Poll: Better batsmen-Alastair Cook vs AB de Villiers in tests?

[honestbharani]

No he didn't. If it was so he would have just retired. The timing of next year this time is "convenient" to say the least when it comes to quotas and RSA possibly bidding for the T20 WC for 2018.

 

[harsh.ag]

1) AB not playing test cricket has nothing to do with quotas. 2) Furball talking **** as usual.

3) Test cricket is hard work and 4) he has lot the appetite for it. 5) Simple as that.

1) Nope.
2) Nope.
3) Yes.
4) Probably not.
5) Nope.

 

[Howe_zat]

Just to clarify, 2) is definitely correct.

What was he talking about?

 

[harsh.ag]

Just to clarify, 2) is definitely correct.

Fair. Get confused sometimes.

 

[cnerd123]

The quotas won't stop SA from picking AB in Tests if he was available and willing to play. It's an average and they're probably well ahead given how they structure their limited overs sides.

IDK how people don't understand that still.

 

[Dendarii]

The quotas won't stop SA from picking AB in Tests if he was available and willing to play. It's an average and they're probably well ahead given how they structure their limited overs sides.

They're possibly not "well ahead" as a result of at times only playing one of Rabada and Phehlukwayo in the T20 and ODIs against New Zealand, but they definitely do still have some leeway when it comes to picking sides that don't quite match the quota. And as I did mention earlier in the thread, they could still maintain the quota by having AB replace Duminy and Parnell come in as the third seamer. Not that I'm all that keen to see Parnell in the test side, but I'd have to grudgingly admit that it wouldn't be a completely ludicrous selection.

 

[StephenZA]

First time I entered this thread and it`s like every other thread with regards to a SA team or player... just talk about quotas for 3 pages. I`m not sure if that is an effect of the actual quota or peoples perception of it. I mean this was a comparison between Cook and deVillers for goodness sake.

Oh and deVillers by a country mile. Somebody said that Cook achieved more? What more did he achieve in tests than deVillers has, outside being a better captain.

 

[harsh.ag]

Well, number of runs, centuries, that kind of thing.

 

[StephenZA]

Well, number of runs, centuries, that kind of thing.

By that logic Cook is better than Bradman....

 

[SeamUp]

Well, number of runs, centuries, that kind of thing.

If AB played the same games as Cook I doubt that would be talked about.

 

[SeamUp]

Rate the chef though even though he hasnt done a hell of a lot v Saf and when Australia are on their game too.

 

[harsh.ag]

By that logic Cook is better than Bradman....

Yeah, difference in average of 4 and 53, same thing.

 

[StephenZA]

Yeah, difference in average of 4 and 53, same thing.

Yeah, lots of not outs....

Seriously though, its difficult to compare based on 100`s when one player plays for a team that plays less games that is no fault of his own. Both have done well for there respective teams and are great players. For me deVillers is a superior player that has accomplished everything if not more than Cook has for his team. Except captain well and maybe win the Ashes.

 

[harsh.ag]

Yeah I would have AB as superior too, but it should be taken into consideration that Cook is an opener which is by default a harder job than a number 4 or 5. AB's record opening isn't great. It's just a more difficult gig.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Oh and deVillers by a country mile. Somebody said that Cook achieved more? What more did he achieve in tests than deVillers has, outside being a better captain.

Country mile is pushing it surely? AB averages 50 and Cook around 46, and considering Cook opens, that too in a country which is tough for top order batsmen, their records are certainly comparable.

Cook's greatest achievements will always be the 2011 Ashes and the 2012 series in India. Absolutely immense performances in two of England's biggest series wins in recent times. Not saying AB hasn't done great things, but I don't think he's dominated a big series win to that extent.

 

[StephenZA]

Country mile is pushing it surely?

Enthusiastic hyperbole from a fellow countryman..... wait until Amla gets his comparison thread.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Enthusiastic hyperbole from a fellow countryman..... wait until Amla gets his comparison thread.

I'll be in your camp on that one. Love me some Hash.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Love me some Hash.

#kiwiviktor

 

[91Jmay]

Also should be pointed out how many Tests Cook has to play. Maintaining an average playing a brutal schedule, including 5 Tests series De Villiers rarely has to play is very difficult.

 

[StephenZA]

DeVillers also spent a 1/4 of his career as wicketkeeper (avg 57 during this time.....)