# 1 opener between 1986-2006

[aussie tragic]

As per the thread raised by Bagapath, we are aiming to pick the best XI over the last 20-years. To re-cap, the team will consist of 2 openers, 3 batsman, 1 allrounder, 1 WK, 2 pace bowlers and 2 spinners and only persons that meet the following criteria during 1986-2006 can be nominated.

Minimum tests: 20
Batting ave: > 40
Keeper's batting ave: > 25 and averaging at least 3 dismissal per test
Allrounder: batting ave > 20 and bowling ave < 35
Fast bowler: bowling ave < 30 and strike rate of < 60.0
Spinners: bowling ave < 35 and strike rate of < 70.0

Accordingly, the first opener is now up for selection over the next 7-days, whereby the 10 openers that have the next best results will then be up for selection as the 2nd opener (this poll will also run for 7-days).

Openers figures after 1986

Anwar: 45 tests, 4052 runs, 45.52, 11 centuries
Boon: 95 tests, 6824 runs, 45.79, 20 centuries
Gibbs: 79 tests, 5728 runs, 44.40, 14 centuries
Gooch: 70 tests, 5873 runs, 45.52, 15 centuries
Hayden: 84 tests, 7326 runs, 53.08, 26 centuries
Haynes: 62 tests, 4253 runs, 44.30, 11 centuries
Jayasuriya: 105 tests, 6745 runs, 41.12, 14 centuries
Langer: 100 tests, 7393 runs, 45.35, 22 centuries
Kirsten: 101 tests, 7289 runs, 45.27, 21 centuries
Sehwag: 49 tests, 4066 runs, 52.12, 12 centuries
Sidhu: 49 tests, 3163 runs, 43.32, 9 centuries
Slater: 74 tests, 5312 runs, 42.83, 14 centuries
Smith: 48 tests, 3891 runs, 49.25, 11 centuries
Strauss: 30 tests, 2505 runs, 46.38, 10 centuries
Taylor: 104 tests, 7525 runs, 43.39, 19 centuries
Trescothick: 75 tests, 5815 runs, 44.38, 14 centuries
Vaughan: 64 tests, 4595 runs, 42.94, 15 centuries
Wright: 38 tests, 3019 runs, 45.05, 8 centuries

[James]

Sorry to be picky, but surely Mark Richardson deserves a spot in there. Our most successful opener since John Wright IMO, and has a better record than a lot of the players you list too.

[Tomm NCCC]

Looking at those figures, What suprises me is Andrew Strauss, If he carries on as he is and somehow makes 100 tests, he will be up at around 8,000 runs in test cricket.

As for my vote, it goes to Trescothick

[silentstriker]

I just voted for the person with the highest average. I didn't see that Hayden had a slightly higher average than Sehwag, so my vote should have gone to him.

[Burpey]

How does Michael Slater not make your list? I don't know if he's necessarily the best, but certainly should be considered.

[James]

Slater is on his list

Originally Posted by aussie tragic

Slater: 74 tests, 5312 runs, 42.83, 14 centuries

[pasag]

I voted for Haydon.

[cameeel]

Langer.

Brilliantly successful opener.

[Dasa]

That list is a clear indication of how misleading averages can be. I'm going for Saeed Anwar.

[a massive zebra]

Originally Posted by cameeel

Langer.

Brilliantly successful opener.

How could you chose Langer when Australia have another opener who has scored far more runs against exactly the same teams at exactly the same time?

[_Ed_]

My vote goes to Kirsten...was always very impressed whenever I watched him bat.

[_TiGeR-ToWn_]

Kirsten or Hayden out of that list.

Kirsten probably as he was consistant his whole career, Hayden started slowly but is a terrific batsman of the last 6 or so years.

[Mister Wright]

Hayden. Too consistent for too long, to be considered anything other than a great.

[aussie tragic]

Originally Posted by bagapath

i wish we select two fast bowlers and two spinners in the team. since the all-rounder is anyway likely to be a fast bowler you can afford to have two spinners along with three pacers. better for the typical last day's track, dont you think? can you please make the necessary change in your summing up post on top aussie tragic?

Done

[Burpey]

Originally Posted by James

Slater is on his list

Was that edited or am I really blind?

I need to know.