30 Aug 12
Originally posted by karoly aczelBotham for me.
Well sure, Botham when he was quick, although I cant remember that. And he was a wicket taker, but on a hot day with good batting conditions after the opening bowlers have failed to get a wicket who is going to be your first drop bowler, Botham? Kallis?
However, it raises the point that cricket is hugely influenced by conditions. Given a perfect betting track, any top class batting line-up will make runs, and there is little any top class bowling line-up can do about it once the new ball has gone.
I would also be using Shane Warne whether the pitch is turning much or not, as he was good enough to create problems when other spinners seemed completely without teeth.
30 Aug 12
ICC Test Team 2012:
Alastair Cook (Eng),
Hashim Amla (SA),
Kumar Sangakkara (SL),
Jacques Kallis (SA),
Michael Clarke (Aus, capt),
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI),
Matt Prior (Eng, wk),
Stuart Broad (Eng),
Saeed Ajmal (Pkn),
Vernon Philander (SA),
Dale Steyn (SA).
12th Man - AB de Villiers (SA)
England trio in the last 12 months:
Cook's Test averages: 58 v India, 26.50 v Pakistan, 52.33 v Sri Lanka, 44 v West Indies, 32.50 v South Aftica
Prior's Test averages: 67.75 v India, 37.50 v Pakistan, 19.66 v Sri Lanka, 17.50 v West Indies, 45.83 v South Africa. Catches/stumpings: 31/6
Broad's Test bowling figures: 25-446 v India, 13-266 v Pakistan, 2-104 v Sri Lanka, 14-304 v West Indies, 11-437 v South Africa
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/19420438
30 Aug 12
2 edits
Originally posted by FMFAnd also quite sporting at the same time, I think.
Hayden was as tough and gritty as they come, onfield at any rate.
I remember two moments in the 2005 Oval test match. The first was when Pietersen was out, having saved the game, and Shane Warne made a point of walking over to congratulate him. Great to see that, but I can't help thinking that Shane Warne was aware that everyone would see how sporting he was being, thereby grabbing a bit of the limelight for himself.
Rewind to when Hayden was holding up England's progress to reclaiming the Ashes and Aus were looking like building a huge first innings lead (they were about 300 for 3) which could give them a chance to win the game and square the series. I think it was Flintoff who had him LBW with a beautiful inswinging delivery. As Hayden walked off, knowing that this might get England back into it, I just glimpsed him passing Flintoff, nodding to him and saying something like 'Good ball, mate'. I barely saw it, and I doubt anyone in the ground could have seen it. But in some ways it impressed me a lot more.
The whole 2005 series was just what professional sport should be. Uncompromising during play on the field, but also respect and sportmanship at other times.
Originally posted by Rank outsiderI choose for my wicket keeper - Brendon McCullum, what have you to say for your
And also quite sporting at the same time, I think.
I remember two moments in the 2005 Oval test match. The first was when Pietersen was out, having saved the game, and Shane Warne made a point of walking over to congratulate him. Great to see that, but I can't help thinking that Shane Warne was aware that everyone would see how sporting he Uncompromising during play on the field, but also respect and sportmanship at other times.
heroes now?
08 Oct 12
Originally posted by robbie carrobieMcCullum for tests? Not a chance.
I choose for my wicket keeper - Brendon McCullum, what have you to say for your
heroes now?
I'd want a wicket KEEPER there, not an explosive batsman who can catch more than he drops. You need a solid keeper in tests. If he can bat it's a bonus, not a requirement.
08 Oct 12
Originally posted by CrowleyActually, I think choosing a wicket keeper who cannot bat solely on the basis of wicket keeping ability is a luxury which few teams can afford.
McCullum for tests? Not a chance.
I'd want a wicket KEEPER there, not an explosive batsman who can catch more than he drops. You need a solid keeper in tests. If he can bat it's a bonus, not a requirement.
This is not a new development. Alan Knott was often preferred to Bob Taylor as his batting average, though hardly stunning, was almost double that of Taylors (although arguably the better glove man).
So, providing the player meets a certain level of wicket-keeping ability, the batting is a requirement, and almost any test wicket keeper will lose his place if his batting average drops too low.
Of course, in an 'All time Test XI', then I agree that you could probably choose the best wickie, on the basis that the top order is so strong.
09 Oct 12
Originally posted by Crowleypick a team Crowley, it should be interesting.
McCullum for tests? Not a chance.
I'd want a wicket KEEPER there, not an explosive batsman who can catch more than he drops. You need a solid keeper in tests. If he can bat it's a bonus, not a requirement.
09 Oct 12
Originally posted by FMFSangakkara, pure legend!
ICC Test Team 2012:
Alastair Cook (Eng),
Hashim Amla (SA),
Kumar Sangakkara (SL),
Jacques Kallis (SA),
Michael Clarke (Aus, capt),
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI),
Matt Prior (Eng, wk),
Stuart Broad (Eng),
Saeed Ajmal (Pkn),
Vernon Philander (SA),
Dale Steyn (SA).
12th Man - AB de Villiers (SA)
England trio in the last 12 months:
Cook ...[text shortened]... 14-304 v West Indies, 11-437 v South Africa
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/19420438
10 Oct 12
2 edits
Originally posted by robbie carrobieRahul Dravid
pick a team Crowley, it should be interesting.
Matthew Hayden
Sachin Tendulkar
Brian Lara
Jacques Kallis
Adam Gilchrist
Wasim Akram
Richard Hadlee
Shane Warne
Murali
Glenn Mcgrath
With Dale Steyn, Kumar Sangakkara and Ricky Ponting in the squad.
I also like the idea of Jonty as the permanent 12th man for his fielding though. Shame, he probably needs more recognition for what he did for SA cricket, but I suppose having him as a dedicated fielder does tip the hat enough 😛
Maybe Gavaskar as opener in place of Dravid? I always thought Dravid would make a great opener though. I didn't really see Gavaskar play, but I know he's rated very high. I can only make choices on guys I saw play though.