The primary value of a cricketer is in...

[kiwiviktor81]

his ability to win games or to entertain the crowd?

Was thinking about this with special reference to the McGrath vs. Wasim debate. I can grudgingly concede that if I wanted to get a batsman out I'd pick McGrath. But if I wanted to be entertained I would definitely choose Wasim.

Which has more value for a cricketer, skill value or entertainment value, is not clear.

 

[Pratters]

In ability to win games.

 

[Garson007]

In his ability to contribute towards the team.

 

[91Jmay]

It is a valid Q. As a neutral you are going to pick the entertainer but for my team I'd always want the match winner.

 

[Stapel]

his ability to win games or to entertain the crowd?

Was thinking about this with special reference to the McGrath vs. Wasim debate. I can grudgingly concede that if I wanted to get a batsman out I'd pick McGrath. But if I wanted to be entertained I would definitely choose Wasim.

Which has more value for a cricketer, skill value or entertainment value, is not clear.

It's not so easy to define what entertaining the crowd is, right?

And no sane selector will pick players on entertainment value.

 

[Pratters]

ABD hit a few sixes, entertained in the current test series. However, as a neutral I was pissed as he wasn't playing effectively. Effectiveness on the field is entertaining enough for me. If I want to be entertained more, I'll watch a circus.

 

[wowitspink]

The ability to play for the team, country and win important games. If the batsman or bowler is entertaining too then awesome. If he isn't but comes good when needed most then I would take that.

 

[indiaholic]

The ability to win games is very entertaining.

 

[Daemon]

complete ineptness can sometimes be very entertaining

 

[Stapel]

complete ineptness can sometimes be very entertaining

A genuine number eleven is a good example, I guess.

 

[kiwiviktor81]

The ability to win games is very entertaining.

Primarily this. Also playing an entertaining brand of cricket will usually help you win games. So there is a lot of overlap.

 

[vcs]

Effectiveness with style (De Villiers) > Boring but effective (Alastair Cook) > Exciting but erratic (Afridi) > Dull and mediocre (Akash Chopra?)

 

[Howe_zat]

Winning the game is the most entertaining thing they can do, because the real joy of sport comes in following the narrative and being a part of it as it unfolds.

 

[Cabinet96]

his ability to help his team win games

 

[TNT]

I doubt you will find many Aussie supporters found McGrath boring. I found him entertaining and just loved how you could see the batsmen struggle to cope with him, watching him set a batsman up or strangle them was very entertaining. I can see how neutral or opposing supporters found him boring though. Everyone will have different expectations from a match, sometimes you just want a close match and other times you just want your team to crush the opposition.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Primary value => match winning ability. Pretty sure most teams would prefer Jaques Kallis over Glenn Maxwell.

Entertaining the crowd is important as well though.

 

[NZTailender]

The ability to clear the fence when batting 6 obvs.

 

[Burgey]

The currency of cricket is runs and wickets. You don't get results by beautifully caressing a ball down on one knee straight to cover.

 

[cnerd123]

his ability to win games or to entertain the crowd?

Was thinking about this with special reference to the McGrath vs. Wasim debate. I can grudgingly concede that if I wanted to get a batsman out I'd pick McGrath. But if I wanted to be entertained I would definitely choose Wasim.

Which has more value for a cricketer, skill value or entertainment value, is not clear.

A cricketer's value really depends on who is evaluating it though.

 

[social]

I rate Wasim as the most talented bowler that I have ever seen but was generally fascinated by McGrath as his ability to make the incredibly difficult (e.g. bowling the ball on the spot consistently and working out batsmen in a heartbeat) look ridiculously easy was the true mark of genius for me