Who would you pick as your 2 Test openers from 21st Century?

[Singh767]

For me it would be Cook and Sehwag. Cook being my first choice and Sehwag second. Cook opening in the hardest country in the world to open is a definite factor for me - plus his great record in Asia (54 average). Sehwag would compliment him well in my opinion, poor record when the ball moves but an absolute beast otherwise (and finished with a 82 strikerate ). No bias here - being born in England but of Indian descent lol.

Choose your top 2 . Some basic stats below.

Cook - 32 100s
Cook average away 45.6
Cook average home 43.9

Hayden - 30 100s
Hayden average away 41.7
Hayden average home 57.8

Sehwag - 23 100s
Sehwag average away 44.6
Sehwag average home 54.1

Smith - 27 100s
Smith average away 53.9
Smith average home 41.5

 

[vcs]

Hayden and Smith.

Ugly lefty bullying FTW.

I am surprised Smith never made any centuries in India, for such a solid player.

EDIT : Actually, he never made any centuries vs. India at all. Weird. Don't particularly remember him having any issues against spin, though he did struggle against Zaheer.

 

[trundler]

Smith had the toughest job, followed by Cook. Reflected in their home averages. Also shows what a home bully Hayden was. Had the easiest job of the 4. Sehwag's away average is higher than I thought it'd be, though it is only outside Asia that it plummets if I'm not wrong. Hayden has the best century ratio.

Smith will probably be my first selection. The Sehwag and Hayden are pretty much even Stevens. Cook would be close too. What's with FTB openers who are great against spin haha.

 

[morgieb]

Smith and Sehwag.

Hayden was probably better than Sehwag, but Sehwag offers contrast and can go nuts in a way with that Hayden and Smith can't as much.

 

[trundler]

For the record Gavaskar averages 52 away and 50 home. ****ing unbelievable.

 

[harsh.ag]

Smith is a lock.

It's between Cook and Hayden. Could argue for both.

 

[jimmy101]

Smith & Sehwag. Two of my favourite 21st century batsmen

 

[trundler]

Smith
-
-
Tendulkar
-
Kallis
Gilchrist
-
-
McGrath
Murali

Fill as you please.

 

[Borges]

Yes, jimmy101. Smith and Sehwag, it is.

 

[jimmy101]

Smith
-
-
Tendulkar
-
Kallis
Gilchrist
-
-
McGrath
Murali

Fill as you please.

I'd go as far as saying Steyn is also a lock in that side.

 

[trundler]

Personally I'd want a stable opener who can blunt out the quicks. How does CW rate these 4 men against pace I wonder?

 

[trundler]

I'd go as far as saying Steyn is also a lock in that side.

Definitely. Oversight.

 

[jimmy101]

 

[jimmy101]

^ No batsman can possibly withstand that.

 

[Bolo]

Definitely Smith by a nose. All the others are a fair shout, but I probably put Sehwag last.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Hamilton Masakadza and Chris Gayle

 

[cnerd123]

Smith and Sehwag.

If we're picking on peak form then Cook is definitely in contention.

 

[Bolo]

Smith
-
-
Tendulkar
-
Kallis
Gilchrist
-
-
McGrath
Murali

Fill as you please.

Tendulkar is a lock for the 90s. 21st century he's just one of many with a solid case.

 

[trundler]

Tendulkar is a lock for the 90s. 21st century he's just one of many with a solid case.

Maybe so. One or 2 guys are always going to debatable.

Dravid, Sanga, and Ponting fighting for the number 3 spot.
Lara and Smith are in contention for the #5 spot. Could have either up the order too. With Murali, McGrath and Steyn being locks I'll need a strong #8. Big Vern is just that.

 

[Bolo]

Maybe so. One or 2 guys are always going to debatable.

Dravid, Sanga, and Ponting fighting for the number 3 spot.
Lara and Smith are in contention for the #5 spot. Could have either up the order too. With Murali, McGrath and Steyn being locks I'll need a strong #8. Big Vern is just that.

Kohli, AB, Younis are all fair shouts as well.