Top 5 orthodox left-arm spinners of all time

#1 Rangana Herath

Herath is the most prolific wicket-taker among all left-arm spinners in Test history

Even though his number speak for themselves, Rangana Herath has not quite received his deserved recognition among the myriad experts. Statistics show that there has never been a better defender of fourth-innings totals than the portly left-arm spinner from Kurunegala. The legacy left behind by any cricketer seldom stems from statistics. More so for a spinner who has the capacity to enchant countless cricket aficionados.

Extra Cover: The Rangana Effect - Why Herath's legacy is more than just numbers

Unlike some of his more popular peers, Herath's bowling does not possesses the extravagant zing of mystery. Instead, he outsmarts even accomplished batsmen with his subtle variations in length and pace. The sight of a well-settled batsman lunging forward and getting beaten in flight by the wily old fox will be permanently etched in the minds of those fortunate enough to participate in the journey of one of cricket's finest.

Already the only left-arm spinner to reach the 400-wicket mark in Tests, Herath is just ten wickets short of overhauling Wasim Akram's tally and becoming the most prolific wicket-taker among all types of left-arm bowlers. When the inevitable moment approaches, the statistical landmark is not only a feather in Herath's hat but also a triumph for the game in itself. After all, there cannot be a more affable and self-effacing man to surge to the top of an all-time chart.

Overall Career*

Tests - 405 wickets from 86 matches at an average of 27.90 and strike-rate of 59.6 with 33 five-wicket hauls and 9 ten-wicket hauls

ODIs - 74 wickets from 71 matches at an average of 31.91 and economy-rate of 4.37

T20Is - 18 wickets from 17 matches at an average of 20.72 and economy-rate of 6.13

(*Note: All Statistics are accurate as of 23rd November, 2017)