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Quick World ATG XI draft- No Bradman
- Thread starter Red
- Start date
I have no idea how he's still available, but I'll take Hedley Verity
Final XI
Write-ups to come.
Final XI
- Sir Jack Hobbs
- Barry Richards
- Charles Macartney (6)
- Javed Miandad
- Douglas Jardine*
- Frank Woolley (5)
- Clive Rice (3)
- Godfrey Evans+
- Ray Lindwall (2)
- Harold Larwood (1)
- Muttiah Muralitharan (4)
Write-ups to come.
harsh.ag
Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
Hey Zaremba, quick question. Even though I have no problem conceding I should not have named those players in that post, but isn't everyone here already quite well acquainted with them? I am sure they must be, they all sound really knowledgeable on cricketing affairs. So I am guessing those players haven't been picked for a reason. Do I make any sense?
kyear2
Cricketer Of The Year
I normally complete a value chart for every draft that I enter, but most people dont and can easily forget or overlook a player. Additionally even though I do one there are still times when I will forget a player. So it's not all about knowledge and so still best not to mention players untill they are selected.
zaremba
Cricketer Of The Year
Everyone knows all those players, but just having someone say "hey guys, have you thought about picking X" might make them reflect and decide to pick them. And I'm toying with picking a couple of those you mentioned so I don't want anyone else nabbing them!
Red
The normal awards that everyone else has
I feel I need a little more firepower in my bowling attack, so I am selecting early era demon bowler, Fred Spofforth.
Average and SR are ridiculously low, as some from early eras are, but he was clearly the premier bowler of the early era of tests.
Average and SR are ridiculously low, as some from early eras are, but he was clearly the premier bowler of the early era of tests.
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Red
The normal awards that everyone else has
Abbot's XI
1. Bill Ponsford - right hand opening bat
Remarkable batsman capable of making high scores in a similar fashion to Bradman. High powers of concentration and stamina meant he made scores of over 400 in FC cricket on numerous occasions.
2. Bill Lawry - left hand opening bat
Lawry was concentration personified, perhaps no Australian batsman has guarded his wicket more fiercely. Remembered for the epic "battle of the ridge" at Lords, he typically defied great fast bowlers of the ilk of Trueman, Statham, Tyson, Hall and Griffiths.
3. Ian Chappell (captain) - right hand bat, right arm leg spin
Dogged and determined Australian batsman who was one of Australia's most inspirational captains. Led his team like a gang, and thrived on the contest between men that cricket provides. Batting at 3 for Australia in the era he did meant he faced the brunt of the WIs fierce pace assault, and also the likes of Willis, Snow and Imran. Averaged a very healthy 50 at #3 in that era, and I speculate to say that had he played in a different era, he may well have averaged 65. Fine slip fielder as well.
4. Wally Hammond - right hand bat, right arm med pace
During his career, Hammond was considered as one of the four greatest batsmen ever (the others being Grace, Hobbs and Bradman). Massively powerful driver of the ball on the front foot, and able to play all shots with an elegance due to timing combined with power. Masterful slip fielder who will stand with Chappell in the cordon.
5. Kumar Sangakkara - left hand bat
There is a trait in Sri Lankan batsmen that sees them bat in big partnerships. That's precisely what I want from my number five. Cuts and pulls like a master, and enjoys facing quick bowling. Good with the sledge as well. Will provide great stability to my middle order with his test match average of 56.
6. Neil Harvey (vice captain) - left hand bat
Neil Harvey, put simply, was a batting maestro. He had the power, the footwork, and the bravery to be the best in the world in his era. His attitude was to get on with the battle, and he is a luxury at number 6 here. Will provide a massive bonus at six if the top order fires, and is exactly the right man at 6 is there is a collapse to provide a counter punch. One of the great cover fielders.
7. Les Ames - right hand bat, wicketkeeper
The prototype Gilchrist, Ames was the first great keeper/batsman. Able to combine the duties behind the stumps with a batting average over 40, Ames adds great benefit to this team. Regularly batted at #4 or 5 in tests, so a luxury at 7. Ames was a classical batsman, driving, pulling and cutting fluently. Beautifully neat and economical gloveman.
8. Richard Hadlee - left hand bat, right arm fast
No doubt he was NZs greatest cricketer, and he is one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. He had a smooth, economical action, and early in his career he could generate serious pace. Like Lillee, he became craftier as he lost pace, and perhaps a better bowler because of it, using swing and cut to great effect. Bowling average of 22 and SR of 50 are absolutely elite. Good left handed batsman, who made 2 centuries and 15 half centuries at test level.
9. Allan Donald - right arm fast
Sometimes forgotten when ATG quicks are discussed, Donald was a force to be reckoned with. Bowling average of 22 and a SR of 47 begin to tell the story. Donald was quick, super quick, and somewhat scary. Classic quick bowlers action and the ability to frighten batsmen were hallmarks of Donald's career. Great bowler to combine with Hadlee, both economical and strike regularly.
10. Bill O'Reilly - leg break bowler
O'Reilly is perhaps the greatest spinner the world has seen. Controversial considering Warne and Murali's claims, but his figures suggest his greatness, and the anecdotes told of him confirm it. When Bradman rates you the best bowler ever, there is something to the story. O'Reilly was an attacking leg spinner who bowled at a quick pace through the air, and he will add a lot of character to the dressing room and on the ground. O'Reilly is a big key to this team winning tests on the 4th and 5th day.
11. Fred Spofforth - right arm fast medium
Spofforth's raw figures were outstanding; he claimed 94 Test wickets in 18 matches at an average of less than 20 runs apiece. He was also the first bowler to clinch a Test hat-trick; he claimed ten wickets in a match on four of those 18 occasions, and his analysis of 14/90 against England at The Oval in 1882 still stands as the second best performance in a match by an Australian bowler in the entire history of Test cricket.
12th man. Kapil Dev - right hand batsman, right arm fast med
Kapil is a fine player to have as twelfth man, meaning we have the flexibility to cover injury to anyone in the squad if needed. Great all rounder, powerful batsman and fine fast medium swing bowler.
1. Bill Ponsford - right hand opening bat
Remarkable batsman capable of making high scores in a similar fashion to Bradman. High powers of concentration and stamina meant he made scores of over 400 in FC cricket on numerous occasions.
2. Bill Lawry - left hand opening bat
Lawry was concentration personified, perhaps no Australian batsman has guarded his wicket more fiercely. Remembered for the epic "battle of the ridge" at Lords, he typically defied great fast bowlers of the ilk of Trueman, Statham, Tyson, Hall and Griffiths.
3. Ian Chappell (captain) - right hand bat, right arm leg spin
Dogged and determined Australian batsman who was one of Australia's most inspirational captains. Led his team like a gang, and thrived on the contest between men that cricket provides. Batting at 3 for Australia in the era he did meant he faced the brunt of the WIs fierce pace assault, and also the likes of Willis, Snow and Imran. Averaged a very healthy 50 at #3 in that era, and I speculate to say that had he played in a different era, he may well have averaged 65. Fine slip fielder as well.
4. Wally Hammond - right hand bat, right arm med pace
During his career, Hammond was considered as one of the four greatest batsmen ever (the others being Grace, Hobbs and Bradman). Massively powerful driver of the ball on the front foot, and able to play all shots with an elegance due to timing combined with power. Masterful slip fielder who will stand with Chappell in the cordon.
5. Kumar Sangakkara - left hand bat
There is a trait in Sri Lankan batsmen that sees them bat in big partnerships. That's precisely what I want from my number five. Cuts and pulls like a master, and enjoys facing quick bowling. Good with the sledge as well. Will provide great stability to my middle order with his test match average of 56.
6. Neil Harvey (vice captain) - left hand bat
Neil Harvey, put simply, was a batting maestro. He had the power, the footwork, and the bravery to be the best in the world in his era. His attitude was to get on with the battle, and he is a luxury at number 6 here. Will provide a massive bonus at six if the top order fires, and is exactly the right man at 6 is there is a collapse to provide a counter punch. One of the great cover fielders.
7. Les Ames - right hand bat, wicketkeeper
The prototype Gilchrist, Ames was the first great keeper/batsman. Able to combine the duties behind the stumps with a batting average over 40, Ames adds great benefit to this team. Regularly batted at #4 or 5 in tests, so a luxury at 7. Ames was a classical batsman, driving, pulling and cutting fluently. Beautifully neat and economical gloveman.
8. Richard Hadlee - left hand bat, right arm fast
No doubt he was NZs greatest cricketer, and he is one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. He had a smooth, economical action, and early in his career he could generate serious pace. Like Lillee, he became craftier as he lost pace, and perhaps a better bowler because of it, using swing and cut to great effect. Bowling average of 22 and SR of 50 are absolutely elite. Good left handed batsman, who made 2 centuries and 15 half centuries at test level.
9. Allan Donald - right arm fast
Sometimes forgotten when ATG quicks are discussed, Donald was a force to be reckoned with. Bowling average of 22 and a SR of 47 begin to tell the story. Donald was quick, super quick, and somewhat scary. Classic quick bowlers action and the ability to frighten batsmen were hallmarks of Donald's career. Great bowler to combine with Hadlee, both economical and strike regularly.
10. Bill O'Reilly - leg break bowler
O'Reilly is perhaps the greatest spinner the world has seen. Controversial considering Warne and Murali's claims, but his figures suggest his greatness, and the anecdotes told of him confirm it. When Bradman rates you the best bowler ever, there is something to the story. O'Reilly was an attacking leg spinner who bowled at a quick pace through the air, and he will add a lot of character to the dressing room and on the ground. O'Reilly is a big key to this team winning tests on the 4th and 5th day.
11. Fred Spofforth - right arm fast medium
Spofforth's raw figures were outstanding; he claimed 94 Test wickets in 18 matches at an average of less than 20 runs apiece. He was also the first bowler to clinch a Test hat-trick; he claimed ten wickets in a match on four of those 18 occasions, and his analysis of 14/90 against England at The Oval in 1882 still stands as the second best performance in a match by an Australian bowler in the entire history of Test cricket.
12th man. Kapil Dev - right hand batsman, right arm fast med
Kapil is a fine player to have as twelfth man, meaning we have the flexibility to cover injury to anyone in the squad if needed. Great all rounder, powerful batsman and fine fast medium swing bowler.
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zaremba
Cricketer Of The Year
Anil Kumble
(Remember, Remember) The Fists of Zaremba XI
1. Graham Gooch
2. Len Hutton
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Jacques Kallis
5. Archie Jackson
6. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
7.Matt Prior (w)
8. Mike Procter
9. Wilfred Rhodes
10. Malcolm Marshall
11. Bruce Reid / Anil Kumble
The first thing to notice is the ridiculous depth of that batting order. Wilfred Rhodes, with nearly 40,000 FC runs, bats at 9, and frankly couldn't hope to bat any higher given the quality above him; and unless Reid plays there is just no tail.
The next thing is the balance of the batting. On the one had there is a glittering array of attacking talent - Gooch, Ponting, Jackson, Prior, Procter. And on the other hand there is a series of some of the finest occupiers of the crease that the world has seen - Hutton, Kallis, Chanderpaul, Rhodes. I would suggest that this is a batting order of depth, quality and balance.
And yet this batting line-up does not imply any compromise in the bowling. Marshall and Procter are as fine an opening pair as can be imagined. Both very quick and hostile but also very skilled and able to swing the ball. There is Wilfred Rhodes, perhaps the finest left arm spinner of all time (over 4,000 FC wickets @ 16.7 to go with the aforementioned runs). In spin-friendly conditions he will be joined by Anil Kumble whose accuracy and consistency offers both control and threat. In seam-friendly conditions Bruce Reid steps in for Kumble, presenting a different angle - left arm over from a huge height - and getting bounce, hitting the seam and taking wickets cheaply. With Jacques Kallis to bowl third change. And if the first five bowlers should need a breather, Gooch and Ponting are capable of getting through a few overs.
So, just like the batting, the bowling is characterised by depth, quality and balance.
The team's weaknesses? First, I'd have liked more than one left handed batsman. Second, there is no "mystery" spinner; although Rhodes and Kumble are the probably best of their respective types in history, so I don't think I need worry on that front. And third, none of the fast bowlers is a recognised exponent of reverse swing; but I can't imagine that Procter, Reid and (especially) Marshall would be anything others than masters at the craft had they been exposed to it.
(Remember, Remember) The Fists of Zaremba XI
1. Graham Gooch
2. Len Hutton
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Jacques Kallis
5. Archie Jackson
6. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
7.Matt Prior (w)
8. Mike Procter
9. Wilfred Rhodes
10. Malcolm Marshall
11. Bruce Reid / Anil Kumble
The first thing to notice is the ridiculous depth of that batting order. Wilfred Rhodes, with nearly 40,000 FC runs, bats at 9, and frankly couldn't hope to bat any higher given the quality above him; and unless Reid plays there is just no tail.
The next thing is the balance of the batting. On the one had there is a glittering array of attacking talent - Gooch, Ponting, Jackson, Prior, Procter. And on the other hand there is a series of some of the finest occupiers of the crease that the world has seen - Hutton, Kallis, Chanderpaul, Rhodes. I would suggest that this is a batting order of depth, quality and balance.
And yet this batting line-up does not imply any compromise in the bowling. Marshall and Procter are as fine an opening pair as can be imagined. Both very quick and hostile but also very skilled and able to swing the ball. There is Wilfred Rhodes, perhaps the finest left arm spinner of all time (over 4,000 FC wickets @ 16.7 to go with the aforementioned runs). In spin-friendly conditions he will be joined by Anil Kumble whose accuracy and consistency offers both control and threat. In seam-friendly conditions Bruce Reid steps in for Kumble, presenting a different angle - left arm over from a huge height - and getting bounce, hitting the seam and taking wickets cheaply. With Jacques Kallis to bowl third change. And if the first five bowlers should need a breather, Gooch and Ponting are capable of getting through a few overs.
So, just like the batting, the bowling is characterised by depth, quality and balance.
The team's weaknesses? First, I'd have liked more than one left handed batsman. Second, there is no "mystery" spinner; although Rhodes and Kumble are the probably best of their respective types in history, so I don't think I need worry on that front. And third, none of the fast bowlers is a recognised exponent of reverse swing; but I can't imagine that Procter, Reid and (especially) Marshall would be anything others than masters at the craft had they been exposed to it.
watson
Banned
You don't need a 'mystery' spinner zaremba.
The nagging accuracy of Rhodes and Reid will combine nicely with the pace of Marshall and Proctor. This will enable the captain to completely tie up one end so his two pacemen can go full tilt at the other. Kallis will gave the two fast men a rest from time to time.
Having a less accurate 'mystery' spinner would undo the balance of the attack in my opinion.
The nagging accuracy of Rhodes and Reid will combine nicely with the pace of Marshall and Proctor. This will enable the captain to completely tie up one end so his two pacemen can go full tilt at the other. Kallis will gave the two fast men a rest from time to time.
Having a less accurate 'mystery' spinner would undo the balance of the attack in my opinion.
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watson
Banned
Abbot's XI has no weaknesses and I would hate to play it.
Incidently, the attacking swing bowling of Kapil Dev would have complemented the orthodox techniques of Donald and Hadlee nicely (Spofforth still does the job though!)
After the shine has gone off the new ball I can imagine Donald, Hadlee and Hammond settling down at the 'Southern End' with O'Reilly and Kapil Dev bowling long spells at the 'Northern End'. This would enable the captain to pretty much attack the batsman all day. Just a thought.
Incidently, the attacking swing bowling of Kapil Dev would have complemented the orthodox techniques of Donald and Hadlee nicely (Spofforth still does the job though!)
After the shine has gone off the new ball I can imagine Donald, Hadlee and Hammond settling down at the 'Southern End' with O'Reilly and Kapil Dev bowling long spells at the 'Northern End'. This would enable the captain to pretty much attack the batsman all day. Just a thought.
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Red
The normal awards that everyone else has
Cheers mate.
Tiger O'Reilly could hold down an end all day by sheer force of his personality, and incidentally pick up 5 or 6 wickets as the day goes on!
I love Kapil as a cricketer, but I do have concerns that he is not the best bowler I can have, and he is perhaps not quite good enough to bat at 6 in an ATG team, as I wanted 6 top class bats, plus a keeper/batsman. So, I decided I wanted the 4 best bowlers I could have, and Hammond as the fifth option. If I was to play Kapil, I think it'd have to be at the expense of one of the batsmen rather than Spofforth, or to drop Ames and give Sanga the gloves (which I'd be reluctant to do when you consider his avg w/out the gloves)-
Ponsford
Lawry
I. Chappell (c)
Hammond
Sangakarra (wk)
Harvey
Kapil Dev
Hadlee
Donald
O'Reilly
Spofforth
Not a bad selection issue to have, I guess Sangakarra gives me that flexibility
I imagine O'Reilly bowling almost unchanged from one end once the ball was older (with a chop out from Hammond if necessary), and Hadlee, Donald and Spofforth going hell for leather from the other end in 8 over bursts. Mouth watering!
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watson
Banned
No, your original team was better.
Sangakkara playing as a batsman gives you more value for money. Kapil Dev and Hadlee are also a bit hit a miss with the bat. Can score big, but also liable to fail too often over the course of a series.
The other thing to remember about Kapil Dev is that in an ATG team he doesn't have to prop-up the batting or be the strike bowler all of the time like he did playing for India. I think that he would be a better bowler especially without the constant added pressure. Also, a quick fire 80 runs or so late in the order could either rescue an innings, or turn a match in his teams favour depending on the circumstances.
Sangakkara playing as a batsman gives you more value for money. Kapil Dev and Hadlee are also a bit hit a miss with the bat. Can score big, but also liable to fail too often over the course of a series.
The other thing to remember about Kapil Dev is that in an ATG team he doesn't have to prop-up the batting or be the strike bowler all of the time like he did playing for India. I think that he would be a better bowler especially without the constant added pressure. Also, a quick fire 80 runs or so late in the order could either rescue an innings, or turn a match in his teams favour depending on the circumstances.
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kyear2
Cricketer Of The Year
When Wisden named the top 5 Cricketers of the 20th Century Sir I.V.A. Richards was voted to the 5th and final position, but tied for 6th and just missing out was Dennis Lillee and Sir Frank Worrell the leading strike bolwer and Captain respectively of the KYEAR XI.
KYEAR XI
Arthur Morris:
Named by no less than Donald Bradman to his All Time XI, Morris was the attacking first choice opener for the Invincibles, one of the greatest teams of All Time, and so great was his contribution that during the teats of 1948 he even outscored the Don himself. A career average of 46.48 confirms his ability.
Justin Langer:
He was one half of one of one of the top three (3) opening partnerships of All Time and one of the key anchors of one of the greatest teams ever, he went out on a high and most importantly on his own terms after the succesful 2006-2007 Ashes campaign. He managed to maintain an average of 45.27 and a s/r over 54 over a career spanning 105 Test matches. Langer also will stand capably at 3rd slip for my team.
Vivian Richards:
One of Wisdens Five Cricketers of the Century, he is probably behind only Bradman as the sports Greatest Batsman, he was the Master Blaster, capable of instilling fear into the greatest fast bolwers of his era. He never wore a helmet, but stared down and dominated Lillee and Thompson, Imran, Hadlee, Snow and all others who he faced, he could take on and decimate any pace or spin attack in any conditions, and as inpressive as his test record is he performed even better in the pressure pot that was WSC. He had that swagger, that confidence and was part of perhaps the greatest extended dynasty in cricket history. Viv was also the best fielder of his era, but was especially great in the slips, and will be joing Langer as our First Slip specialist.
Graeme Pollock:
Robbed of his prime by an oppressive regime, he still finished his career with the second highes test average after Bradman, 60.97 after 23 Tests. Even with so short a career, he impressed his peers to the extent that Bradman, not only named him to his All Time team, but also stated that along with Sobers, he was the Greatest left handed batsman in the history of the game. He was a powerful and skillful driver of the cricket ball, but really excelled and could play every shot in the book, he was named South Africa's player of the century and holds a place among the truely Elite in the history of the game.
Sir Frank Worrell:
The first appointed Black Captain of the West Indies team, he was also one of the famous 3w's, and stylistically probably the best. He was a champion for players rights and an absolute genius at the crease. He was equally comfortable at home and away and had an amazing tactical mind. He was part of that emerging West Indies team that won our first Test Series in England in 1950 and also played one of the great test innings of All Time. Sir Frank was also a useful and under rated bolwer, who at times opened the bowling for the West Indies before reverting to left arm spin when it was of a greater service to his team, he was Sobers before Sobers (though admittedly not as effective), and he brings the flexibility of either his Left arm fast medium or spin as required. He was one of the Great Captains and leaders of men in history and along with Benaud helped to save cricket in the 60's with an entertaining and sporting brand of cricket. For his contributions he was tied for 6th in Wisdens crickets of the Century and is the Leader of this team.
A.B de Villiers:
An attacking and skilful batsman, the fact that he plys his trade mainly on the pace and seam friendly tracks of South Africa, speaks volumes to his ability, especially to maintain anverage just shy of Fifty. He is one of the greatest fielders of the modern era and especially excells in the slips where he will be situated between Richards and Langer.
Jack Russell:
Truely on of the Greatest Wicketkeepers in the history of the game, and was an under rated batsman who averaged just under 30 in Tests despite the pressures and perceptions of the British selectors. He was flawless with the gloves, especially standing up and that coupled with his stubborn batting (two Hundreds and 6 fifties) surely deserved more than his 54 Test appearences. He was one of the last Golden Glovemen equally confident to pace and spin.
Dennis Lillee:
Regarded by many, as the Greatest Fast Bolwer of All Time, he was the highest rated fast bolwer by Widen when thet named their Cricketer of the Century. At the start of his career he was a fast and terrifying teae away quick who put fear into many a batsman and team, he was indomidable. That was before his career threatening back injury that put him out of the game and when he came back he had to reinvent his game and actually bacame a better and craftier bowler who could still when required bend his back and bring back memories of old. His partnership with Thompson was lengendary and one of the best ever and he had the ability to cut or swing the ball away from the batsman at pace at will and of course had a deadly bouncer, he was one of The Greatest and he too site among the truely elite of his craft.
Michael Holding:
If there was a equal to Lillee in the late 70's it was Michael Holding. He of that long graceful run-up, he was nickmaned Wispering Death not only because of his silent approach to the crease but his frightening pace, he was probably consistently the fastest bolwer of them all and his over to Boycott must rank as the most famous, fastest and greatest over in the history of the game. He excelled everywhere, even on the flat beds in India, especially in '83 when he and Marshall were simply too good and too fast for the World Cup Champions. Additionally he was a useful lower order bat and a great fielder, even in close in the gully or slips.
Ian Bishop:
If not for injury we would be speaking of Bishop as probably one of the best if not the best West Indies fast bolwer ever. When he first emerged he was lethal fast, possessing the kind of speed that excites a crowd and strikes fear into batsmen, he could swing the ball in both directions and yes, could hurt people. Even in the protected era of the 90's Bishop was feared and along with Waqar the fastest in the world. Sadly the back injuries came along and after a couple of attempted come backs he finally retired. Even with that in mind he still managed 161 Test scalps at an average of 24, with an impressive S/R of 52. In his prime though he was truely one of the Greatest to even propel the cricket ball.
Jim Laker:
Englands greatest slow bolwer, he was a massive spinner and extremely accurate of the ball and owns the greatest test match bolwing performances, 19/90 vs Australia in 1956. His record of 193 wickets at 21 apiece speaks for itself as a match winner and as someone who can keep and end quiet while the fast men create havoc at the other end. He was also a useful lower order bat who has two test fifties to his credit.
12th Man:
Bruce Mitchell:
The perfect 12th man, an opening batsman by trade he can also bat in the middle order, as he has done with success, he was also an excellent slip fielder and a more that useful leg spinner. He was the bed rock for those early S.A teams who tempered his natural aggession for the sake of the team. His excellent test average of over 48, plus his supplemental skills speaks to the strength of the playing 11
KYEAR XI
Arthur Morris:
Named by no less than Donald Bradman to his All Time XI, Morris was the attacking first choice opener for the Invincibles, one of the greatest teams of All Time, and so great was his contribution that during the teats of 1948 he even outscored the Don himself. A career average of 46.48 confirms his ability.
Justin Langer:
He was one half of one of one of the top three (3) opening partnerships of All Time and one of the key anchors of one of the greatest teams ever, he went out on a high and most importantly on his own terms after the succesful 2006-2007 Ashes campaign. He managed to maintain an average of 45.27 and a s/r over 54 over a career spanning 105 Test matches. Langer also will stand capably at 3rd slip for my team.
Vivian Richards:
One of Wisdens Five Cricketers of the Century, he is probably behind only Bradman as the sports Greatest Batsman, he was the Master Blaster, capable of instilling fear into the greatest fast bolwers of his era. He never wore a helmet, but stared down and dominated Lillee and Thompson, Imran, Hadlee, Snow and all others who he faced, he could take on and decimate any pace or spin attack in any conditions, and as inpressive as his test record is he performed even better in the pressure pot that was WSC. He had that swagger, that confidence and was part of perhaps the greatest extended dynasty in cricket history. Viv was also the best fielder of his era, but was especially great in the slips, and will be joing Langer as our First Slip specialist.
Graeme Pollock:
Robbed of his prime by an oppressive regime, he still finished his career with the second highes test average after Bradman, 60.97 after 23 Tests. Even with so short a career, he impressed his peers to the extent that Bradman, not only named him to his All Time team, but also stated that along with Sobers, he was the Greatest left handed batsman in the history of the game. He was a powerful and skillful driver of the cricket ball, but really excelled and could play every shot in the book, he was named South Africa's player of the century and holds a place among the truely Elite in the history of the game.
Sir Frank Worrell:
The first appointed Black Captain of the West Indies team, he was also one of the famous 3w's, and stylistically probably the best. He was a champion for players rights and an absolute genius at the crease. He was equally comfortable at home and away and had an amazing tactical mind. He was part of that emerging West Indies team that won our first Test Series in England in 1950 and also played one of the great test innings of All Time. Sir Frank was also a useful and under rated bolwer, who at times opened the bowling for the West Indies before reverting to left arm spin when it was of a greater service to his team, he was Sobers before Sobers (though admittedly not as effective), and he brings the flexibility of either his Left arm fast medium or spin as required. He was one of the Great Captains and leaders of men in history and along with Benaud helped to save cricket in the 60's with an entertaining and sporting brand of cricket. For his contributions he was tied for 6th in Wisdens crickets of the Century and is the Leader of this team.
A.B de Villiers:
An attacking and skilful batsman, the fact that he plys his trade mainly on the pace and seam friendly tracks of South Africa, speaks volumes to his ability, especially to maintain anverage just shy of Fifty. He is one of the greatest fielders of the modern era and especially excells in the slips where he will be situated between Richards and Langer.
Jack Russell:
Truely on of the Greatest Wicketkeepers in the history of the game, and was an under rated batsman who averaged just under 30 in Tests despite the pressures and perceptions of the British selectors. He was flawless with the gloves, especially standing up and that coupled with his stubborn batting (two Hundreds and 6 fifties) surely deserved more than his 54 Test appearences. He was one of the last Golden Glovemen equally confident to pace and spin.
Dennis Lillee:
Regarded by many, as the Greatest Fast Bolwer of All Time, he was the highest rated fast bolwer by Widen when thet named their Cricketer of the Century. At the start of his career he was a fast and terrifying teae away quick who put fear into many a batsman and team, he was indomidable. That was before his career threatening back injury that put him out of the game and when he came back he had to reinvent his game and actually bacame a better and craftier bowler who could still when required bend his back and bring back memories of old. His partnership with Thompson was lengendary and one of the best ever and he had the ability to cut or swing the ball away from the batsman at pace at will and of course had a deadly bouncer, he was one of The Greatest and he too site among the truely elite of his craft.
Michael Holding:
If there was a equal to Lillee in the late 70's it was Michael Holding. He of that long graceful run-up, he was nickmaned Wispering Death not only because of his silent approach to the crease but his frightening pace, he was probably consistently the fastest bolwer of them all and his over to Boycott must rank as the most famous, fastest and greatest over in the history of the game. He excelled everywhere, even on the flat beds in India, especially in '83 when he and Marshall were simply too good and too fast for the World Cup Champions. Additionally he was a useful lower order bat and a great fielder, even in close in the gully or slips.
Ian Bishop:
If not for injury we would be speaking of Bishop as probably one of the best if not the best West Indies fast bolwer ever. When he first emerged he was lethal fast, possessing the kind of speed that excites a crowd and strikes fear into batsmen, he could swing the ball in both directions and yes, could hurt people. Even in the protected era of the 90's Bishop was feared and along with Waqar the fastest in the world. Sadly the back injuries came along and after a couple of attempted come backs he finally retired. Even with that in mind he still managed 161 Test scalps at an average of 24, with an impressive S/R of 52. In his prime though he was truely one of the Greatest to even propel the cricket ball.
Jim Laker:
Englands greatest slow bolwer, he was a massive spinner and extremely accurate of the ball and owns the greatest test match bolwing performances, 19/90 vs Australia in 1956. His record of 193 wickets at 21 apiece speaks for itself as a match winner and as someone who can keep and end quiet while the fast men create havoc at the other end. He was also a useful lower order bat who has two test fifties to his credit.
12th Man:
Bruce Mitchell:
The perfect 12th man, an opening batsman by trade he can also bat in the middle order, as he has done with success, he was also an excellent slip fielder and a more that useful leg spinner. He was the bed rock for those early S.A teams who tempered his natural aggession for the sake of the team. His excellent test average of over 48, plus his supplemental skills speaks to the strength of the playing 11
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Dan's XI
Quick Overview:
We open up with the greatest of them all, the original 'master' - Jack Hobbs.Nobody has scored more first class runs, or matched his 197 (or 199) centuries at FC level. With him is Barry Richards, a man who would most likely have become one of the ATG opening batsmen - in fact, he's remembered as one now despite only playing 4 Test matches. They would complement each other's styles, and give no chance to opposing bowlers trying to make an early breakthrough.
Should an opening bowler get past that strong pairing, they get post-war Charlie Macartney. Once he returned from the war as a top-order batsman, he averaged ~70, and was renowned for his counterattacking play. Scoring a hundred before lunch, against a strong England side on a bad pitch is representative of his credentials.
Then, we have a middle order of Javed Miandad and Douglas Jardine. Both are fantastic players, Miandad Pakistan's best, and Jardine a very good defensive batsman who would bail the team out of trouble should they somehow find themselves staring down the barrel.
Frank Woolley and Clive Rice are the experienced pair of all rounders at 6 and 7. Woolley was one of the all-time great county players, playing 978 FC matches, taking over 2000 wickets at a sub-20 average, with mediums and orthodox spin, and making more runs than anyone (bar Hobbs). He was also an ATG slip fieldsman, the only non-wicketkeeper to take 1000 catches. Rice was a fast bowler, averaging 22 in FC cricket, and a 40+ averaging batsman. They form a strong lower middle order, and can bowl as well.
Godfrey Evans comes next, arguably England's best 'pure' wicketkeeper ever. He was electric behind the stumps, finding a way to get to anything thrown at him. He was willing to come up to the stumps to almost anyone, and would be required to do this with Macartney's occasional twirlers, Woolley's mediums and spinners, and he's be more than capable of reading and keeping to Murali.
Ray Lindwall and Harold Larwood open the bowling together, a cricketing purist's dream - very fast, very aggressive and capable of extracting movement. Larwood will forever be associated with Jardine, and as the only bowler to stop Bradman, whereas Lindwall is rated by Bradman as one of the best ever. It is worth noting Lindwall based himself off Larwood. An opening batsman would get no respite from the perfect fast bowlers. They also add lower order batting - Lindwall has 2 Test centuries, and Larwood a highest of 98.
Muttiah Muralitharan rounds out the First XI, and with 800 Test wickets to his name, can lay claim to being the best spin bowler in history. He carried Sri Lanka on his back for almost his entire career, and spun them to victory countless times. He can turn the ball both ways, and knows how to out-think a batsman.
Hedley Verity can be summarised with one incredible achievement: 10/10. He averaged a scarcely believable 14 in First Class cricket, and was one bowler who could tame Bradman to an extent. He was a fantastic left arm orthodox spinner, and would complement Murali perfectly on a turning pitch. He was also a competent lower order batsman, who was good enough to open on occasion for England.
Fielding from this side is of an extremely high calibre, and Jardine's leadership credentials are unmatched. He knew his field placings, studied opposition batsmen mercilessly to find (and exploit) weaknesses, and was able to get the best out of his players. Regardless of the differing perceptions of his character, he can unite and lead a team with the best of them.
Full player bios will be uploaded when I complete them.
- Sir Jack Hobbs
- Barry Richards
- Charlie Macartney
- Javed Miandad
- Douglas Jardine*
- Frank Woolley
- Clive Rice
- Godfrey Evans+
- Ray Lindwall
- Harold Larwood
- Muttiah Muralitharan
Quick Overview:
We open up with the greatest of them all, the original 'master' - Jack Hobbs.Nobody has scored more first class runs, or matched his 197 (or 199) centuries at FC level. With him is Barry Richards, a man who would most likely have become one of the ATG opening batsmen - in fact, he's remembered as one now despite only playing 4 Test matches. They would complement each other's styles, and give no chance to opposing bowlers trying to make an early breakthrough.
Should an opening bowler get past that strong pairing, they get post-war Charlie Macartney. Once he returned from the war as a top-order batsman, he averaged ~70, and was renowned for his counterattacking play. Scoring a hundred before lunch, against a strong England side on a bad pitch is representative of his credentials.
Then, we have a middle order of Javed Miandad and Douglas Jardine. Both are fantastic players, Miandad Pakistan's best, and Jardine a very good defensive batsman who would bail the team out of trouble should they somehow find themselves staring down the barrel.
Frank Woolley and Clive Rice are the experienced pair of all rounders at 6 and 7. Woolley was one of the all-time great county players, playing 978 FC matches, taking over 2000 wickets at a sub-20 average, with mediums and orthodox spin, and making more runs than anyone (bar Hobbs). He was also an ATG slip fieldsman, the only non-wicketkeeper to take 1000 catches. Rice was a fast bowler, averaging 22 in FC cricket, and a 40+ averaging batsman. They form a strong lower middle order, and can bowl as well.
Godfrey Evans comes next, arguably England's best 'pure' wicketkeeper ever. He was electric behind the stumps, finding a way to get to anything thrown at him. He was willing to come up to the stumps to almost anyone, and would be required to do this with Macartney's occasional twirlers, Woolley's mediums and spinners, and he's be more than capable of reading and keeping to Murali.
Ray Lindwall and Harold Larwood open the bowling together, a cricketing purist's dream - very fast, very aggressive and capable of extracting movement. Larwood will forever be associated with Jardine, and as the only bowler to stop Bradman, whereas Lindwall is rated by Bradman as one of the best ever. It is worth noting Lindwall based himself off Larwood. An opening batsman would get no respite from the perfect fast bowlers. They also add lower order batting - Lindwall has 2 Test centuries, and Larwood a highest of 98.
Muttiah Muralitharan rounds out the First XI, and with 800 Test wickets to his name, can lay claim to being the best spin bowler in history. He carried Sri Lanka on his back for almost his entire career, and spun them to victory countless times. He can turn the ball both ways, and knows how to out-think a batsman.
Hedley Verity can be summarised with one incredible achievement: 10/10. He averaged a scarcely believable 14 in First Class cricket, and was one bowler who could tame Bradman to an extent. He was a fantastic left arm orthodox spinner, and would complement Murali perfectly on a turning pitch. He was also a competent lower order batsman, who was good enough to open on occasion for England.
Fielding from this side is of an extremely high calibre, and Jardine's leadership credentials are unmatched. He knew his field placings, studied opposition batsmen mercilessly to find (and exploit) weaknesses, and was able to get the best out of his players. Regardless of the differing perceptions of his character, he can unite and lead a team with the best of them.
Full player bios will be uploaded when I complete them.
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