Daryll Cullinan is a former South African cricketer known for his achievements as a right-handed batsman in both Test and One Day International (ODI) formats. He made an early mark in domestic cricket by becoming the youngest South African to score a first-class century at the age of 16. One of his most notable domestic performances was a record-breaking unbeaten 337, which remains among the highest scores in South African first-class cricket.
During his international career, Cullinan established himself as a technically sound and dependable batsman. His highest Test score was 275, which, at the time, was a South African record. This mark has since been surpassed by Hashim Amla, who scored an unbeaten 311 against England. Cullinan maintained a commendable Test batting average of 44.21, a figure that has since been surpassed by at least nine South African players who have played a minimum of ten Tests.
Despite his overall success, Cullinan struggled notably against Australia. His batting average against them was just 12.75, and he became known for his difficulties facing legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne. He was dismissed by Warne on four occasions in Test matches and eight times in ODIs. These challenges were frequently noted in cricket commentary and media, with publications like the Herald Sun referring to Cullinan as Warne’s "bunny."
One of the more unusual incidents in Cullinan’s playing days occurred during a South African regional match. After hitting a six off fellow South African Roger Telemachus, the ball flew into a nearby kitchen, landing in a frying pan of calamari. Play was delayed by approximately ten minutes as officials waited for the ball to cool and the grease to be cleaned. The ball was eventually replaced because the bowler could not grip it properly.
Following his playing career, Cullinan took on a coaching role in the Indian Cricket League with the Kolkata Tigers, contributing his experience to the development of young talent.
| Birth Date: | 4 Mar, 1967 |
| Age: | 53 yrs |
| Occupations: | Cricketer |
| Citizenship: | South Africa |
| Birth Place: | Kimberley |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Cricketer |
