Quote:
Originally Posted by The Sean
Graveney's West Indies post-1945:
Frank Worrell (captain)
Conrad Hunte
Vivian Richards
Everton Weekes
Clive Lloyd
Garry Sobers
Clyde Walcott
Joel Garner
Andy Roberts
Michael Holding
Lance Gibbs
Rohan Kanhai (12th Man)
Graveney says that this might be the strongest of all the teams he selected, noting the quality of the line-up along with the stunning array of talent he had to leave out. His main issue was with the 'keeper and he had drafted Deryck Murray into the side, but in the end decided to bring in an extra bowler and let Big Clyde go behind the stumps.
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Interesting. He differs from Bedser's as in . . .
Hunte for Greenidge
Gibbs for Ramadhin
Garner for Hall
Both use a middle order batsman as a second opener which really highlights the difference in class of West Indian openers from their mighty middle order. The choice of Worrell is much better than Lloyd if for no other reason that Sir Frank played six times in that role and made at least one major score (191*) in that knock. That knock was at Trent Bridge against a mighty new ball attack of Trueman, Statham and Bailey. Surely Bedser would remember that :o)
Hunte for Greenidge is a more conventional choice and one expects all older generation players to support that, Again a strange pick by Bedser. Gibbs for Ramadhin is an iffy choice it could go either way. Gibbs has longevity and Ramadhin his short time in th sun and a rather unconventional form of attack. Maybe Gibbs could be shooed in on the strength of his marvelous gully fielding.
I think Graveney makes a better selection although I like Hall instead of Garner. This is Test cricket :o)