Cricketers of limited talent who had International Success beyond their abilities

[Shri]

Limited talent?

I'd say most kiwi cricketers.

And Indian fast bowlers.

 

[Shri]

And this is not me saying this to get a raise out of Mr Maggi

I genuinely think that. In a smug sort of way.

 

[fredfertang]

Inzamam just a terrible athlete and a terrible professional.

Terrific to watch though

 

[Singh767]

Talent is such a dumb concept

Some people's 'Talent' is to have immense levels of concentration
Some people are ridiculously disciplined and work well to a game plan
Some keep very cool in pressure situations and execute well
Some have great game sense and opportunism
Some people are intelligent, creative, and great at adapting

Talented isn't simply defined by the aesthetics of their batting and bowling or their range of skills or their athletic ability. Any player who has had success in International Cricket is Talented in some shape or form. It's impossible otherwise.,

So why did you describe the Bangladesh team as "so talented" ?

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Paul Collingwood
David Willey

 

[cnerd123]

So why did you describe the Bangladesh team as "so talented" ?

Because they've clearly got talent. If you've ever watched them play you'll see that. Their fast bowling is thoroughly mediocre (Fizzy aside), but they've got some proper Test quality spinners and all their batting prospects have all succeeded at the highest level. Technique, game sense, some of them are just pure strikers of the ball, and every now and then they dig in deep and show some real character and spine.

What they clearly lack in the mental aspect of their game - putting in top performances consistently. But this is a far cry from the days of Khaled Mahmud and Tapash Baisya. These kids actually have what it takes if they can just put it all together and not fold at the sight of a challenge.

 

[Bolo]

Murali. GOAT but still overachieved- his numbers, aided by a variety of circumstances, are astronomically better than any one else's.

 

[Shri]

Also, bdesh players.

 

[Daemon]

Because they've clearly got talent. If you've ever watched them play you'll see that. Their fast bowling is thoroughly mediocre (Fizzy aside), but they've got some proper Test quality spinners and all their batting prospects have all succeeded at the highest level. Technique, game sense, some of them are just pure strikers of the ball, and every now and then they dig in deep and show some real character and spine.

What they clearly lack in the mental aspect of their game - putting in top performances consistently. But this is a far cry from the days of Khaled Mahmud and Tapash Baisya. These kids actually have what it takes if they can just put it all together and not fold at the sight of a challenge.

Talent is a dumb concept

Bangladesh are talented

Therefore Bangladesh are dumb

 

[cnerd123]

Talent is a dumb concept

Bangladesh are talented

Therefore Bangladesh are dumb

Your face is dumb

 

[cnerd123]

Also, bdesh players.

jokes on you, because BD players have no success worth speaking of

 

[Daemon]

Your face is dumb

Which means I'm talented

 

[trundler]

There is nothing like lasting international success beyond one's abilities; people who have had lasting international success are not people with limited talent.

What do you want me to do? Call a certain McGrath out for the bowler that he really was, and get a host of Australian Miyagis (and one trundler) baying for my blood?

Nah, you really wouldn't. That is part of why I admire his greatness - his minimalist MO. He wasn't particularly eye catching or mysterious but look what he achieved. All he did was invite drives, catch outside edges or seam it in for an LBW or ur occasional bowled. His skill was that of a subtle genius. I don't know if he achieved past his talent but there have been plenty more talented and ONE more effective.

 

[trundler]

Bradman. It was all mental strength and practice. He himself said there were more talented batsmen but they just got out. Other batsmen like Hanif, Lara and Ponsford have the hunger for runs but no one else combined it with skill like. Surely he couldn't have been THAT much more talented but really was that much better than say an 'average' great.

 

[cnerd123]

Nah, you really wouldn't. That is part of why I admire his greatness - his minimalist MO. He wasn't particularly eye catching or mysterious but look what he achieved. All he did was invite drives, catch outside edges or seam it in for an LBW or ur occasional bowled. His skill was that of a subtle genius. I don't know if he achieved past his talent but there have been plenty more talented and ONE more effective.

sounds like a finger spinner

 

[trundler]

There are blokes who could have cut it at any sport but we are fortunate they chose cricket. For example, Hammond, Viv, Miller, Ponting, Marshall. I'm unsure if Bradman fits into that archetype. Maybe he was just smarter and more skilled.

 

[trundler]

sounds like a finger spinner

But this is exhibit A of how to get me baying for your blood.

 

[Shri]

Which means I'm talented

Do you really want to be anything defined by *****?

 

[trundler]

Herath and Chanders are 2 other worthy contenders.

 

[a massive zebra]

There are blokes who could have cut it at any sport but we are fortunate they chose cricket. For example, Hammond, Viv, Miller, Ponting, Marshall. I'm unsure if Bradman fits into that archetype..

You cannot be serious!?!?!?

Bradman has a far stronger track record as a matchlessly brilliant all round sporting superstar than any of those guys you mentioned.

Bradman was a brilliant tennis player and had the opportunity to turn professional if he had not opted to focus on cricket. At 16, he had to choose between tennis, at which he excelled as a country champion, and cricket. He agonised over his decision and never ceased to test himself against the best, taking great satisfaction in beating every Australian Wimbledon player in his era in "friendly" matches.

He was a brilliant squash player and won the 1939 South Australia squash championship having not played squash for nearly two years until three months before the tournament.

He was the best billiards player in the Australian squad during the Ashes tours of 1930, 1934 and 1938. In 1934 he was beaten by the world's No. 1, Walter Lindrum. Bradman's competitive juices flowed. He had a billiards room built in his new Adelaide home. "He practised every day for a year," said Lady (Jessie) Bradman proudly, "and then challenged Lindrum to a return encounter and matched him."

Then in his early 30s, he won multiple sprint races at the Army's School of Physical & Recreational Training at Frankston, Victoria in 1940.

He was a superb golfer who shot under par at every major golf course in South Australia and Victoria, and continued to play until he was well into his eighties when he regularly ‘broke his age’.

None of the guys you mentioned can boast a sporting resume anywhere near as complete or comprehensive as this.