During the 1980's yes, because Chappell was past his best, and by his own admission pretty much burned out. The fact that he was able to maintain an average of over 50 during his last 3 years was a minor miracle. However, during the mid-70's it was clear that Chappell was the best middle-order batsman in the world. And during the late-70's they were pretty much even IMO.
For me the biggest strength of Sachin compared to lets say someone like Lara was how he paced his innings. We have seen two different modes of Sachin. The pre-Tennis elbow mode was very very attacking and could rip apart any bowling attack while the post-Tennis elbow injury Sachin was much more reserved with his shots. With Sir Viv already there, I also would have Sachin there.
I think this is a bit disingenuous.
Nup. Can't think of too may teams blessed with as many real pace options that were also effective at test level. Sides have a balance of fast thru fast medium to spin to service them over a good period of time. You'd be a lucky country that had that many test effective genuine quicks over a 10-20 year period. Even luckier if you had 2 of them at their peak at the same time. Look at us after the war. Lindwall and Miller as genuine fast and then little or nothing til Lillee. The only side that did was the WI which is why most acknowledge their production line of genuine expresses as pretty much unique.
This is my perspective as well, but expect a 10-page argument debating this. Always happens.
I agree, but then if he was English, and the sort of bloke you'd like to have a pint with as opposed to being a complete **** (ie his name was Colin Milburn) I'd take a different view
Not yet!
Well, it's a close run thing between Dan's and Fred's team as far as pure entertainment is concerned.
