There are only 3 or 4 openers in the history of the game who has a legitimate argument to make an all world XI, or be deemed the 2nd greatest opener of all time.
It's Hobbs then Hutton, Gavaskar and for many Barry.
He's top 10 elite, I don't place him in the absolute top BAB category purely because he struggled horribly in quicker conditions and his best periods weren't just against not great bowlers, but below test standard attacks.
But I have him and Hammond rounding out the top 10. When you watch him you're in awe of his ability to drive the ball and his timing. He was brilliant, a ****, but brilliant.
But two points to you.
1. You seem to misunderstand the difference between singular opinions and consensus ones.
And
2. Richards, as does most if not all of the batsmen of the era, but especially Viv as he's the one we'rediscussing now, didn't rate Hadlee as even in contention for the best bowler of the era. In numerous similar interviews, after naming Marshall as the best and Lillee as the best he played against in tests, he declines to mention a 3rd who stood out. With regards to the era that was a accepted stance.
For Imran it was Marshall, Lillee and Holding
For Crowe it was Lillee, Marshall and Holding
I don't know why you would tag me for this. Sunny was nothing short of brilliant, to be top 10 you have to be.
I've given the reason why I choose Barry over him, and for many, even if not you, they are valid, it doesn't invalidate Sunny though.
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