Border was up there in the late 80s too. I like peak Crowe's conversion rate though. Border not converting any of his 11 fifties in 1989 isn't best batsman in the world material.agreed, Viv the best until like 85-86, Crowe eclipising him post Viv's Pakistan series, Gooch taking over in 1990 and losing it to Lara or Tendulkar in 1994.
He was built in a lab to bowl in England. A better Woakes. Had good support from the other end in 81' and 89' too. Australia were always the big stumbling block for Gooch before the 90s. He generally performed against other teams and was the best batsman v the quartet.Against Alderman in England (83@19.3 in 12 games for reference) in 1980s, as an opener, I reckon even 20 would be a hard task for Shiv.
Viv between 76-81. From 82-83 he was in off form. Don't think he took 84 with a bang.agreed, Viv the best until like 85-86, Crowe eclipising him post Viv's Pakistan series, Gooch taking over in 1990 and losing it to Lara or Tendulkar in 1994.
Border to me was kind of what a Shiv type Batsmen should be, rather than an average obsessed Flat track bully, an actual great batter capable of batting with tail actually trying to help his team win. as a batsmen, I think peak Crowe was ahead too, higher run output and better conversion.Border was up there in the late 80s too. I like peak Crowe's conversion rate though. Border not converting any of his 11 fifties in 1989 isn't best batsman in the world material.
85-88 I feel like Viv and Crowe (and perhaps Border) were all about even with all three having valid claims for best in the world, and Yes I don't think 84 Viv was amazing, you know, eye surgery and all.Viv between 76-81. From 82-83 he was in off form. Don't think he took 84 with a bang.
iirc none of us have any proof for the hypothetical situations we’re always conjuring up here.Proof?
Yeah, but listing a hypothetical as a reason for a comparision is not wise, I think Atherton would average 45+ if he played in 2000s but that doesn't mean it would be wise to treat him like that when compared with say Cook.iirc none of us have any proof for the hypothetical situations we’re always conjuring up here.
85-88 I would put Border ahead, then Crowe, and Viv was quite close to them. Miandad also a decent shout85-88 I feel like Viv and Crowe (and perhaps Border) were all about even with all three having valid claims for best in the world, and Yes I don't think 84 Viv was amazing, you know, eye surgery and all.
Border better overall because of sheer weight of runs and doing more away from home but peak Crowe was world class.Border to me was kind of what a Shiv type Batsmen should be, rather than an average obsessed Flat track bully, an actual great batter capable of batting with tail actually trying to help his team win. as a batsmen, I think peak Crowe was ahead too, higher run output and better conversion.
To be fair FP started the hypotheticals not Johaniirc none of us have any proof for the hypothetical situations we’re always conjuring up here.
Miandad should probably get mentioned too for best batsmen in the late 80s. Gooch ruled supreme in the early 90s.85-88 I feel like Viv and Crowe (and perhaps Border) were all about even with all three having valid claims for best in the world, and Yes I don't think 84 Viv was amazing, you know, eye surgery and all.
And Vengsakar85-88 I would put Border ahead, then Crowe, and Viv was quite close to them. Miandad also a decent shout
I believe it's debateable in that few years gap yeah, sadly, Crowe had a rough startBorder better overall because of sheer weight of runs and doing more away from home but peak Crowe was world class.
About 2.5Graham Gooch was the best batsman on the planet for a solid 5 years
I mean my point is asking for proof for a hypothetical is illogical, no?To be fair FP started the hypotheticals not Johan
Yeah it's well documented that Crowe had a rough start&a rough finish and both were just bad luck more than anything else. In a better setup with no injury trouble, who knows.I believe it's debateable in that few years gap yeah, sadly, Crowe had a rough start
Yeah fair enough. Though I don't think it's unreasonable to not be so sure Chanderpaul would do fine opening in England v a bloke with 83 Test wickets @ 19 in said country as someone with no experience of opening in test cricket and probably not much experience domestically.I mean my point is asking for proof for a hypothetical is illogical, no?
Given Alderman’s record in England, I wouldn’t be confident about anyone in history doing well against him there. Not even Don.Yeah fair enough. Though I don't think it's unreasonable to not be so sure Chanderpaul would do fine opening in England v a bloke with 83 Test wickets @ 19 in said country as someone with no experience of opening in test cricket and probably not much experience domestically.