Is Waqar Younis an ATG test bowler?

[PlayerComparisons]

Pak’s third greatest cricketer

 

[ma1978]

This is not a debate

 

[Johan]

maybe Borderline, he was well inferior to the big ones of his era like Ambrose/Donald/McGrath/Wasim but maybe edges into the tier due to his ridiculous early peak.

 

[Randomfan]

Not for me.

I don't think any ATG bowler has played 50-60 tests in one stretch in their career with only 1 5-fer against non-minnows.

Waqar played 54 tests from 95 till he retired, and only 5-fer he picked was against SA. Forget about ATG, I am not sure if any bowler has played so many tests with 1 5-fer against non-minnows. I will be interested to see some names who come close.

Some fans will point out his period before 95, I think it's overhyped too much and not really great to compensate for playing 50-60 tests with just one 5-fer.

 

[Randomfan]

Waqar's record without minnows after 1994: Vast majority of his career.





Waqar's record with minnows after 1994: Even this is 3 5-fers in 54 tests.





If anyone wants to present a case for his debute to 94 period being so great that it puts him in ATG category despite his post 94 record then I am all ears.

 

[ma1978]

Sometimes you just know

 

[Randomfan]

maybe Borderline, he was well inferior to the big ones of his era like Ambrose/Donald/McGrath/Wasim but maybe edges into the tier due to his ridiculous early peak.

It was good but not ridiculous against good batting sides.

It was ridiculous against poor batting sides.

I saw him bowl, and some how I kept the same impression earlier but after looking at his actual output closely, I find his peak a lot less impressive.

He does not get into that tier even marginally for me.

 

[Thala_0710]

Borderline but yes for me

 

[Rob Wesley]

A lower tier ATG for me. There hasn’t been many ATGs in pace department to come from Asia so you have to give him some leeway.

 

[subshakerz]

No but not even is Holding

 

[Johan]

No but not even is Holding

He is easily an ATG

 

[subshakerz]

He is easily an ATG

I have a higher bar for ATGs and you need 300 wickets for a modern bowler. I consider him borderline.

 

[Johan]

I have a higher bar for ATGs and you need 300 wickets for a modern bowler. I consider him borderline.

He has 284 with WSC which you do count, another 16 wickets won't change much

 

[subshakerz]

He has 284 with WSC which you do count, another 16 wickets won't change much

Hence borderline.

 

[Al Salvador]

Holding is level ahead of waqar and definitely ATG, too much quality to not consider him one. 12/13 years career for pacer is good longevity and he's arguably the greatest slow flat pitch bowler of all time alongside Marshall and Imran.

 

[capt_Luffy]

Holding is level ahead of waqar and definitely ATG, too much quality to not consider him one. 12/13 years career for pacer is good longevity and he's arguably the greatest slow flat pitch bowler of all time alongside Marshall and Imran.

1976 England and 1983 India (though it counts for Marshall slightly more) are arguably the two best Series by pacers on roads against good batting.

 

[Al Salvador]

That oval performance is 2nd greatest fast bowling spell ever after Marshall Sydney 1988/89

 

[capt_Luffy]

That oval performance is 2nd greatest fast bowling spell ever after Marshall Sydney 1988/89

Ambrose 7-1??

 

[subshakerz]

Ambrose 7-1??

That is better for an inning performance but as a pure match one than the Oval is better.

 

[subshakerz]

That oval performance is 2nd greatest fast bowling spell ever after Marshall Sydney 1988/89

I think Sarfraz Nawaz in 79 in Aus is best.

Marshall Sydney is underrated.