

Possibly the best bowler in cricket history, Glenn McGrath was persistently accurate when it came to taking wickets. He played for 14 years and has taken over 550 wickets. He is undoubtedly deserving of the number one spot in this list.

2. Courtney Walsh-West Indies

Walsh bowled his way till the top in this field and made it look so easy. His success is further consolidated by the fact that he was at the top for 17 years. This legend has taken over 500 Test wickets which was a record at one point.

3. Wasim Akram- Pakistan

This left-handed bowler is considered to be among the fastest in the field. His is fondly referred to as the Sultan of Swing and has taken over 350 Test wickets. Akram has also recorded two hat-tricks in both ODI and Test cricket.

4. Kapil Dev- India

Kapil Dev was definitely the best in the game during his time and is said to be an all-rounder. He gave his all no matter what the stakes were and he would deserve a mention even if he was terrible with the bat. However, both his batting and bowling were exceptional and he has taken over 430 Test wickets during his career. Last but not the least; he was also given the title of the “Cricketer of the last century”.

5. Allan Donald

Since his nickname was “White Lightening”, it goes without saying that he is among the top 10 bowlers in cricket history. Since South Africa was excluded from cricket, Donald gave his all at the age of 26 when he finally got his chance. His excellence in the field was proven when he took over 300 wickets.

6. Sir Richard Hadlee

New Zealand’s first few years in cricket were undoubtedly tough. However, Sir Richard Hadlee played the game well even during these years. At 22 he had taken over 430 wickets. It has been said that he could have won a game single-handedly any day.

7. Jeff Thompson

Along with Dennis Lillee, his team-mate, Jeff Thompson is said to have ‘terrorized’ the opposing team’s batsmen when it was his chance to bowl. Because of injuries, he could not take more than 200 wickets. However, he is still among the best and a few have been able to match his speed and precision.

8. Dennis Lillee

This bowler had a short temper and was fearsome when it came to bowling, to say the least. During the 1980’s, he set a record by taking over 350 test wickets and along with an average of 23.92, he was definitely among the best. Batsmen that were faced with Lillee knew that they would not walk away unscathed!

9. Michael Holding

This bowler was aggressive and single-minded when it came to bowling. He was passionate about taking wickets and took 248 during his career. While these statistics are impressive, what is even more remarkable is his nickname. “Whispering Death” is what his team-mates called him which explains more than enough about his abilities!

10. Malcolm Marshall

It has been said that Marshall had the ability to make batsmen very nervous. His pace was fast, his swing was ‘deadly’ and his accuracy was radar-like. He took over 370 Test wickets and is among the most phenomenal bowlers in cricket history.

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Popularity: 1% [?]

A home run in baseball can electrify the entire stadium and is considered to be a big moment. It is similar to a penalty kick in soccer, a dunk in basketball etc. The following are some of the top 10 baseball home runs ever to have been made in history.

1. Bill Mazeroski, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1960 World Series, Game 7

In the 1960 World Series, the New York Yankees were heavy favorites over the NL champion Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pittsburgh Pirates had knocked off the mighty American League champions and were very close to becoming the World Series champions, and it was Bill Mazeroski who had delivered the definitive final blow.

2. Joe Carter, Toronto Blue Jays, 1993 World Series, Game 6

The Toronto Blue Jays were the defending World Series champions who entered the 1993 battle against Philadelphia Phillies. With one out, Joe Carter came to the plate. Carter took the count to 2-2 before hitting a three-run homer of off Williams to win the game and the World Series.

3. Kirk Gibson, Los Angeles Dodgers, 1988 World Series, Game 1

As L.A. were trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth in the series opener, with Gibson advancing to face Eckersley. Gibson’s heroics gave the Dodgers the confidence they needed, as L.A. eventually knocked off the might Athletics in five games.

4. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox, 2004 ALCS, Game 4

Like Puckett’s shot in 1991, the one hit by David Ortiz in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS did not end the series. Yet this was a very important moment in all of Boston’s 2004 championship season. With the Red Sox facing elimination at the hands of the rival Yankees, Boston managed to tie the game in the 9th and force extra innings.

5. Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins, 1991 World Series, Game 6

Kirby Puckett’s home run in the 1991 World Series at the end of game 6 did not happen at the end of a difficult game. However, it was doubtlessly the turning point in Minnesota’s match-up with the Atlanta Braves.

6. Chris Chambliss, New York Yankees, 1976 ALCS Game 5

In the 1976 championship series in game 5, Chris Chambliss hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th to give New York a 7-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Chambliss’ heroics enabled the Yankees get to the World Series, but he couldn’t stop the advance of the Big Red Machine.

7. Aaron Boone, New York Yankees, 2003 ALCS, Game 7

The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees had battled back and forth, with neither taking more than a one-game lead for the first six games of the 2003 American League Championship Series. During the seventh and final game, the Yankees came back and tied the game, 5-5, forcing extra innings. In the bottom of the 11th, Boone helped the Yankees beat their AL East rivals and won the 39th pennant in sports history.

8. Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers, 2006 ALCS, Game 4

The Detroit Tigers entered the 4th game of the 2006 ALCS with a three games to none lead on the Oakland Athletics, and were trying to make a sweep during this October 14 game. With two runners on, Detroit’s Magglio Ordonez game to the plate to face Oakland. He proceeded to knock a three-run homer to give Detroit their first American League pennant in more than two decades.

9. Carlton Fisk, Boston Red Sox, 1975 World Series, Game 6

This was another notable moments in baseball history. In the 12th inning of game 6 of the 1975 World Series, Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk hit a blast off Cincinnati Reds’ pitcher Pat Darcy. The ball hit the foul pole, and Fisk’s single shot gave Boston the win and forced a seventh game.

10. Chris Burke, Houston Astros, 2005 NLDS, Game 4

Nearly 6 hours after the start of the game, in the 18th innings, Chris Burke of the Houston Astros took a pitch from Atlanta Braves rookie Joey Devine and lifted it out of the part. This sent the Astros into the NLCS, where they defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in six games and enabled them to appear in the first World Series in 44 years.

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Popularity: 2% [?]

A sports club is a diversified institution aligned towards multiple sports. It may have several teams and various sports for its members. Historically, clubs were recreational facilities for army officers of colonial England in its colonies. The world’s top 10 exclusive sports clubs are:-

1. E @ Columbus Circle in New York, USA

The facilities provided at this club include a gym, a huge 246-feet lap pool, fitness classes and a spa. This is an invitation-only club and therefore, caters only to its members. Private cabanas have been provided for changing. With an area of 41,000 square feet, this club presents the E lounge, where members get to surf the net, have fresh fruit or watch plasma TVs. The membership fee for this club is $25,000.

2. The Aviation Club in Dubai, UAE

The facilities provided here include tennis, squash, swimming, gym, sauna, aerobics, physiotherapy, plunge pools and a spa. It has eight outdoor tennis courts, two championship squash courts and also a huge array of food, from French to Japanese. This club hosts many concerts through the year and also, the Dubai Tennis championship matches.

3. The Houstonian Club in Houston, USA

The facilities here are inclusive of rock-climbing, squash, racquetball, tennis, paddleball, indoor  as well as outdoor running areas, gym and a swimming pool. Though the membership fee is only $300 here, the initiation fee is $22,000, with a workout area of more than 20,000 square feet.

4. Bosse Sports & Health Club in Sudbury, USA

The facilities include group training studios, tennis courts, swimming pools, golf, climbing walls, gym, lifestyle and performance centre, gym and a cafeteria. The annual membership fee is $50,000. The most exclusive facilities here are airport limo service, chefs, valets, dry cleaning, shoe cleaning and personal nutritional shopping.

5. The Madison Square Club in New York, USA

The facilities here include two fully equipped training studios, the latest workout equipment, dressing rooms with steam showers and a juice bar. The membership fee here is $20,000 annually. The famous celebrity trainer David Kirsch works here. Only six members are allowed on a floor at one time.

6. The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers in New York, USA

The state-of-the-art facilities here include basketball courts, indoor sand volleyball court, 14,000-square feet strong deck, 100 cardio machines, a boxing ring, quarter-mile track and pool, 10,000-square feet climbing wall, 2 sundecks overlooking the Hudson River, a spa and yoga.

7. The Harbour Club in London, UK

The facilities here include an 82-foot swimming pool, a Pilates studio, group exercise studios, spa and clinic, gym, pro shop, 46 feet waterfall pool, 13 indoor tennis courts, 4 outdoor courts and a restro bar.

8. Reebok Sports Club in London, UK

The facilities include basketball, badminton, netball, a football sports hall, gym, 75 feet swimming pool, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, indoor golf and a 43 feet climbing wall. This club has three floors and 100,000 square feet of space. There’s a restro bar and also, a ball room. There is a monthly membership instead of an annual one, with no contracts.

9. The Sports Club/LA in Los Angeles, USA

The facilities at this sports club comprise of outdoor paddle tennis courts, racquet courts, junior Olympic swimming pool, kids club, medical centre, group exercise studios, basketball and gym. Additional services include valet parking, hair salon, bar, spa and a restaurant. Only cell phones are not entertained here since the clientele includes major celebrities.

10. The Royal Bangkok Sports Club in Bangkok, Thailand

The facilities provided at this club include cricket, driving range, golf, martial arts, basketball, billiards and a lot more. It has a gourmet restaurant too and a staff of more than 110 people.

Popularity: 1% [?]

There are several violent and really dangerous sports in the world. Let’s take a peek at some of these really dangerous ones.

1. Lawn Bowls

Lawn bowls is a risky and dangerous game and there are several deaths reported even as far as this sport is concerned. The sport literally kills thousands worldwide every year. Broken hips, dislocated ankles, torn knees or heart attack occur owing to the stressful nature of the game.

2. Base Jumping

Base Jumping can also be a very dangerous sport to take up. You will be fine if your parachute opens up otherwise you are sure to face death. People keen on trying the sport have to basically bet their life on whether a chute opens properly or not.

3. Horse Riding

This sport has also witnessed several fatalities in the US. It was a whopping 128 and encompassed all aspects such as racing and show jumping. Horse riding requires expert training and can really be a dangerous sport.

4. Bullfighting

Also referred to as tauromachy, bull fighting is mainly an activity pursued in Portugal, Spain, Latin America and some cities in southern France. In this violent sport, one or more bulls are killed ritually in a bull ring before the public.

5. Rock climbing

In the year 200o alone there were 24 deaths in the US due to rock climbing mishaps. You should not only climb to the target summit but also have the stamina to get back to the starting point which makes this sport all the more dangerous. Also you may not be in a position to get immediate medical help when you’re 1,000 feet up and may not find a chopper. Bad weather can also be a disadvantage, quickly causing hypothermia or frostbite.

6. Fishing

Angling believe it or not is also one of the most dangerous sports today because of the associated risk of drowning. Rock fishing is especially dangerous. It involves casting a line into the ocean from the shoreline and many people end up losing their lives when they are pulled under by large waves.

7. Motorcycling

The Isle Of Man TT Event is the most dangerous motor race in the world which has cost over 220 casualties in its 100-year history. The race involves riding your bike at ridiculously high speeds and hence is considered one of the most dangerous sports today.

8. Cheerleading

Cheerleading is one of the most injury-prone sports in the world for women today. The girl cheerleaders are prone to injuries much more than the guys on the football field. They can suffer spinal injuries and broken legs.

9. Cave diving

It can be dangerous to be a diver and diving in the caves is one step more dangerous. You can suffer from failure of the brain, lungs or the spinal cord. There is also the danger of being eaten by some large creature inside a cave not to mention problems related to air supply. Over 500 people have lost their lives since 1960 due to cave diving in Mexico, Florida and Caribbean alone according to the Texas-based San Marcos Area Recovery Team.

10. Rugby

This is one of the most brutal contact sports on the planet. Without any sort of protection the players are really vicious in their tackling. This is the reason why rugby has more injuries per player than any similar sport. In fact, the players are three times more prone to get injured than anyone engaged in martial arts.

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Nothing should stop you from achieving what you wish to achieve. Even if it means you are a diabetes sufferer. People diagnosed with diabetes have climbed mountains, won Olympic medals and even held high positions. The following are the top 10 diabetics who have taken control over their condition and become famous athletes.

1. Wasim Akram – Pakistani Cricketer

Wasim Akram is a former Pakistani cricketer. He was a left handed batsman and a left-arm fast bowler, who represented the Pakistani cricket team in Tests and One Day Internationals. Inspite of being a diabetic he achieved several milestones as far as the sport of cricket is concerned.

2. Arthur Ashe – Tennis – Wimbledon Winner

Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr, born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, was a professional tennis player. He won 3 three Grand Slam titles during his career. In spite of being a diabetic he is remembered vividly for furthering social causes.

3. Walter Barnes – Football and Actor

An American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, Barnes played college football at Louisiana State University. He played professional football for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles before pursuing his acting career.

4. Sarah Bina – Championship Clogger

Sarah Bina in spite of being a diabetic became a champion clogger. An American folk dance, clogging is similar to tap dancing. It involves making rhythmic tapping sounds with the feet. The tapping sounds are emphasized with the use of special shoes. These usually are soft leather shoes with hard soles and attached metal taps

5. Ayden Byle – Runner

A world-famous runner, Byle is one of the most well known diabetics in North America after having run 6521.5 km’s across it. He was the first insulin dependent diabetic to achieve this feat. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated by him for cure research and he is popular for his contributions to his non-profit charity – The Ayden Byle Diabetes Research Foundation.

6. Nick Boynton – Hockey Player

Nicholas Boynton is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is expected to play for the Anaheim Ducks in the 2009-10 season. Before joining the Phoenix Coyotes, Boynton played for the Boston Bruins.

7. Doug Burns – Fitness Consultant, Record-holding Athlete

An internationally respected record holding strength athlete and fitness consultant, Doug has also had type 1 diabetes since the age of seven. His health quickly deteriorated after being misdiagnosed with flu and he was admitted into the emergency room with ketoacidosis and a blood sugar over 700.

8. Sean Busby – Champion Snowboarder

Sean Busby is a champion snowboarder who has been training for the 2010 – 2014 Olympics. Although diagnosed with diabetes, he is known for his events in Slalom and Giant Slalom. Though he has been into this activity only for a few years, his determination as an athlete and an individual has seen him soar in this game.

9. Bobby Clarke – NHL – Philadelphia Flyers

Robert Earle Clarke, OC also called Bobby Clarke is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played his entire National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Philadelphia Flyers. He has also not let diabetes intrude with his game.

10. Scott Coleman – Swimmer

Boca Raton’s Scott Coleman became the first male diabetic to successfully swim across the English Channel. He trained under Coach Tom Smith, also of Boca Raton and swam 60,000 yards a week. Smith was also part of Coleman’s support crew.athletes who have not let their disease stand in the way of achieving what they wanted in the sports arena.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Among the several recreational sports that exist today, Soccer and Football are two famous games that have received good acceptance from the people worldwide. Also, they have existed since several decades and have made an impact all over. Call it Soccer or Football, this sport is the world famous and is enjoyed by all age groups of people over the world. The nature of both the games is almost the same with a thin line of difference between them.
They both are literally the same. Soccer is more of a crude form of Football. Both the games involve the feet to play the ball around. Here, we shall see some reasons what makes Soccer differ from Football. American Football is something that is more formal to Soccer.

1. Soccer was invented first:

Soccer was the first kind of game that had involved kicking the ball around without touching it by any part of the body. In fact, the idea was to just kick the ball and make it reach the goal. This was the most primitive kind of a sport which comes with originality.

2. While the whole world plays Soccer, only America plays Football!!!

Every other country plays Soccer and holds it to be something very sacred and also consider that its dignity lies in the game. Soccer is less popular in the United States and Canada due to several reasons of which one may be that they did not invent this game!

3. Soccer players are very handsome compared to Football players:

For instance, David Beckham is the heartthrob of several women out there. After him, Christiano Ronaldo lives this quote.

4. Better game environment:

Football fans can be really amazing with their wonderful facial paints and also the huge flags of their teams. But soccer has another section of fans called the hooligans singing their team’s anthem and light up camp fires while cheering outrageously for their team make the game much more interesting and absolute fun.

5. Among the footballers and Soccer players, Soccer players are considered to be far more fit than their counterparts:

The time duration of a soccer game can go up to about 90+ minutes while football just lasts for 60 minutes. Thus, this explains why soccer players are at their peak fitness level all the time.

6. Playing soccer requires more skill:

It is not just about handling the ball; it is all about handling it only with your lower limbs. This requires so much experience and also determination to handle the ball.

7. Footballers are well behaved than the Soccer players:

They don’t spit or utter promiscuously bad words. They do not demean themselves or their Country. Thus footballers are far decent compared to the soccer players.

8. In football, you can some of the most exciting hits:

Soccer does not allow offensive moves by players with an intention to hurt others. If the officials get to notice that the ball was in no way connected to the shot, then the players are penalized and at times even sent out of the game through a red card. Football has no such restrictions.

9. Football crowd is much safe:

Football crowd is often well behaved and support their team by wearing attires that depict their team.

10. Football employs a strategy:

This game has got a lot to do with intelligence. In fact, if you watch a football match, you will understand the strategy yourself.

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Popularity: 2% [?]

Both Rugby and American football are interesting and exciting games. In the case of Football, it is a game that consists of 11 players and played between 2 teams, with unlimited substitutions. American football involves complex strategy and intense physical play wherein points have to be scored by advancing the ball to the end zone of the opponent’s team. In the case of Rugby, the game is a blend of American football’s contact, soccer’s running and the transition of basketball. It is a game consisting of 15 players each and played between two teams on a rectangular field, with the aim of running across the opponent’s goal line with an oval ball or kicking it through the top portion of the goal posts. The following are the top differences between the 2 games.

1. Number of Players

In the case of American football, each team has 11 players on the field at one time, with unlimited substitutions. Three time-outs per half is given for each team. Play begins with a kickoff. The main object is to advance the pointed oval-shaped ball into the opponent’s end zone and score points in the process. On the other hand, a Rugby team consists of 15 players, divided into backs and forwards. Forwards are stronger players of the team who have to gain possession of the ball.

2. Origin of Rugby and Football

American football is said to have developed from Rugby. Rugby was introduced to the Americans by the British colonists from Canada. In 1871, The Rugby Football Union had been formed by representatives of 21 clubs, most of which were situated in southern England. The working class people were particularly attracted by Rugby over soccer. Most of the sports historians say that the game of American Football originated from Rugby.

3. Football Field vs Rugby Field

American football is a game played on a rectangular field measuring 120 yards in length and 49 meters wide. A goal line can be seen near each end of the field which is 100 yards apart. The size is almost similar to a rugby league field which is 120 meters long and about half that in width. Every ten meters there is a line across the field.

4. Contact Sport

Another notable difference between the two games is that in Rugby all players are allowed to handle the ball. Any type of forward passing, blocking and time-outs are not allowed. Obstruction to players and screening is not allowed in the case of Rugby which is possible in American Football. Hence Rugby is said to be a much safer game than American football.

5. Protective Equipment in Rugby and Football

Helmet, padding and other hard protective equipments is missing in Rugby. Hence players have to keep in mind their personal safety while playing the game. There is a lot of protective equipment that comes with American football.  

6. Schedule and Cost of Rugby vs American Football

Rugby is less expensive and involves a flexible schedule than hockey, professional football and other games.

7. Control

Players are more interested in retaining ball possession in the case of Rugby instead of getting yardage as in the case of football.

8. Scoring in Football Vs Scoring in Rugby

A Rugby league’s try is equivalent to a touchdown of American football. Ironically, a touchdown does not require the ball to touch the ground but a try requires the ball to be ‘touched down’. An American football touchdown gets a score of 6 points and a rugby league try is now worth 4 points.

9. Football Vs Rugby Strategy

American football is a game comprising set moves and counter moves. Rugby, on the other hand, is a more spontaneous and a free flowing game.

10. Geographical Differences

As the name implies, American football is a popular game in North and South America while rugby is played in many parts of the world particularly in Australia and Europe.

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Popularity: 2% [?]

US Open is one of the two oldest grand slam tennis tournaments in the entire game’s history. Originally, the men’s singles event was referred to as the U.S. National Championship. Since its inception in 1881, the US Open has had several great players. On the basis of their achievement in the US Open, the following are the greatest male tennis players of all time

1. Bill Tilden (7 titles: 1920-25, 1929)

Bill Tilden is the all time greatest male tennis player. He is one among only three players in the history to possess 7 US Open titles. Throughout the 1920s, he dominated world tennis and was mostly ranked 1 during this period. He was also part of US Davis Cup team that won Davis Cup titles seven times continuously.

2. Roger Federer (5 titles: 2004-08)

Roger Federer, a living legend, is number two on this list. He is considered a great player in the history of male tennis because of his consistent performance and the number of titles he has won. Hence he can match only with the greatest players like Bill Tilden. He has won 5 US Open titles and is the only player in Open Era who has won 5 consecutive US Open titles.

3. Richard Dudley “Dick” Sears (7 titles: 1881-1887)

Richard Sears held 7 consecutive US Open titles in the period between 1881 and 1887. He was just a student at Harvard when he won the first of his 7 titles. Moreover, he won 6 consecutive doubles title from 1882 to 1887. Hence he will be remembered as a great champion when it comes to US Open.

4. William “Bill” Augustus Larned (7 titles: 1901-02, 1907-11)

Bill Larned or William Larned won 7 titles in the span of 11 years. He also holds 7 US Open titles to his credit. Larned is a versatile sportsman who showed admirable talent even in sports such as golf, shooting and horseracing. In 1956, William Larned was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

5. Pete Sampras (5 titles: 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002)

In 1988, Pete Sampras started playing professional tennis and retired in 2003. He was truly successful in the US open and won the title 5 times. He had great rivalry with Andre Agassi. He was a gentle player which earned him a lot of fans around the world.

6. Jimmy Connors (5 titles: 1974, 1976, 1978, 1982-83)

Jimmy Connors is considered to be the boss of US Open Tennis. He truly dominated the event and is the only player to have won on grass courts, clay as well as hard courts. He reached the semifinals of US open for 12 years continuously. He had a great rivalry with John McEnroe and Björn Borg.

7. John McEnroe (4 titles: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984)

John McEnroe was an unorthodox, angry popular tennis player. He lost his temper many times which put him into problem with umpires. McEnroe was successful in US open and won the singles title 4 times and doubles title 3 times in US open.

8. Frederick “Fred” Perry (3 titles: 1933-34, 1936)

Fred Perry is considered to be the best male tennis player from the British isle. He won the US Open title three times, besides one Australian, three Wimbledon and one French Open titles during his long career. He is one among six male tennis players to have won all of the four grand slam titles to their credit.

9. Robert “Bob” Wrenn (4 titles: 1893-94, 1896-97)

During the 1890’s, Robert Wrenn was the 4-time US Open winner. These wins came within a span of 5 years. Though he is not well known today, he was really a threat to other players during his prime days. He served as the president of United States Tennis Association from 1912-1915. In 1955, Robert Wrenn was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

10. Andre Agassi (2 titles: 1994, 1999)

A great and a charismatic player, Agassi had great rivalry with Sampras. He was noted for his strong service return. He was also very successful in Australian Open.

Popularity: 2% [?]