Woodster
International Captain
Despite talk of batting standards dropping, there are still some powerful top/middle orders around, so which three players would you prefer in your line-up from around the world ?
England - Currently possess the most in-form three in Trott, Pietersen and Bell. A good mix imo, the solidity of Trott, the more aggressive KP and the technically gifted Bell made an impressive trio.
India - On paper and judging on performances of years gone by, this three take come beating. Dravid, Tendulkar, and Laxman are not getting any younger and are they on current form as good as anyone else ?
Australia - While Marsh is still unproven at Test level, he's backed up by Ponting and Clarke, not to be sniffed at.
Sri Lanka - Two legends of SL cricket in Sangakkara and Jayawardene, backed up by the experienced Samaraweera. Obviously a stronger trio on home soil, but showing in the SA series they can fire abroad too.
South Africa - I love watching these three bat. Amla has developed into a very fine number three, Kallis is pure class and De Villiers is another that is working towards being one of the very best batsmen in the world.
New Zealand - Personally the best order for NZ right now is Ryder, Taylor then Williamson but place those in whatever order you prefer. The potential is there for these to really pose problems for the opposition.
West Indies - Probably haven't got a settled 3,4, and 5 so would put them down the pecking order. On recent form you'd probably look at Edwards, Bravo and Chanderpaul. Bravo and Edwards have both been impressive in their short careers to date, while Chanders provides the consistency,
Pakistan - Have done well with their consistency in the last 12 months, all three contributing to a resurgent Pakistan side. Younis the outstanding Pakistan batsmen has been in good company with Azhar Ali and Misbah, who has been consistency-personified since taking over the Test team.
There really are some good options in that list, and you could make a very reasonable case for a number of the sides. There is of course many things to consider, such as the balance of the three players, are there players there to take the game away from a side, are there enough players capable of scoring big, does it depend on the conditions as to the best three ?
For me, I'm marginally biased in opting for the England three, but I do think they'd be effective in most conditions, have proved they can score big, maybe a left-hander in there would make it perfect, but it does look a very strong three. SA would probably be my second choice, with India in third place. Thoughts anyone ?
England - Currently possess the most in-form three in Trott, Pietersen and Bell. A good mix imo, the solidity of Trott, the more aggressive KP and the technically gifted Bell made an impressive trio.
India - On paper and judging on performances of years gone by, this three take come beating. Dravid, Tendulkar, and Laxman are not getting any younger and are they on current form as good as anyone else ?
Australia - While Marsh is still unproven at Test level, he's backed up by Ponting and Clarke, not to be sniffed at.
Sri Lanka - Two legends of SL cricket in Sangakkara and Jayawardene, backed up by the experienced Samaraweera. Obviously a stronger trio on home soil, but showing in the SA series they can fire abroad too.
South Africa - I love watching these three bat. Amla has developed into a very fine number three, Kallis is pure class and De Villiers is another that is working towards being one of the very best batsmen in the world.
New Zealand - Personally the best order for NZ right now is Ryder, Taylor then Williamson but place those in whatever order you prefer. The potential is there for these to really pose problems for the opposition.
West Indies - Probably haven't got a settled 3,4, and 5 so would put them down the pecking order. On recent form you'd probably look at Edwards, Bravo and Chanderpaul. Bravo and Edwards have both been impressive in their short careers to date, while Chanders provides the consistency,
Pakistan - Have done well with their consistency in the last 12 months, all three contributing to a resurgent Pakistan side. Younis the outstanding Pakistan batsmen has been in good company with Azhar Ali and Misbah, who has been consistency-personified since taking over the Test team.
There really are some good options in that list, and you could make a very reasonable case for a number of the sides. There is of course many things to consider, such as the balance of the three players, are there players there to take the game away from a side, are there enough players capable of scoring big, does it depend on the conditions as to the best three ?
For me, I'm marginally biased in opting for the England three, but I do think they'd be effective in most conditions, have proved they can score big, maybe a left-hander in there would make it perfect, but it does look a very strong three. SA would probably be my second choice, with India in third place. Thoughts anyone ?
