Quote:
Originally Posted by NUFAN
Its very easy for me to prefer Sid, but even looking objectively for a minute (and only a minute) there records are almost identical:
Billy
ave 28.63
econ 3.01
sr 56.9
vs
Big Heart
ave 28.51
econ 3.02
sr 56.6
Records aren't the only thing to consider, its team dynamics and since I've already included a terrific opening ball pairing in McGrath and Gillespie I'm happy to select a bowler used to bowling first change like Siddle and I like how often he takes important wickets.
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Its very interesting how similar those figures are. Of course, McDermott's are over a much longer time and cover more than twice as many victims - 291 versus 141. Another difference when one tries to probe further is that Siddle takes 7 percent more of his wickets in the tail (8 - 11) as compared to McDermott who takes exactly 7 percent more in the top order (1 to 3) with both being tied for the middle order. Of course, this has to do with Siddle bowling first change more often while McDermott was the spearhead. But it should have reflected in the middle order more which it doesn't.
Just a small point I guess.
The fact that the figures are similar and McDermott;s figures are for a complete career and twice as many victims would make me give the nod to him. The fact that he was the spearhead should go in his favour and not held against him. He was a good enough bowler to be the spearhead of a major Test playing country. If Sidddle has senior partners above him, it can be an asset for they soften up the opposition before he comes on.
I would tend to give it to McGermott at this stage between these two. Later, when Siddle is through with his career, who knows :o)