The Barnes Standard

[kyear2]

but Crowe was an exception......I m sure other batsmen might have found the technique hard to follow

Just for the record, while Wasim could for some fit into that category, he is for most still is an ATG, just not top tier with some of the very elite. The original statement was intended for Larwood, Miller and Lindwall who for me doesn't quite fit into the ATG category for me and definitely doesn't deserve to be rared ahead of Marshall as Benaud has done. WPM and strike rate just not good enough.

 

[smash84]

I don't think Benaud rates Miller ahead of Marshall. Miller was in the pool of all rounders and lost out to Imran and Sobers in Benaud's team

 

[hendrix]

but Crowe was an exception......I m sure other batsmen might have found the technique hard to follow

Yes, but there's a reason we have the term "that ball was too good for the batsman" in cricket.

I generally hate the X-factor category - especially when applied to batsmen - but there are certain players to whom it absolutely applies. Akram to me is the bowling equivalent of Lara. These are players who can make an excellent bowling attack look pedestrian and very good batsmen inept. Lara vs Warne and Akram vs Dravid are good examples.

I think that DoG's analysis will come out with some statistical method for supporting players like this. The great opposition category, match-winning performances etc will hopefully come to Akram's aid here.