Mark Wood vs Anrich Nortje

[Gob]

Wood



Nortje



Two fastest bowlers in the world. Wood's overall average is worse but its 24 away from home.

Who would you pick/better?

 

[Tom Flint]

Nortje is better but wood even tho his average is likely to be high is a good bowler for us. Will always be a touch expensive but gives his all. Can see his in pain when he's bowling but carries on regardless. 2 world cups at least and hopefully can take 200 test wickets at early 30s and he should be happy with his career given his struggles

 

[Gob]

Nortje is better but wood even tho his average is likely to be high is a good bowler for us. Will always be a touch expensive but gives his all. Can see his in pain when he's bowling but carries on regardless. 2 world cups at least and hopefully can take 200 test wickets at early 30s and he should be happy with his career given his struggles

As I said, he is averaging 24 away from home but 40 in England.

 

[Arachnodouche]

Wood has a good captain now who'll manage him well. Unlike Nortje who will burn out sooner than later, especially with an inconsistent Rabada for partner.

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

Right now it's really close. I'd maybe take Wood by a fraction. But it took him years to get good. Nortje is already pretty great much earlier in his Test career. Likely he'll do better than Wood overall unless injuries prevent it.

 

[Ashes81]

It's all about fitness for these pair.

There's not alot to choose between them but you always fear for Wood with injuries as he has to put everything into every ball to bowl at 90mph.

 

[Pup Clarke]

Jesus, a non-ironic poll. Dont see alot of those around here these days! Tough one to call this

Genuinely tough to separate them. Anrich's action is cleaner, more repeatable and probably less strenuous on the body. A big factor in the merits of a quick imo

But, skill wise I think Wood is a little better. Anrich probably bowls better areas more consistently, but think Wood is a slightly more versatile bowler.

A knats hair between them. Both thrilling and genuinely hostile bowlers to watch

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Nortje as he doesn't snap in half after playing one game.

 

[Stefan9]

Wood has a good captain now who'll manage him well. Unlike Nortje who will burn out sooner than later, especially with an inconsistent Rabada for partner.

The cause of burning out is way more likely to be caused by a poor batting lineup then kg having the odd off day(even on most of his off days he still finds wickets).

 

[kevinw]

Nortje is probably the better bowler all-round, but Wood is such a great competitor and guy. One of my favourite bowlers to watch bat too. Such a clean hitter when he middles it.

He is the Bizarro Woakes. Much as I never want to see Woakes bowl outside of an English greentop, I never want to see Wood bowl on one.

 

[Burgey]

I think Nortje is potentially more of a handful because he’s a bit taller and seems to get a bit more bounce than Wood. Neither especially enjoyable to face though

 

[TheJediBrah]

Seen a bit of both and Nortje is easily superior

 

[Pup Clarke]

On his pronunciation, is it Nort-ja or Nor-kia? Have heard contrasting opinions. Haven't watched much of the test and am intrigued

Still going with Anrich atm

 

[Burgey]

I’m running with “that quick ****”

 

[ashley bach]

Great comparison, huge amount of respect for both these guys because they give their guts every ball they bowl.
Hard to pick a winner here, going with Nortje for now but plenty of time for this to change over the next couple of years.

 

[Shady Slim]

both of them good bowlers, it's nortje, though not by the amount the poll suggests

real example of "everyone agrees that nortje is a bit better"

 

[halba]

hmm, Nortje is a touch better. Wood is world class though. real pace