Pick two Opening Bowlers for the 1920-39 World XI

[aussie tragic]

Please select TWO Opening Bowlers for the 1920-39 World Test XI (criteria: Ave =< 31)

Gubby Allen (Eng): 22 tests, 76 wkts @ 28.60 (5/1), Econ 3.16, SR 54.1, BB 7-80 --- 656 runs @ 25.23
Bill Bowes (Eng): 14 tests, 67 wkts @ 21.58 (6/0), Econ 2.49, SR 51.9, BB 6-33 --- 26 runs @ 5.20
Learie Constantine (WI): 18 tests, 58 wkts @ 30.10 (2/0), Econ 2.92, SR 61.8, BB 5-75 --- 635 runs @ 19.24
Jack Gregory (Aus): 24 tests, 85 wkts @ 31.15 (4/0), Econ 2.84, SR 65.6, BB 7-69 --- 1146 runs @ 36.96
Herman Griffith (WI): 13 tests, 44 wkts @ 28.25 (2/0), Econ 2.80, SR 60.5, BB 6-103 --- 91 runs @ 5.05
Ken Farnes (Eng): 15 tests, 60 wkts @ 28.65 (3/1), Econ 2.62, SR 65.5, BB 6-96 --- 58 runs @ 4.83
George Geary (Eng): 14 tests, 46 wkts @ 29.41 (4/1), Econ 2.13, SR 82.8, BB 7-70 --- 249 runs @ 15.56
Harold Larwood (Eng): 21 tests, 78 wkts @ 28.35 (4/1), Econ 2.67, SR 63.7, BB 6-32 --- 485 runs @ 19.40
Manny Martindale (WI): 10 tests, 37 wkts @ 21.72 (3/0), Econ 3.00, SR 43.4, BB 5-22 --- 58 runs @ 5.27
Eddie McCormick (Aus): 12 tests, 36 wkts @ 29.97 (0/0), Econ 3.07, SR 58.5, BB 4-101 --- 54 runs @ 6.00
*Amar Singh (Ind): 7 tests, 28 wkts @ 30.64 (2/0), Econ 2.35, SR 77.9, BB 7-86 --- 293 runs @ 22.46
Maurice Tate (Eng): 39 tests, 155 wkts @ 26.16 (7/1), Econ 1.94, SR 80.7, BB 6-42 --- 1198 runs @ 25.48
Bill Voce (Eng): 24 tests, 97 wkts @ 26.04 (3/2), Econ 2.57, SR 64.8, BB 7-70 --- 289 runs @ 14.45

Runner ups go into the final Bowler poll with the runner up spinners

* Wild card granted as he played all Indian tests during the 1920-39 period (plus SS actually rates him as a worthy Indian Pacer).

The 1920-39 World Test XI so far:

1. Jack Hobbs
2. Herb Sutcliffe
3. Don Bradman
4. Wally Hammond
5. George Headley
6. Stan McCabe
7. Les Ames
8.
9.
10.
11. Bill O'Reilly

[silentstriker]

Yes, I do. But there are some very good bowlers. Amar Singh had an exceptional FC record, in England as well.

I am sorely tempted to vote for him, and Larwood is a lock for one spot.

[aussie tragic]

I'm struggling to choose between Larwood, Tate, Bowes and Voce

Edit: eliminated Bowes due to cricinfo quote "But England had Larwood (and later Farnes), Voce and Allen, all faster than Bowes and all but Farnes far better bats and fields."

Okay, Bodyline attack it is, Larwood and Voce

[silentstriker]

Can I cheat and vote for three?

[GIMH]

Larwood and Voce for me too

[oz_fan]

Tate and Larwood

[PhoenixFire]

Larwood and Allen

[adharcric]

You think I would pass up the rare opportunity to vote in an Indian seamer?

Larwood and Singh.

[adharcric]

AT, I accidentally forgot to check Larwood's box along with that of Amar Singh.

[ripper868]

Martindale and bowes

[archie mac]

I thought it was Ernie Mac

Would have like to see Ted Mac as well

[JBH001]

Agreed.

Where is McDonald?

In any case, I am going for 2 genuine quicks, one of whom was an all-rounder and the other a bowler who could wield a willow.

Gregory and Larwood

(Tate would be the 3rd seamer)

[Perm]

Harold Larwood and Amar Singh

[Matt79]

Gregory and Larwood.

[The Sean]

Originally Posted by archie mac

I thought it was Ernie Mac

Would have like to see Ted Mac as well

It was indeed Ernie Mac. But sadly Ted's Test record doesn't match either his reputation, or the criteria specified here - I haven't looked it up, but I think it was something like 43 wickets at 33 from 11 Tests. In FC cricket, his record was phenomenal, and a bloke called Bradman even went so far as to consider him just about the greatest fast bowler he ever faced.