All-Time World XIs: Discussion Thread

[capt_Luffy]

Well you've already stated your preference, so I sure you are, lol.

In Viv vs Smith, I truthfully don't really care who among them is in the XI, I am loving the contest. And you misunderstood my previous quote, I was thinking of reverting to Viv for fielding and record to pace, not the other way around. I had him in my XI till like a month ago as well.

 

[capt_Luffy]

Btw I agree, Hadlee and McGrath are too similar and not really suited for the old ball, this team needs some Imran, Wasim or Steyn.

 

[capt_Luffy]

Surprised by @Fuller Pilch going Akram, but then McGrath instead of Imran.

 

[subshakerz]

I fully understand that.

I just disagree. In general so do the pundits, and not one or two, he literally never makes these types of teams.

The only counter I've received to this is that it's because he's from NZ.

No. Hadlees record in wins is almost unparalleled, he kept NZ unbeaten at home and a top tier side and he didn't have the benefit of scoreboard pressure

 

[Johan]

Wonder who Narayana would've voted for...

 

[capt_Luffy]

Wonder who Narayana would've voted for...

Seems I ain't the only one missing Narayana..... Would be funny as heck, if he actually reads this and votes creating another account.

 

[capt_Luffy]

Though by now, there aren't many regular posters who could vote. Maybe Bazball, Wolverine or Cricket Bliss, but can't think of anyone else.

 

[Johan]

Though by now, there aren't many regular posters who could vote. Maybe Bazball, Wolverine or Cricket Bliss, but can't think of anyone else.

If one side gains a lead right now, would you move to team A?

 

[capt_Luffy]

If one side gains a lead right now, would you move to team A?

I will move to team after I wake up tomorrow, so around 11am IST

 

[Johan]

I will move to team after I wake up tomorrow, so around 11am IST

isn't 11AM a little late to wake up

 

[capt_Luffy]

isn't 11AM a little late to wake up

A little, yes

 

[Bolo.]

That's the thing, I don't think so.

I think that and attack of Marshall, McGrath and Steyn have way more complimentary and varied styles, have gained success in more varied conditions and over different eras, but most importantly, would bowl out the opposition faster and for less.

This is something that we fundamentally disagree on and it's not based an animosity of any player or group of players, but on what actually wins games.

It's looking at where most lower order batsmen actually score most of the runs that boost their averges.

I'll post it elsewhere, but doing a deep dive on the top 8 teams or so of all time and looking at what kind of no. 8's and tails they had. I always reference the top 3, but will go further through the most successful and iconic and likely add an additional two from both ends of the era spectrum.

I'm not quite finished, but it's fairly clear that teams not only mostly just pick the best bowlers, but batting deep has never really been an indicator nor determinant of success.

Pairs of bowlers of such comparable quality is always going to give you a bit of a coin flip on which set performs better in any given match. You'll do a bit better than 50%, but not by much.

Imran and Hadlee's batting is coming out ahead almost every match. And in games where you bat 2 completed innings (i.e. the games where you need the runs), frequently by a lot.

 

[Johan]

Well, Smith won

 

[subshakerz]

Pairs of bowlers of such comparable quality is always going to give you a bit of a coin flip on which set performs better in any given match. You'll do a bit better than 50%, but not by much.

Imran and Hadlee's batting is coming out ahead almost every match. And in games where you bat 2 completed innings (i.e. the games where you need the runs), frequently by a lot.

I would rather have Imran and McGrath mainly because of era variety but looking at it objectively Imran and Hadlee gives you an undeniable boost in the late order.

Btw I gave Kyear over a dozen examples where a super strong Aus 2000s side were bailed by their tail. And then if course SA 90s and India 2010s teams. He is wrong when he says that batting deep isn't an indicator of success.

 

[subshakerz]

Well, Smith won

Sad day

 

[Johan]

Sad day

Just don't vote Viv for the second XI, that would be so bad.

 

[subshakerz]

Just don't vote Viv for the second XI, that would be so bad.

I don't think I am voting in the second XI. What's the point? The exercise to me has already been discredited if someone like Smith can sneak in and you have an imbalanced pace attack.

 

[Johan]

I don't think I am voting in the second XI. What's the point? The exercise to me has already been discredited if someone like Smith can sneak in and you have an imbalanced pace attack.

Yeah well, guess I've a few more agendas to run – Boycott, Barnes, Ambrose and now to make sure Viv doesn't make the 2nd XI.

 

[subshakerz]

Yeah well, guess I've a few more agendas to run – Boycott, Barnes, Ambrose and now to make sure Viv doesn't make the 2nd XI.

Barnes is interesting to me. I consider him a wildcard. Potentially the best bowler of any side or a possible gimmick.

Why is he not better than Marshall?

 

[Johan]

Barnes is interesting to me. I consider him a wildcard. Potentially the best bowler of any side or a possible gimmick.

Why is he not better than Marshall?

Think their era adjusted average is similar but imo he also has a GOAT argument alongside Marshall, McGrath and Hadlee. Murali and Warne too if you wanna but eh, I don't.