Spinner for 1946-65 World Test XI

[aussie tragic]

This is a 4-day poll to select the Spinner for the 1946-65 World Test XI

Dave Allen (Eng): 32 tests, 98 wkts @ 30.97 (4/0), SR 93.6, Econ 1.97, BB 5-30 --- 717 runs @ 23.90
Richie Benaud (Aus): 63 tests, 248 wkts @ 27.03 (16/1), SR 77.0, Econ 2.10, BB 7-72 --- 2201 runs @ 24.45
Lance Gibbs (WI): 26 tests, 112 wkts @ 23.46 (7/1), SR 87.7, Econ 1.98, BB 8-38 --- 225 runs @ 7.03
Subhash Gupte (Ind): 36 tests, 149 wkts @ 29.55 (12/1), SR 75.7, Econ 2.34, BB 9-102 --- 183 runs @ 6.31
Ian Johnson (Aus): 45 tests, 109 wkts @ 29.19 (3/0), SR 80.5, Econ 2.17, BB 7-44 --- 1000 runs @ 18.51
Jim Laker (Eng): 46 tests, 193 wkts @ 21.24 (9/3), SR 62.3, Econ 2.04, BB 10-53 --- 676 runs @ 14.08
Tony Lock (Eng): 47 tests, 170 wkts @ 24.93 (9/3), SR 74.9, Econ 1.99, BB 7-35 --- 648 runs @ 12.70
Vinoo Mankad (Ind): 44 tests, 162 wkts @ 32.32 (8/2), SR 90.6, Econ 2.13, BB 8-52 --- 2109 runs @ 31.47
Sonny Ramadhin (WI): 43 tests, 158 wkts @ 28.98 (8/2), SR 88.2, Econ 1.97, BB 7-49 --- 361 runs @ 8.20
Hugh Tayfield (SA): 37 tests, 170 wkts @ 25.91 (14/2), SR 79.8, Econ 1.94, BB 9-113 --- 862 runs @ 16.90
Fred Titmus (Eng): 38 tests, 123 wkts @ 29.79 (7/0), SR 98.8, Econ 1.95, BB 7-79 --- 936 runs @ 21.27
Alf Valentine (WI): 36 tests, 139 wkts @ 30.32 (8/2), SR 93.1, Econ 1.95, BB 8-104 --- 141 runs @ 4.70
Johnny Wardle (Eng): 28 tests, 102 wkts @ 20.39 (7/0), SR 64.6, Econ 1.89, BB 7-36 --- 653 runs @ 19.78


The 1946-65 World Test XI so far:

1. Len Hutton (Eng)
2. Arthur Morris (Aus)
3. Clyde Walcott (WI)
4. Everton Weekes (WI)

[nightprowler10]

I went Laker. Not just due to his 19-wicket haul in that one test, but his stats overall are very impressive, only real competition being Wardle IMO.

[oz_fan]

A lot of quality spinners in that list. I narrowed it down to a choice between Benaud, Laker, Gibbs and Tayfield. I eventully went with Laker. His superior average, strike rate and ability to rip through batting lineups got him my vote.

[aussie tragic]

Hopefully the following break-down helps:

Most Wkts: Benaud (248), Laker (193), Lock (170), Tayfield (170), Mankad (162)
Best Average: Wardle (20.39), Laker (21.24), Gibbs (23.46), Lock (24.93), Tayfield (25.91)
Best SR: Laker (62.3), Wardle (64.6), Lock (74.9), Gupte (75.7), Benaud (77.0)
Best Econ: Wardle (1.89), Tayfield (1.94), Valentine (1.95), Titmus (1.95), Ramadhin (1.97)

Best Batting: Mankad (31.47), Benaud (24.45), Allen (23.90), Titmus (21.27), Wardle (19.78)

[aussie tragic]

I picked Laker, but Gibbs, Lock & Benaud were close behind.

btw, I discounted Wardle after I read that Lock was always preferred over him for Yorkshire and that he couldn't get into the test side above Laker & Lock (sounds like the MacGill of this era).

[Poker Boy]

Jim Laker.

[Goughy]

Originally Posted by aussie tragic

I picked Laker, but Gibbs, Lock & Benaud were close behind.

btw, I discounted Wardle after I read that Lock was always preferred over him for Yorkshire and that he couldn't get into the test side above Laker & Lock (sounds like the MacGill of this era).

What books do you read? Lock didnt play for Yorkshire.

[PhoenixFire]

Laker, the only one who comes close was Lock. Laker was the best proper off spinner of all time. I say propper because Murali isn't really an off spinner, more like a mystery spinner.

[C_C]

Gupte.
Then Gibbs
After that, then Laker.

[silentstriker]

I went Wardle, though Laker is close behind. Gibbs would be the third choice.

The rest are some distance away.

[Goughy]

The thing about Wardle is he could bowl both (wrist and orthadox spin) depending on the track.

His career was cut short due to issues at Yorkshire and the writing of a newspaper piece.

If Laker and Lock had not been at the same county for a long time I have little doubt Wardle would have been chosen for Lakers partner in Tests.

In conclusion his career was subject to Surrey bias and an anti-pro administrative mentality.

[Matt79]

Laker - best offie ever.

[Perm]

Richie Benaud

[Matt79]

Originally Posted by Perm

Richie Benaud

I thought about voting for Richie, and probably will as the last bowler. With his leggies to complement Laker, his batting and his captaincy he'd certainly add a lot.

[Goughy]

Originally Posted by Matt79

I thought about voting for Richie, and probably will as the last bowler. With his leggies to complement Laker, his batting and his captaincy he'd certainly add a lot.

Its interesting when listening to the commentary of Lakers 19fer how they had a low opinion of Benauds bowling compared to Lock and Laker. I dont think he can be put in the top class spinner category.

I find it difficult to beleive that Benaud could make any alltime (or generational team) unless captaincy carried bonus points.