I’ve noticed recently that a growing number of cricketers are getting themselves connected online and find themselves on Facebook.

This got me wondering who is likely to be the most popular. Surely the god-like status of Sachin, Dhoni and Sharma in India would see them at the top of the tree. Seeing Dhoni get his haircut (a la Samson) with a crowd of 40,000 longing outside made the 6pm UK national news was another factor behind my thoughts.

However, after thorough investigation the most popular cricket captains in the world on facebook sprang a few surprises . . .

1. Ricky Ponting, Captain, Australia – 6,423 fans

Ricky Ponting has 6,423 fans on facebook

2. Graeme Smith, Captain, South Africa – 3,838 fans

Graeme Smith has 3,838 fans on facebook

3. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Captain, India – 3,568 fans

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has 3,568 fans on facebook

4. Mohammad Ashraful, Captain, Bangladesh – 1,371 fans

mohammad ashraful has 1,371 fans on facebook

5. Daniel Vettori, Captain, New Zealand – 1,355 fans

Daniel Vettori has 1,355 fans on facebook

6. Chris Gayle, Captain, West Indies – 411 fans

Chris Gayle has 411 fans on facebook

7. Andrew Strauss, Captain, England -  90 fans

Andrew Strauss has 90 fans on facebook

8. Younis Khan, Captain, Pakistan – not a Digital Native

younis khan is not big on facebook

9. Mahela Jayawardene, Captain, Sri Lanka – only a hate page . . .

mahela jayawardene only has a hate page with 10 haters