subshakerz
Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
Bro, not arguing whether Imran belongs in the top five. I am trying to establish that record/rep wise he belongs in a tier with Steyn/Ambrose. He can still be number six. But he is definitely in that category and above Warne/Murali as he has no serious flaws in his records like those two.I agree with your first list, don't think there's much argument there.
I don't disagree with the names in your mid tier, but diverge on the order. I would have Steyn, Ambrose then Imran.
I understand what you're doing with the last tier, the guys who have seriously high peer and reputational rating, but reality is a bit different. Don't think any of them was better than Donald and possibly Garner, and kind of on par with Holding and Lindwall.
I guess the same way you are holding firm that Lara for you don't belong in or feel right in that top tier, I'm not sure Imran is quite there for me. Unlike you I'm no longer willing to go toe to toe and argue about it.
That doesn't mean I don't think he's amazing, I just prefer the 5 guys I have above him.
With regards to where the spinners fit in, as I said I just want sure, so when I'm not I go with the consensus, it wasn't that complicated.
For me, the only reason to justify Warne/Murali ahead of Lillee/Trueman, etc. that they have better across the board records even with the bashing in India.