# 4 for the All Time Test XI

[oz_fan]

This is a poll to decide the # 4 batsman for the All Time Test XI. Following Bradman's selection at # 3 all the middle order batsmen will be included in this poll. The list of contenders are:

Batsman Mat Inn NO Runs HS1 HS2 HS3 Ave 100 50
Wally Hammond - 85 140 16 7249 336* 251 240 58.45 22 24
George Headley - 22 40 4 2190 270* 223 176 60.83 10 5
Viv Richards - 121 182 12 8540 291 232 208 50.23 24 45
Sachin Tendulkar - 137 220 23 10922 248* 241* 217 55.44 37 43
Brian Lara - 131 232 6 11953 400* 375 277 52.88 34 48
Gary Sobers - 93 160 21 8032 365* 226 198 57.78 26 30

 

[Fiery]

Hammond

 

[adharcric]

Holy ****, this could get close. Every single one of them has a strong case. Hammond vs Tendulkar right here with Sobers set in stone at 6.

 

[oz_fan]

I think this is the toughest choice so far. I'm going to go with Lara but any of these batsmen could make the side.

 

[grecian]

Holy ****, this could get close. Every single one of them has a strong case. Hammond vs Tendulkar right here with Sobers set in stone at 6.

Yeah it's a real killer, I've voted for Wally, but on another day I could vote for any one of 'em

 

[sideshowtim]

Sobers. Don't understand why Tendulkar is on this list tbh.

 

[Fiery]

Sobers. Don't understand why Tendulkar is on this list tbh.

tsk...the Tendulkar-hate on this forum is ridiculous imo. There's no doubt in my mind he deserves his place on that list

 

[sideshowtim]

Dunno, he's been pretty average for a few years now. Definitely lost his aura. 4 test centuries in the last 3 years, and 3 of them have been against Bangladesh. Sure he had a good run during his career, but if we're giving points for that Ponting should without a doubt be on this list.

 

[Fiery]

Dunno, he's been pretty average for a few years now. Definitely lost his aura. 4 test centuries in the last 3 years, and 3 of them have been against Bangladesh. Sure he had a good run during his career, but if we're giving points for that Ponting should without a doubt be on this list.

Ponting usually bats 3

 

[sideshowtim]

Making his job harder too might I add. Many argue that's the most difficult position to bat in. Anyway, I won't get into the whole Ponting is better than Tendulkar thing...

 

[silentstriker]

Hammond or Tendulkar here, Richards at five, Sobers at six IMO.

 

[silentstriker]

tsk...the Tendulkar-hate on this forum is ridiculous imo.

Nah, Sir Viv had the same type of critisism in his last three to four years when he averaged 30. Five to ten years after his retirement it'll go away. I don't really bother arguing it atm.

 

[Fiery]

Making his job harder too might I add. Many argue that's the most difficult position to bat in. Anyway, I won't get into the whole Ponting is better than Tendulkar thing...

Ponting > Tendulkar at the moment. Tendulkar > Ponting in terms of entire career imo

 

[sideshowtim]

Ponting > Tendulkar at the moment. Tendulkar > Ponting in terms of entire career imo

Hard to say that though I think. And it doesn't entirely make sense to me.

Let's look at them at the same point in their careers.

After 110 matches:
Tendulkar - 8,964 runs @ 55.33 (31 100's, 36 50's)
Ponting - 9,368 @ 59.29 (33 100's, 36 50's)

I mean, ever since then Tendulkar hasn't been magnificent either really. Unless something drastic happens to Ponting, and I mean ridiculously drastic It's going to become harder and harder to argue that Tendulkar is better than Ponting. Especially considering some of the amazing knocks Ponting has played with the weight of the captaincy.

 

[archie mac]

Tough call, went for Wally, but will be happy with any of this lot

 

[Fiery]

Hard to say that though I think. And it doesn't entirely make sense to me.

Let's look at them at the same point in their careers.

After 110 matches:
Tendulkar - 8,964 runs @ 55.33 (31 100's, 36 50's)
Ponting - 9,368 @ 59.29 (33 100's, 36 50's)

I mean, ever since then Tendulkar hasn't been magnificent either really. Unless something drastic happens to Ponting, and I mean ridiculously drastic It's going to become harder and harder to argue that Tendulkar is better than Ponting. Especially considering some of the amazing knocks Ponting has played with the weight of the captaincy.

I have no doubt Ponting will become the greater player before too long, he's just not quite there yet imo but it's a worthy debate

 

[grecian]

The "black Bradman", not getting a vote yet, I think I'd change my vote if I knew that may happen

 

[Fiery]

The "black Bradman", not getting a vote yet, I think I'd change my vote if I knew that may happen

He just didn't play enough games for mine

 

[adharcric]

Hard to say that though I think. And it doesn't entirely make sense to me.

Let's look at them at the same point in their careers.

After 110 matches:
Tendulkar - 8,964 runs @ 55.33 (31 100's, 36 50's)
Ponting - 9,368 @ 59.29 (33 100's, 36 50's)

I mean, ever since then Tendulkar hasn't been magnificent either really. Unless something drastic happens to Ponting, and I mean ridiculously drastic It's going to become harder and harder to argue that Tendulkar is better than Ponting. Especially considering some of the amazing knocks Ponting has played with the weight of the captaincy.

Of course, Tendulkar and Ponting faced the same attacks on the same pitches ...

 

[archie mac]

Hard to say that though I think. And it doesn't entirely make sense to me.

Let's look at them at the same point in their careers.

After 110 matches:
Tendulkar - 8,964 runs @ 55.33 (31 100's, 36 50's)
Ponting - 9,368 @ 59.29 (33 100's, 36 50's)

I mean, ever since then Tendulkar hasn't been magnificent either really. Unless something drastic happens to Ponting, and I mean ridiculously drastic It's going to become harder and harder to argue that Tendulkar is better than Ponting. Especially considering some of the amazing knocks Ponting has played with the weight of the captaincy.

I always feel that when I pick an all time 11, each player will be some how able to perform at their very best. I think ST at his very best, would be just about as good as it can get