How much a batsman should average . . .

[vcs]

De Silva was definitely as good as any of those batsmen.. guys like Gooch and Thorpe also deserve a mention. Also Damien Martyn. I think Laxman is a little better than all these guys.

 

[smash84]

Which reminds me that Saeed Anwar was such a wonderful batsman. Probably Pakistan's best opener after Hanif Mohammad.

Batting records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPN Cricinfo

Only played 55 tests though and wasn't great against WI and SA but was more than decent against the rest.

 

[Migara]

Ikki to come back on Azhar, Langer and Crowe (though I too believe that all 3 of them were better than Aravinda).

But I personally feel that he was NEVER 'among the best' as you suggest. In 1990s, Tendulkar, Steve Waugh, Lara and Inzamam were clearly the best batsmen in the world (and I would suggest that the first 3 were better than Inzi)...Aravinda was in the next level 'at best'...

And for the period chosen by you (1995-2002):
Batting records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPN Cricinfo

De Silva averaged 35 away from home in the said period, there are 32 batsmen who averaged more than Aravinda away from home in the said period (among the ones who batted in at least 30 innings):
Batting records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPN Cricinfo

He was never among the 'best' batsmen in the world.

Stats picking. The early career of Aravinda will show that he averaged better away than at home.

 

[marc71178]

So you use stats from one era to "prove" one part of your claim, then stats from an era you've discounted to back up that "proof" then accuse others of stats picking. ITSTL.

 

[Maximus0723]

Which reminds me that Saeed Anwar was such a wonderful batsman. Probably Pakistan's best opener after Hanif Mohammad.

Batting records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPN Cricinfo

Only played 55 tests though and wasn't great against WI and SA but was more than decent against the rest.

Man, just reminds me of how good Pakistan was against India.

 

[smash84]

Man, just reminds me of how good Pakistan was against India.

true