1.Mitchell Johnson
Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson was a truck driver before he emerged as one of the greatest bowlers to have ever played the game. Johnson had an extraordinary pace which troubled the batsmen. His lethal bouncers cemented fear in the heart of the opponents. Johnson was a left-handed pacer and a left-handed batsman. After making a test debut in 2007 for Australia he took 313 wickets and was one of the most fearsome bowlers of his time. He picked up 239 wickets in One Day Internationals. Mitchell Johnson will be particularly remembered for his remarkable bowling performances in the 2013/14 Ashes series. His career ending bowling performances in the 2013/14 Ashes series cemented fear in the minds of the Britishers.
2. MS Dhoni
One of the greatest captains to have ever played the game-Mahendra Singh Dhoni worked as a ticket collector in Kharagpur Railway Station, West Bengal for more than three years. He worked from 2001-2004 and was then called up by the Indian cricket team. Since then, there’s been no turning back. The former Indian captain has won the T20 World Cup, the 50 overs World Cup, The Champions Trophy, Asia Cup and many more. MS Dhoni announced his retirement from International Cricket on 15 August 2020.
3. Brad Hodge
Former Australian batsmen Brad Hodge was a petrol pump employee before he played for Australia. Brad Hodge is one of the leading scorers for Australia in all forms of T20 cricket. Brad Hodge was a very underrated player and had a lot of talent but failed to cement his place in the international cricket. The former Australian batsmen is currently coaching the Australian national team. Hodge holds the record for the most runs and most number of centuries for Australia’s interstate cricket. However, he got limited opportunities to represent the national team. He played in six test matches and twenty-five one day internationals.
4. Nathon Lyon
Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon started his career as a pitch curator at the Adelaide Oval after finishing a 4-year apprenticeship at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. In 2011 Nathan Lyon was selected for the Australian Test team for Sri Lanka tour. Nathan Lyon took his first wicket in the first bowl he bowled. He dismissed Kumar Sangakkara.
Nathan Lyon is having a phenomenal test career for Australia. He has picked up over 399 test wickets (till date) and will continue to do so in the near future.
5. Shane Bond
Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane bond worked as a Policeman before playing international cricket. He once mentioned that his Police training has helped him to remain fit during his cricketing career. However, Bond’s career was cut short as he battled a number of injuries during his time.
Shane Bond picked up 147 wickets in 82 ODI matches he played for the Kiwis. He has further picked up 87 wickets in 18 tests and 25 wickets in 20 t20 for the Black Caps.