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Your top 10 TEST batsmen of all-time
- Thread starter Days of Grace
- Start date
Fusion
Global Moderator
SJS
Hall of Fame Member
Oh I did not realise that.Err, the point of this is to apply the point system.You can't do that to an alphabetical list.
Ranking them is tougher.
Anyway here it is ranked from best downwards.
- Bradman
- Hobbs
- Sobers
- Grace
- Hammond
- Headley
- Richards
- Pollock
- Lara
- Tendulkar
archie mac
International Coach
Yes the 75/76 Windies will be happy to know that! Border only averaged 38 against the Windies from memory
archie mac
International Coach
I was talking about Chappell in 75/76 and Border's over all average against the WindiesBorder didn't play in '75\76.
Do try and keep up
1. Dir Donald Bradman
Needs no explanation does it?
2. Sir Vivian Richards
There’s no two ways about it, there’s probably six or seven great batsmen who could be placed second on this list. There’s a few reasons I put Viv second, and to do so I need to draw a comparison between Lara and Tendulkar. I always rated Tendulkar higher because whilst both had similar averages, Lara was more prone to scoring double centuries and that somewhat inflated his average. I’m not knocking Lara for making high scores, but in the year where he made 400* for him to average less than 100 for the year he had to have batted in some poor innings. Tendulkar was less likely to score big scores, but in his prime he consistently scored centuries which, in my opinion, meant he ultimately won India more games. This helps explain my thoughts on Viv Richards. Aside from when Tony Grieg should have put his fist in his mouth, Viv rarely scored massive centuries, yet he consistently got centuries. Moreover, he did it with more dominance over the attack than Tendulkar did. It was an overriding confidence that dominated attacks. What I liked about Viv is the score could be 3/30, and he just gave no quarter to the score, it was “Sorry lad, the game’s about to change.”
That’s my first reason. The second reason is because he was so consistent in his dominance. Every batsman had little periods in his career when he can’t make runs… but Viv IIRC didn’t have a sustained period of bad form. There were a few periods when he didn’t make big scores, but nothing as prolonged as Lara or Tendulkar’s losses of form. My final reason has to do with legacy. Viv was the best player in arguably the best cricket team ever. That says something when you look at the talent. His leadership and confidence were crucial in the West Indies dominant attitude. I think it’s really sad he’s being relegated to scrutiny by people who trust stats. Any bowler who played in the 80s says he was the man.
3. Sir Garfield Sobers
I always thought Sobers was the second greatest cricketer ever, and that he was a far better batsman than bowler, so that partly explains why he’s so high. An average of 56 IIRC is incredible in any era. The stories I enjoyed hearing about Sobers are the ones where he compared awful wickets to the ones he played on in the West Indies. He could be batting on a bad pitch and think to himself, “This isn’t any worse than this ground etc”. Those who played against him swear to him being far and beyond anybody except Bradman. Ian Chappell is fully convinced he’s the best batsman he ever saw. In fact last year when the Windies played in England there was a special on Gary Sobers during a rain delay… I hope you all saw it because it says more about him than I could.
4. Sir Jack Hobbs
People will sadly bring up the whole “he’s from an old era etc” argument. But Hobbs isn’t from the Grace era when the ball was bowled along the ground etc. Hobbs revolutionised batting with his technique. He provided the basis for what a good batting technique is. And he leant it by facing great players like Clarrie Grimmett. He’s England’s greatest ever cricketer and his legacy is somewhat forgotten by those who relegate him to just being successful in one era. Hobbs is a legend.
5. Sachin Tendulkar
I’ve already discussed why I rate him over Lara and what stands out to me. The only other thing I can mention is that if you were around in 1998 and saw him play in India, and heard the crowd react to his entrance and then saw him bat, you would swear by all money he was the best batsman since Bradman and possibly the second best batsman ever. Having said that, you might think I’m being harsh of him because he had a few years out of form, but I’m not… nothing ever diminished those days in my eyes. That’s the Tendulkar I’ll never forget.
6. Brian Lara
He’s gone up a lot in my list during his last few years. Yet I have to admit, I still see a clear (though small) difference between him and Tendulkar. There’s just no doubt in my mind who’s better.
7. Sunil Gavaskar
Boring as all hell but it’s true what they say about Sunni. In an era when fast bowling was better than it had ever been, Gavaskar didn’t just cope with it, he actually got better against it. That’s something one can’t say about every great batsman… that they faced the best and did well against them.
8. Wally Hammond
Arguably the most underrated batsman of all time because he played in an era when his genius couldn’t be fully appreciated. He also played in the eras of O’Rielly, Grimmett and co. He faced some of Australia’s finest bowlers they had from the first half of the 20th century. I always allude to how dominant he was with England the rare times Bradman didn’t play… it certainly shows him as a freak. Players like him come along every once an era… he’s not far removed to what Lara and Tendulkar were for our generation… yet he’ll always cast aside in many people’s memories because Bradman was that good. I think Ian Chappell paid him the ultimate compliment when he said it’s one thing to score big scored, but to have the heart and desire to score big scores when Bradman may have just batted your chances out of the game… well it says something.
9. Graeme Pollock
The man described by Don Bradman was the best left-handed batsman he’d ever seen. Lara was left-handed… so was Sobers… that says something. I never bought into the whole “he hasn’t been tested theory”. Players analysed him for years, and a bit like South African rugby, South Africa’s cricket team didn’t play much… didn’t mean opposition sides didn’t know a lot about Pollock. Many thought he was susceptible on the leg-side, but he proved them wrong. In fact teams tries plenty of things to counter-attack Pollock. Those who played against him, even in one Test, to him being the best batsman ever. I remember going to cricket camp when I was 11 years old, and a former international player who I’d never heard of, gave us a lecture. When asked who the best was, he said Pollock, because anything but a perfect length was dealt with.
10. George Headley
The thing people forget about Headley is that almost a decade after he retired, he was asked to come back and play for the Windies. Suffice to say he sucked when he came back. Had he not come back, his batting average would have been mid 60s... considering he didn't play that many Tests, it's easy to understand why he was called the "Black Bradman" because he was prolific like Bradman. Had he scored two more double centuries or so, he might've had an average like Bradman's. Of course he never did so I wont give him credit for that... but his moniker was earned by being a beast of a run scorer.
People who just missed out...
11. Greg Chappell
12. Sir Len Hutton
13. Barry Richards
14. Steve Waugh
Needs no explanation does it?
2. Sir Vivian Richards
There’s no two ways about it, there’s probably six or seven great batsmen who could be placed second on this list. There’s a few reasons I put Viv second, and to do so I need to draw a comparison between Lara and Tendulkar. I always rated Tendulkar higher because whilst both had similar averages, Lara was more prone to scoring double centuries and that somewhat inflated his average. I’m not knocking Lara for making high scores, but in the year where he made 400* for him to average less than 100 for the year he had to have batted in some poor innings. Tendulkar was less likely to score big scores, but in his prime he consistently scored centuries which, in my opinion, meant he ultimately won India more games. This helps explain my thoughts on Viv Richards. Aside from when Tony Grieg should have put his fist in his mouth, Viv rarely scored massive centuries, yet he consistently got centuries. Moreover, he did it with more dominance over the attack than Tendulkar did. It was an overriding confidence that dominated attacks. What I liked about Viv is the score could be 3/30, and he just gave no quarter to the score, it was “Sorry lad, the game’s about to change.”
That’s my first reason. The second reason is because he was so consistent in his dominance. Every batsman had little periods in his career when he can’t make runs… but Viv IIRC didn’t have a sustained period of bad form. There were a few periods when he didn’t make big scores, but nothing as prolonged as Lara or Tendulkar’s losses of form. My final reason has to do with legacy. Viv was the best player in arguably the best cricket team ever. That says something when you look at the talent. His leadership and confidence were crucial in the West Indies dominant attitude. I think it’s really sad he’s being relegated to scrutiny by people who trust stats. Any bowler who played in the 80s says he was the man.
3. Sir Garfield Sobers
I always thought Sobers was the second greatest cricketer ever, and that he was a far better batsman than bowler, so that partly explains why he’s so high. An average of 56 IIRC is incredible in any era. The stories I enjoyed hearing about Sobers are the ones where he compared awful wickets to the ones he played on in the West Indies. He could be batting on a bad pitch and think to himself, “This isn’t any worse than this ground etc”. Those who played against him swear to him being far and beyond anybody except Bradman. Ian Chappell is fully convinced he’s the best batsman he ever saw. In fact last year when the Windies played in England there was a special on Gary Sobers during a rain delay… I hope you all saw it because it says more about him than I could.
4. Sir Jack Hobbs
People will sadly bring up the whole “he’s from an old era etc” argument. But Hobbs isn’t from the Grace era when the ball was bowled along the ground etc. Hobbs revolutionised batting with his technique. He provided the basis for what a good batting technique is. And he leant it by facing great players like Clarrie Grimmett. He’s England’s greatest ever cricketer and his legacy is somewhat forgotten by those who relegate him to just being successful in one era. Hobbs is a legend.
5. Sachin Tendulkar
I’ve already discussed why I rate him over Lara and what stands out to me. The only other thing I can mention is that if you were around in 1998 and saw him play in India, and heard the crowd react to his entrance and then saw him bat, you would swear by all money he was the best batsman since Bradman and possibly the second best batsman ever. Having said that, you might think I’m being harsh of him because he had a few years out of form, but I’m not… nothing ever diminished those days in my eyes. That’s the Tendulkar I’ll never forget.
6. Brian Lara
He’s gone up a lot in my list during his last few years. Yet I have to admit, I still see a clear (though small) difference between him and Tendulkar. There’s just no doubt in my mind who’s better.
7. Sunil Gavaskar
Boring as all hell but it’s true what they say about Sunni. In an era when fast bowling was better than it had ever been, Gavaskar didn’t just cope with it, he actually got better against it. That’s something one can’t say about every great batsman… that they faced the best and did well against them.
8. Wally Hammond
Arguably the most underrated batsman of all time because he played in an era when his genius couldn’t be fully appreciated. He also played in the eras of O’Rielly, Grimmett and co. He faced some of Australia’s finest bowlers they had from the first half of the 20th century. I always allude to how dominant he was with England the rare times Bradman didn’t play… it certainly shows him as a freak. Players like him come along every once an era… he’s not far removed to what Lara and Tendulkar were for our generation… yet he’ll always cast aside in many people’s memories because Bradman was that good. I think Ian Chappell paid him the ultimate compliment when he said it’s one thing to score big scored, but to have the heart and desire to score big scores when Bradman may have just batted your chances out of the game… well it says something.
9. Graeme Pollock
The man described by Don Bradman was the best left-handed batsman he’d ever seen. Lara was left-handed… so was Sobers… that says something. I never bought into the whole “he hasn’t been tested theory”. Players analysed him for years, and a bit like South African rugby, South Africa’s cricket team didn’t play much… didn’t mean opposition sides didn’t know a lot about Pollock. Many thought he was susceptible on the leg-side, but he proved them wrong. In fact teams tries plenty of things to counter-attack Pollock. Those who played against him, even in one Test, to him being the best batsman ever. I remember going to cricket camp when I was 11 years old, and a former international player who I’d never heard of, gave us a lecture. When asked who the best was, he said Pollock, because anything but a perfect length was dealt with.
10. George Headley
The thing people forget about Headley is that almost a decade after he retired, he was asked to come back and play for the Windies. Suffice to say he sucked when he came back. Had he not come back, his batting average would have been mid 60s... considering he didn't play that many Tests, it's easy to understand why he was called the "Black Bradman" because he was prolific like Bradman. Had he scored two more double centuries or so, he might've had an average like Bradman's. Of course he never did so I wont give him credit for that... but his moniker was earned by being a beast of a run scorer.
People who just missed out...
11. Greg Chappell
12. Sir Len Hutton
13. Barry Richards
14. Steve Waugh
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Chubb
International Regular
Don Bradman
Jack Hobbs
Gary Sobers
Viv Richards
Wally Hammond
George Headley
Herbert Sutcliffe
Andy Flower
Bert Sutcliffe
Brian Lara
I'll just explain my two unusual selections, that of Flower and Bert Sutcliffe.
Flower Because almost all the time he stood alone- he only made 2 easy test centuries against Bangladesh, every other one he made coming in with the side in trouble or up against a team who were far better than his, knowing he would be targeted as the side's best player. And he did it with his country falling down around him. I do not believe for a second that any Australian could have done what he did, or any other batsman of his era. I don't care if you think I'm biased, he will always be a great to me.
Bert Sutcliffe I would love to have seen him bat. To play 42 Tests, average what he did and never to win one was extraordinary. Let's not forget his great innings in the Tangiwai Test when he was seeing double, concussed and half cut on whiskey. In my opinion he is the greatest batsman in New Zealand's history. Though he may not have the stats of the others, I honestly believe he is one of the great batsmen of all time.
Jack Hobbs
Gary Sobers
Viv Richards
Wally Hammond
George Headley
Herbert Sutcliffe
Andy Flower
Bert Sutcliffe
Brian Lara
I'll just explain my two unusual selections, that of Flower and Bert Sutcliffe.
Flower Because almost all the time he stood alone- he only made 2 easy test centuries against Bangladesh, every other one he made coming in with the side in trouble or up against a team who were far better than his, knowing he would be targeted as the side's best player. And he did it with his country falling down around him. I do not believe for a second that any Australian could have done what he did, or any other batsman of his era. I don't care if you think I'm biased, he will always be a great to me.
Bert Sutcliffe I would love to have seen him bat. To play 42 Tests, average what he did and never to win one was extraordinary. Let's not forget his great innings in the Tangiwai Test when he was seeing double, concussed and half cut on whiskey. In my opinion he is the greatest batsman in New Zealand's history. Though he may not have the stats of the others, I honestly believe he is one of the great batsmen of all time.
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JBMAC
State Captain
C K Nayadu is certainly now viewed in most quarters as the 'father' of Indian cricket. While other Indians had played test cricket before him (such as Ranji, Duleepshinghi etc), he led India into the world as a competitive nation.
If you are interested, there is a fascinating book called 'A Corner Of A Foreign Field' by Ramachandra Guha which covers the development of the game in India. I can highly recommend it.
Days of Grace
International Captain
If you say that, then you had better include Clem Hill in that list too. He averaged about the same as Trumper and was more consistent.
And put Ranjit above both of them i.m.o.
honestbharani
Whatever it takes!!!
Juz gonna rate the ones I have seen:
1. Lara
2. Tendulkar
3. Dravid
4. Ponting
5. Steve Waugh
6. Martin Crowe
7. Kallis
8. Inzy
9. Aravinda
10. Andy Flower
1. Lara
2. Tendulkar
3. Dravid
4. Ponting
5. Steve Waugh
6. Martin Crowe
7. Kallis
8. Inzy
9. Aravinda
10. Andy Flower
Fiery
Banned
Cheers. Ya spelt his name wrong so nothing came up in google
archie mac
International Coach
FS Jackson
Days of Grace
International Captain
Aye. Jackson was perhaps the finest of all pre-WWI test batsmen. The one with the best record anyway.
Days of Grace
International Captain
So far 23 people have posted their top tens. I have counted only those people who posted an all-time top 10, and people who took it seriously, i.e. not putting 9 australians in the top 10.
Only Bradman and Sobers made it into all 23 voters' lists. Hobbs was next (22 lists).
Top 20 (so far): (points in brackets)
1. Bradman (230)
2. Hobbs (169)
3. Sobers (160)
4. V. Richards (124)
5. Hammond (97)
6. Tendulkar (82)
7. Lara (67)
8. Headley (57)
9. Hutton (43)
10. Ponting (32)
11. Chappell (28)
12. Gavaskar (28)
13. Pollock (26)
14. Sutcliffe (24)
15. Grace (24)
16. B. Richards (14)
17.Border (12)
18. May (8)
19. Barrington (7)
20. Walcott (5)
Barry Richards, Peter May, and W.G. should be nowhere near a top 20 test list i.m.o.
But the top 10 looks fairly solid anyway.
Only Bradman and Sobers made it into all 23 voters' lists. Hobbs was next (22 lists).
Top 20 (so far): (points in brackets)
1. Bradman (230)
2. Hobbs (169)
3. Sobers (160)
4. V. Richards (124)
5. Hammond (97)
6. Tendulkar (82)
7. Lara (67)
8. Headley (57)
9. Hutton (43)
10. Ponting (32)
11. Chappell (28)
12. Gavaskar (28)
13. Pollock (26)
14. Sutcliffe (24)
15. Grace (24)
16. B. Richards (14)
17.Border (12)
18. May (8)
19. Barrington (7)
20. Walcott (5)
Barry Richards, Peter May, and W.G. should be nowhere near a top 20 test list i.m.o.
But the top 10 looks fairly solid anyway.
