Jayasuriya v Ponting in odi as cricketers

[abmk]

sanath, but not by a large margin by any means

he took 300+ wickets , only 10 others have done that, just saying

[Himannv]

Jayasuriya's bowling was fantastic so that probably swings it his way.

[honestbharani]

Sanath was a fantastic player...but: top 5 batsman of all-time, arguably the greatest ODI captain of all time and in the top handful of fielders of all-time. Jayasuriya's bowling just doesn't make enough ground for me.

Jayasuriya was a good fieldsman but Ponting was a great fieldsman. He would have to be in contention for the best fieldsman of the modern era, certainly in the top 5. In no way was their fielding equal.

I really wonder how much emphasis you guys place on a strong arm.. I would think, Aussies, of all people would appreciate the value of rocket throws being just as important as the ability to anticipate and dive around.. And as catchers, I don't really see any reason why Ponting should be considered better than Jayasuriya...

[smalishah84]

It's also interesting to note how huge a step was Jayasuriya's aggressive batting in 96 WC for SL cricket. They became a world beater from a minnow overnight! I remember how I though of SL before and after the 96 world cup was poles apart. I know there were others who deserve credit for that transformation. Arguably, De Silva's contribution was even bigger in SL's WC campaign. But it was Jayasuriya's destructive batting that left an enduring image in everyone's mind.

Ditto

And as catchers, I don't really see any reason why Ponting should be considered better than Jayasuriya...

I am thinking along the same lines.

[abmk]

I really wonder how much emphasis you guys place on a strong arm.. I would think, Aussies, of all people would appreciate the value of rocket throws being just as important as the ability to anticipate and dive around.. And as catchers, I don't really see any reason why Ponting should be considered better than Jayasuriya...

ponting is/was CLEARLY the better catcher.

As far as inflicting run-outs is concerned, IMO ponting had/has no superior .

[vcs]

It's also interesting to note how huge a step was Jayasuriya's aggressive batting in 96 WC for SL cricket. They became a world beater from a minnow overnight! I remember how I though of SL before and after the 96 world cup was poles apart. I know there were others who deserve credit for that transformation. Arguably, De Silva's contribution was even bigger in SL's WC campaign. But it was Jayasuriya's destructive batting that left an enduring image in everyone's mind.

Hmm.. I think they definitely were the in-form ODI side heading into the tournament (it was pretty open with no clear pre-tournament favourites, somewhat like this year). Not minnows at all for mine in '96.

[Spark]

Catching there isn't that much difference - although Ponting was probably just that bit more naturally gifted.

Run-outs though, yeah. I don't think I've seen anyone hit the stumps on demand more than he has, ever.

[Teja.]

Ponting, WAG.

[0RI0N]

Difficult decision is difficult.
Both boss batsmen no doubt.
Sanath's savage batting and canny clever spinners, 8 4fers and 4 5fers.
Ponting's skippership and great ODI leadership esp. WC's (dealwithithaters.pdf) and consistent attacking batting and amazing fielding.

[benchmark00]

So many memes in one post.

[Migara]

Ponting comfortably when you consider the fielding and captaincy. The batting is a no contest.

Yeah Jaya took a lot of wickets but I don't think his bowling was strong enough to tip the scale.

Jayasuriya is a very successful ODI captain too. Ponting is nowhere "comfortably" better than Jaya in the field, and Jaya was one of the best fielders in the world in early to late 90s. Ponting's captaining is not a strong contention because even Boycs' grandma would have captained that Aussie team in to wins.

As a batsman, Ponting. As a player Jayasuriya.

[Migara]

Always thought it was Kalu who was the one who started it, in 1995. Jayasuriya took a backseat for while until he finally cut loose in that WC. Kalu was brilliant in 1995/96 in Australia, left Sanath in the dust.

Nah, Jaya was used in this mode in as early as 1993. I can remember in 1994 he was used at #3 to counter Wasim and Abdul Qadir (who was making a return IIRC). He smashed all of them to all the corners. Kalu was promoted there because he was a very good player of short bowling, where Mahanama was found wanting against.

[Eclipse]

Jayasuriya is a very successful ODI captain too. Ponting is nowhere "comfortably" better than Jaya in the field, and Jaya was one of the best fielders in the world in early to late 90s. Ponting's captaining is not a strong contention because even Boycs' grandma would have captained that Aussie team in to wins.

As a batsman, Ponting. As a player Jayasuriya.

Yes Ponting is comfortably better in the feild.

[Eclipse]

I really wonder how much emphasis you guys place on a strong arm.. I would think, Aussies, of all people would appreciate the value of rocket throws being just as important as the ability to anticipate and dive around.. And as catchers, I don't really see any reason why Ponting should be considered better than Jayasuriya...

Are you trying to suggest Jayasuriya had a better arm than Ponting?

Pontings arm is dynomite

[Spark]

There was a period in 09 recently where Ponting was running out a batsman with direct hits almost every other match. It was insane.