Top 5 spells from Shaun Tait's eventful career

#1 – 4/39 against South Africa in 2007 World Cup semi-final

His vicious spell brought South Africa’s campaign to a close

Tait’s finest hour came in the 2007 World Cup held in the Caribbean. With 23 scalps from 11 matches, he played a key role in Australia winning the coveted trophy for the third consecutive time. On pitches offering variable bounce, the seamer made an indelible mark by finishing as the tournament’s joint-second highest wicket-taker.

During the all-important semi-final at Gros Islet, Tait's tour de force knocked the wind out of South African sails. Upon dismissing AB de Villiers, he gave a thorough working-over to the aggressive Herschelle Gibbs before dismissing him in a crucial stage of the match. His performance propelled the Australian juggernaut to the summit clash which they eventually won by D/L method.

Watch: Tait’s engrossing duel with Herschelle Gibbs in the World Cup semi-final (Video Courtesy – 172Allrounder721)