Sobers vs Viv vs Lara

[kyear2]

I dont get it, why Viv should be anything less than top 5 batsmen of all time. For me, I only put Sachin and maybe Sobers above him.

Never said he wasn't top 5.

Sobers
Lara
Tendulkar
Richards
Smith

For me are in a league of their own after Bradman (not including openers, if I were then would add Hutton)

Because of when I started watching cricket, I was witness to the extended downside to Viv's batting, it was a struggle at times.
Inclusive of everyone one since, Lara was the best batsman I've seen and as such I rate him higher than Viv, Smith or Sachin and accordingly, Viv along with Smith, brought up the rear of that too tier. That's all I meant.

Just for reference, similar top tier for bowlers

Marshall

McGrath
Hadlee
Steyn
Ambrose

(Quicker men only, Murali and Warne tacked on if spinners included)

 

[subshakerz]

Never said he wasn't top 5.

Sobers
Lara
Tendulkar
Richards
Smith

For me are in a league of their own after Bradman (not including openers, if I were then would add Hutton)

Because of when I started watching cricket, I was witness to the extended downside to Viv's batting, it was a struggle at times.
Inclusive of everyone one since, Lara was the best batsman I've seen and as such I rate him higher than Viv, Smith or Sachin and accordingly, Viv along with Smith, brought up the rear of that too tier. That's all I meant.

Just for reference, similar top tier for bowlers

Marshall

McGrath
Hadlee
Steyn
Ambrose

Yes, I was agreeing you about how Viv is being overlooked now.

Is that list for all bowlers or just pacers?

 

[kyear2]

Yes, I was agreeing you about how Viv is being overlooked now.

Is that list for all bowlers or just pacers?

Just the pacers (should have included the same bit I did about openers)
But thinking about it, not sure if that would change the order tbh)

 

[Godard]

Viv Richards. Close with Sobers, but Viv ahead. Points in favour of Sobers are a better long term peak, averages much higher, more monster series. But in the case of Viv, Points in Viv’s favour are he batted for his entire career in tougher batting conditions, a better short team peak(than anyone bar Bradman), and for atleast a series dominated the best bowlers of his time(and some of all time) like even Sachin or Lara couldn’t(and he overall also has favourable matchups against them) and his faster rate of scoring which meant he could change the game is the matter of a session, and his unprecedented psychological impact on the bowlers, like ending Rodney Hogg’s career in matter of 8-9 overs( this is one point that shows that stats can’t always measure of a player, especially like Viv). Also Viv has a clearly more rounded home/away record, even if you don’t consider Sober’s struggles in NZ(less or no minnow bashing).

 

[shortpitched713]

Lara, just over Sobers. Probably a bit of my modern bias showing through, but for me Lara is the BSB (best since Bradman), along with Sobers and most probably Smith if he doesn't overtake them both. Viv I also rate highly, but I think his record is such that he has to be on a rung below them.

Even when I watch Smith, and I know he's performing better than Lara, a part of me has just crystallized the image of Lara, and everything about the way he bats as "perfect". I guess that's what happens with all our childhood stars, in a way.

 

[honestbharani]

Yeah, I dont believe in rating players I have not seen bat but I think I generally go...

Sobers > Lara > Viv.

 

[Patience and Accuracy+Gut]

Headley for me.
Bloke became the best mortal with the bat in hand, of his generation out of absolute nowhere.

Headley>Viv=Sobers>Lara.

 

[Coronis]

For me, would be

Sobers
Lara
Headley
Viv

might have Viv above Headley on occasion based on career length.