but we are not going to choose a david gower or a mark waugh over a ricky ponting or a steve waugh simply because the first two look a lot better at the crease. only between players of similar stats, aesthetics come in handy to separate them.
the step by step process of choosing an all time great is what we should define since everything listed in the poll is a factor to be considered in this regard.
let me try my hand at this. you guys can agree with it or tear it apart.
Step 1: Their test match stats should be among the very best of all time. To start with, a bowling average < 25 or a batting average > 50 is a must. all rounders are expected to average around 30 with the ball and average a little more with the bat. a healthy run aggregate (5000+), wickets aggregate (200+), and a good bowling SR (under 10 overs for fast bowlers and under 15 for spinners) are compulsory too. In addition to the averages and aggregates, number of centuries (15+) and five wicket hauls (10+) make a significant difference. all these factors come under the statistics.
Step 2: They should have performed well against most, if not all, major teams. for example, batting figures boosted by 100+ average against the minnows won't mean much if their performances against the big teams are piss poor.
Step 3: They should have had a career long enough to enable the opponents to have worked out their weaknesses. counter punching those strategies makes a good player great. this way, the mike husseys don't get to sit at the same table as the comptons and borders. a reasonable number would be 50 tests or more. lengthy career also means tackling different playing conditions, different opponents, dealing with injuries and different kinds of match situations. one's ability to keep delivering despite encountering different challenges is important for an ATG.
Step 4: They should have played some iconic knocks or bowled memorable spells; like taking 7 for 1 in one spell or scoring 149* while following on, or hitting 153* in a successful fourth innings chase. all these numbers mean something special to every cricket fan.
Step 5: They should have created unforgettable moments of magic that define their careers in a nutshell: bowling the ball of the century, reverse swinging the old ball in karachi, bowling out the opposition with one hand in plaster, or whacking warne for sixers when the ball is pitched on the rough all mean something special. These are the moments that make them legends.
Step 6: They should perform well against traditional rivals and world champions. English and Australian cricketers should have good Ashes records. Indian and Pakistani cricketers should have some numbers to boast off against each other. In the past 15 years, Indians and Australians are expected to give their best against each other, too. Good stats against the Windies in the 70s and 80s and against the Aussies in the 90s and 00s matter a lot.
Step 7: They should definitely rock in away games. For example, doing well against Australia in Australia or against the old Windies in Windies is no mean task. doing well in India against India is not easy either; just ask ponting.
Step 8: They should look good. It could be flair, exaggerated back lift, a high arm action, aggression, technical perfection or charm; a champion on the field should look like a champion, and not like a club cricketer playing to keep his job.
Step 9: They should have achieved most of the individual milestones expected of dominant players; a double century shows a batsman can out bat the opposition all by himself. and a ten wicket haul shows a bowler can run through a batting lineup on his own. an ATG should display this ability at the highest level as often as he could.
Step 10: They should contribute equally well in victories and draws and losses. and in first and second innings.
Step 11: They should, at some point in time, be the best of their ilk in the world during their careers. they should be the player their opponents lose sleep over.
