The best 11 One Day International shirts of all time

ODI cricket

Few things in the sporting world make a fashion statement quite like a well thought-out ODI shirt, and we’ve had our fair share of belters over the years.

The first ever ODI was played all the way back in 1971 at the MCG, as Australia took on England. Oh, and of course there’s the small matter of the ultimate cricketing festival returning to England later this summer.

Of course, coloured jerseys didn’t come around until 1980, but we’ve sifted through the 28 years that followed to find our favourite ever shirts (In no particular order)…

1. Australia – Current

Fair play lads, this is just absolutely beautiful. Asics have produced a belting shirt here, which provides a nod back to the wonderful 1980s without looking even remotely out of place in the modern era. Slight mark down for the sponsor, but let’s face it that’s not what the eyes are drawn to.

2. India – 1999 World Cup

Having played in darker shades of blue in the years proceeding, India decided to revert back to baby blue, and my word did they pull it off. The colours on this are absolutely wonderful – not at all offensive to the eye and a nice throwback to some of their early looks. Just a shame they couldn’t make it past the quarter-finals.

3. New Zealand – 1980-82

To be fair, any New Zealand shirt from the 1980s could have easily made this list, but considering this was their first ever effort, it deserves extra praise. Modelled here by John Wright, it’s actually quite hard to describe the two colours that are on show. Probably beige and chocolate. Sounds good that, right?

4. Pakistan – 2005

KARACHI, PAKISTAN - DECEMBER 15: Rana Naved-ul-Hasan of Pakistan celebrates with with Mohammad Sami after taking the wicket of Vikram Solanki of England during the 3rd One Day International between Pakistan and England played at The National Stadium on December 15, 2005 in Karachi, Pakistan. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rana Naved-ul-Hasan;Mohammad Sami

Lime green shouldn’t look good on anyone, but somehow it does here. England fans will probably remember this shirt as the one that was worn for the 165-run mauling they received in Karachi, we remember it for the likes of Inzamam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Danish Kaneria, Shoaib Akhtar and Rana Naved. A classic.

5. England – 2001-02

Something a bit different this from England, but it works. A beautiful shade of blue for the main part but replacing the usual red with even darker blue adds a certain edge. Oh, and just look at some of the faces in that team. (Side note – this was a picture taken to celebrate drawing a series).

6. Zimbabwe – 1999

29 May 1999: Neil Johnson of Zimbabwe celebrates a wicket during the World Cup Group A game against South Africa at Chelmsford in England. Zimbabwe won by 48 runs. Mandatory Credit: Phil Cole /Allsport

Eagle-eyed readers will notice that this shirt has already featured above, though it deserves its own spot on this list. There aren’t really many words that can describe what’s going on here, but they aren’t really needed either. It just looks amazing.

7. West Indies – 1998

This doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves. The pale maroon and dark red mean it could easily pass as a Bangladesh shirt, but just look at that lovely palm tree pattern. Extra marks for the Cable & Wireless sponsor too – has us feeling very nostalgic.

8. South Africa – Current

There’s a decent back catalogue of Proteas ODI shirts to sift through, yet it’s hard to overlook the one they’re currently rocking. The fade on it is genius and encorporates all the traditional colours. And how can you not love the fact that they still have ‘SOUTH AFRICA’ across the front is such a boring font?

9. Namibia – 2003

POTCHEFSTROOM - FEBRUARY 27: Rudi van Vuuren of Namibia appeals for the wicket of Darren Lehmann of Australia during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, Pool A match between Australia and Namibia held on February 27, 2003 at the North West Cricket Stadium in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Australia won the match by 256 runs. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

You could be forgiven for forgetting that Namibia have in fact played in a World Cup, back in 2003, and they had a beautiful shirt to match such a historic landmark. The tournament didn’t go well: they lost all six group games by a combined 813 runs (one of those being on D/L), but this is included more as a symbol of the underdog. We miss you, Namibia.

10. Netherlands – 2003

The Netherlands, or ‘Holland’ (not sure that is technically accurate) produced this beauty for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa – which we can pretty much state is the best tournament there has ever been and likely will ever be for ODI shirts. It kind of follows the theme of the Dutch national football team, but the gold lion with sword kicks it up a notch. Also, have to love Tim de Leede.

11. New Zealand – 1998-99

We said no particular order, but we saved the best until last. This is it. This is the pinnacle. There’s no point even trying to beat this shirt in the future, it’s a work of art. The teal, the black, the white fern, the red number. The Adam Parore. Where can we get one?

ODI cricket Oli Fisher

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