Best Test Batsman since 2000

[Athlai]

Inspired by this thread I have decided to make CW decide who is the best Test batsman of the decade, the qualification is 20 matches, (no Hussey) and must also have averaged 40+.

The Batsman ​

​

Australia

RT Ponting
7276 runs @ 65.54

ML Hayden
7478 @ 55.80

AC Gilchrist
4913 @ 47.69

DR Martyn
4089 @ 48.67

JL Langer
5994 @ 48.73

England

KP Pietersen
2898 @ 52.69

MP Vaughan
5053 @ 44.71

ME Trescothick
5825 @ 43.79

India

SR Tendulkar
5309 @ 53.09

R Dravid
6794 @ 59.59

V Sehwag
4155 @ 49.46

New Zealand

SP Fleming
3636 @ 40.85

Pakistan

Mohammad Yousuf
5656 @ 62.15

Inzamam-ul-Haq
5096 @ 56.62

Younis Khan
4423 @ 48.60

South Africa

JH Kallis
6836 @ 62.71

HH Gibbs
5046 @ 45.87

GC Smith
4532 @ 46.79

Sri Lanka

KC Sangakkara
5492 @ 54.37

DPMD Jaywardene
5697 @ 50.86

West Indies

BC Lara
6380 @ 54.06

S Chanderpaul
4948 @ 49.97

Zimbabwe

A Flower
2214 @ 63.25​

When voting you can take whatever personal preferences into account, such as strike rates, preservation of wicket, technique. And perhaps a little country bias eh Phlegm?

 

[archie mac]

Ponting

 

[SJS]

Ponting

Ponting
_____________________________________

and yes it does make sense

 

[Athlai]

And to make sure Ponting doesn't run away with it, you get 3 votes!

 

[silentstriker]

Ponting

 

[silentstriker]

Ponting

Kallis and Inzy both better than Dravid? Interesting. You're out of your mind....but interesting nonetheless.

 

[archie mac]

Kallis and Inzy both better than Dravid? Interesting. You're out of your mind....but interesting nonetheless.

Did put much thought into it tbh, yes 'the wall' will go down as an all time great

 

[Athlai]

It's hardly the best way to judge a batsman but for me Kallis > Dravid because playing against my team in my country their averages since 2000 (basicallly since I started really watching cricket) are
Dravid 32.75
Kallis 70.80

Kallis's knock in Hamilton was immense, and I remember the media jumping on the lets fear Kallis bandwagon as he was averaging something like a hundred at the time.

I really prefer ranking batsman in matches I have actually seen if it's at all possible which is why I much prefer threads like this as opposed to all-timers.

 

[andyc]

Went for Ponting first, then Kallis and Yousuf. Dravid a close fourth.

 

[SJS]

Did put much thought into it tbh, yes 'the wall' will go down as an all time great

I was sure od Ponting at 1 and Dravid at 2 and almost put Inzy at 3 then I saw how much of Lara's cricket was played in this period and voted for him.

Laras batting during the period in question should not be under-rated by comparing it with Lara himself in another period.

 

[SJS]

I think I am biased against Kallis. Seriously, I must be. Wonder why? Must work that one out.

 

[archie mac]

I was sure od Ponting at 1 and Dravid at 2 and almost put Inzy at 3 then I saw how much of Lara's cricket was played in this period and voted for him.

Laras batting during the period in question should not be under-rated by comparing it with Lara himself in another period.

Yes suprised at how well so many batsman have performed in this period, getting on for seven years, or is it a pitch preperation and bowler worry

 

[Athlai]

Yes suprised at how well so many batsman have performed in this period, getting on for seven years, or is it a pitch preperation and bowler worry

I have a feeling if I made a best bowler of this century thread there would be decidely less options.

 

[pasag]

No RTD in the poll? Ponting it is then.

 

[shortpitched713]

And to make sure Ponting doesn't run away with it, you get 3 votes!

Can I vote for Ponting three times?

 

[Athlai]

Can I vote for Ponting three times?

No, no you cannot.

 

[Prince EWS]

When voting you can take whatever personal preferences into account, such as strike rates, preservation of wicket, technique.

Excellent. I'll have Kallis, Vaughan and Ganga then please.

 

[shortpitched713]

Went straight by averages and excluded Flower due to the short length of time that he played in the period in question. Unless someone can give me specific reasoning for why one batsman's runs are worth more than another's I see no reason that the most prolific run scorers should not be picked.

 

[Ikki]

Ponting, Hayden and Dravid.

 

[Athlai]

Excellent. I'll have Kallis, Vaughan and Ganga then please.

D Ganga
1968 @ 27.33

Whatever floats your boat mate.