Mitchell Johnson vs Allan Davidson

[Matt79]

Davidson had a wonderful bowling-action - almost a left-arm version of Glenn McGrath. Almost. And he could certainly do things with the ball as well - he wasn't just someone who put the ball there and hoped for mistakes.

Well, it's possible (NOTE: I AM NOT SAYING THIS IS THE CASE, JUST A POSSIBILITY) that he was such a thing for the first 4 years of his career, as he was very economical and not remotely penetrative in said 4 years. But later on he took wickets at a fine rate, and I guess he swung, cut and seamed it to will.

As I've already said - the only shame is that he was 29 before he became all that good in Tests. And for an Australian in those days, that wasn't too long before you generally had to retire, as the money just wasn't all that good. So he really only had 4 years at the top.

Plus he bowled spin for a good chunk of his early career, and was discouraged from switching to bowling seam, IIRC.

 

[Richard]

Hmm, McGrath??

I dunno B, i have the 60/61 series on tape & i'd say Davidson approach to the crease & action is nothing like McGrath. Bracken is the best modern day comparison i'd say.

I'm not sure about the approach to the crease, but his action is certainly more than a little reminiscent of McGrath. In a left-arm sense, obviously.

Nothing like Bracken, I'd say. Bracken's action is a picture of instability and lack of balance. Flabbergasts me that he can bowl such good areas with it.

 

[aussie]

I'm not sure about the approach to the crease, but his action is certainly more than a little reminiscent of McGrath. In a left-arm sense, obviously.

Nothing like Bracken, I'd say. Bracken's action is a picture of instability and lack of balance. Flabbergasts me that he can bowl such good areas with it.

Well i should have said Bracken of 2001-2003, when he was bowled seam up all the time. Since yea, Bracken action since he has added the variations to his arsenal does look awkward.

 

[Richard]

I only vaguely remember the short-haired-era Bracken's action TBH. It didn't seem vastly different to me compared to back in 2000/01, but I don't know of any footage from that VB Series (or the one from 2002/03) so can't say for sure.