Eddo Brandes - Zimbabwe - Batsman

Famously known as the chicken farmer, Brandes rose into the hall of fame after tripping England to a humiliating defeat at the 1992 WC in Albury, Australia. He is also the oldest ever bowler to take an ODI hat-trick. He achieved the feat against England at the ripe old age of 33. Nick Knight, John Crawley and Naseer Hussain were his famous victims.

An entertaining character, Brandes was known for his run-ins with his opponents. He could have played more than just 10 Tests and 59 ODIs had he maintained his fitness levels.

While the hat-trick was noteworthy, Brandes best moment was obviously the dismissal of his best friend, Graeme Hick in the 1992 WC on the way to match-winning figures of 4/21.

An useful lower order batsman, Brandes could give the ball a thwack. His technique was pretty good as shown when he scored a century at first class cricket in South Africa.

Brandes went into coaching upon retirement and was briefly in the Zimbabwe academy. When the political situation deteriorated in 2003, Brandes immigrated to Queensland in Australia where he continued his coaching career.

He now runs a tomato farm on the Sunshine Coast. From chickens to tomatoes, Farming and Eddo Brandes are inseparable.

By Pradeep Krishnamurthy