The stories behind Australian players and their nicknames

Almost all of our beloved cricketers have nicknames. Whether it is Little Master for Tendulkar or Binga for Brett Lee, there is a special place in our hearts for the names that get associated with our favorite players. The Aussies seem to have taken the game a notch higher, as they come up with the most outlandish names possible. But do you know the secret behind each name?Here is a roundup of our favorite Aussie nicknames and the reasons behind them.

#1 Glenn McGrath - Pigeon

Although Glenn McGrath has answered to many nicknames over the years, like Rhino, Ninger and Nuff Nuff, Pigeon is one which has stuck throughout. McGrath is called Pigeon because of his thin legs. Brad McNamara, his NSW teammate, said to him, “You’ve stolen a pigeon’s legs, McGrath”, and the name stuck.

#2 Steven Smith - Piggy

It is not hard to understand why the moniker Piggy stuck by Steven Smith on noticing his appearance. It was given to him because of his slightly porcine features. He is often just referred to as Piggy Smith.

#3 Michael Clarke - Pup

Michael Clarke is called Pup because of a very simple reason - he made the Australian team at a very young age. He was the youngest player in the team. It was a symbol of affection. No doubt Clarke’s youthful appearance has helped in sustaining it.

#4 Steve Waugh - Tugga

This is perhaps the most appropriate nickname of all. Steve Waugh is called Tugga for the way he plays cricket - tough and fierce. Tugga is actually a play on ‘tug of war’. It is also one of the few nicknames amongst Aussies that is meant as a compliment rather than pulling the player’s leg.

#5 Brett Lee - Binga

The story behind Brett Lee’s nickname is the funniest out of all. New South Wales has a chain of electronic stores called Bing Lee. The nickname came from there, and it stuck. Well, it certainly is free publicity for the lucky store.

#6 Mark Waugh - Afghanistan

Mark Waugh’s nickname is perhaps the most interesting of all. History buffs will know all about the Afghan War - the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The war is often called the ‘forgotten war’. His brother Steve Waugh was selected to play for Australia 5 years before Mark was selected. Mark was then nicknamed Afghanistan - the forgotten war/Waugh.