Bagapath's Greatest XI

[The Battlers Prince]

Top side so far, when you've completed your list, I'm just curious whether there are any alternates who were close to, but just missed out on making the XI

 

[bagapath]

Top side so far, when you've completed your list, I'm just curious whether there are any alternates who were close to, but just missed out on making the XI

Thanks mate. But I am worried you guys could find it boring that most of these selections are too obvious.

My last fast bowling option is definitely not a surprise. Anyone with a bit of common sense would love to have Malcolm Marshall in their team.

I know I am giving the first over to Hadlee. But that is purely out of respect for his seniority. Before finalizing him, I did consider picking other new ball specialists like Akram, Ambrose, or McGrath; and the-one-who-I-still-don't-know-why-I-missed-him Imran Khan. Hadlee just shaded every one of those giants by a micro millimeter. In some cases it was his batting, in some other cases it was his versatility, in one case it was his accuracy. I found him to be my no.8 and the opening bowler after agonizing over the decision for a considerable time. Similarly, Garner could have been replaced by Pollock or Waqar or even Donald. But, for reasons already explained, I chose the Big Bird.

Macko's selection, on the other hand, doesn't need any justification. Who needs to be reminded that there was no technical chink in his armor? Don't we all remember that bustling run-up that would culminate in super-fast arm whirling that would send a skidding bouncer from a good length? Everyone knows he could swing the ball both ways and cut it in or out at express pace - sometimes of a shorter run up too. In case our memories have become fuzzy over time please check with the batsmen what they think of him. They will tell you what HE thought of them. He thought of their next stroke, their foot movement, their grip, their timing and bowled exactly where they didn't want him to bowl. They will tell you he was the smartest pacer around who used his brains more than his pace, skill and variation to outwit them.

In case all these obvious facts, the numerous match winning spells on varied surfaces, and his vicious blood-thirsty missiles are forgotten, tell me if there has ever been a more winning smile seen on the cricket field.

Marshall claimed 87 wickets at an average of 22.5 against Australia at a SR of 49.8. And, statistically this was his worst show against any nation. Against everyone else, he averaged under 22 and claimed a wicket in around every 8 overs. In overseas conditions too he averaged under 25 everywhere except in NZ where one wicketless innings skewed a sub 27 average to 32.

In any case, his name figures for sure when you discuss parsimonious bastards like Ambrose and Garner who bought their wickets dirt cheap. When you talk of the fast striking masters like Donald and Waqar, Marshall figures there too. When consistent 4.5 + WPM leading strike bowlers like McGrath and Trueman are called in Marshall is sitting in that elite group as well. His record is as perfect as it is humanly possible for a fast bowler in test cricket.

Mat Inns Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10
81 151 17584 7876 376 7/22 11/89 20.94 2.68 46.7 19 22 4

If his spectacular role as the leading strike bowler in partnership with Garner was bettered by his elder brotherly mentoring of future giants like Ambrose, Walsh and Bishop, then even that magnanimity pales in comparison with the humility and eagerness with which he served his apprenticeship under Roberts and Holding.

Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards know exactly who made their team the best ever in the history of test cricket. So do millions of fans like us.

 

[smash84]

Absolutely loved the write up on Marshall. What a legend. Your eleven really reminds me of the cricketers whom I grew up admiring. For some reason the legends of the 80s just stand taller than the rest in my mind. Hadlee, Viv, Marshall, Imran, Sunny etc. Absolute legends all of them

 

[The Battlers Prince]

I know I am giving the first over to Hadlee. But that is purely out of respect for his seniority. Before finalizing him, I did consider picking other new ball specialists like Akram, Ambrose, or McGrath; and the-one-who-I-still-don't-know-why-I-missed-him Imran Khan. Hadlee just shaded every one of those giants by a micro millimeter. In some cases it was his batting, in some other cases it was his versatility, in one case it was his accuracy. I found him to be my no.8 and the opening bowler after agonizing over the decision for a considerable time. Similarly, Garner could have been replaced by Pollock or Waqar or even Donald. But, for reasons already explained, I chose the Big Bird.

Great write up, great side. Cheers for the bowler explanations.

 

[bagapath]

The team

1. Sunil Gavaskar
2. Gordon Greenidge
3. Sir Viv Richards
4. Sachin Tendulkar
5. Brian Lara
6.
7. Adam Gilchrist (wk)
8. Sir Richard Hadlee (1)
9. Malcolm Marshall (2)
10. Shane Warne (4)
11. Joel Garner (3)

 

[MW1304]

Great write-ups so far. Going for Ponting at 6.

 

[Furball]

Yeah, that Marshall write up was top drawer.

 

[ankitj]

Ian Botham to complete the xi obv

 

[Esperance]

Money's on Jadeja.

 

[Fusion]

Nevermind, curse you Baga.

 

[kyear2]

Anyone who watched Viv Richards bat would swear he was the greatest batsman that ever lived. He probably was. Who else would bludgeon great bowlers with classical cricket strokes and brutalize their bowling figures with such regularity? Who else could play with a straight bat but beat the field at will on swinging, bouncing, turning wickets alike? Who else walked to the crease with such panache and delivered more than whatever is promised by that stylish gait and arrogant look? The answer is: No one else.

I wanted Lara to bat at five because I think it would be risky to have Viv and Brian batting together all the time. They both were such dominant personalities that they might start to match each other stroke for stroke. It would certainly be a connoisseur's delight. But it would also give the opposition bowlers more chances to get one of them out.

Yes, arrogance was Viv Richards' technical weakness. He would pulverize the star bowlers with his drives and cuts and pulls and the get out to a mediocre bowler's lollipop just out of boredom. I believe it is better to have Sachin bat in between these two maestros (Sachin himself being one but of a different mould) and allow both to blossom to their full potential. Viv' full potential would mean it would rain boundaries all around the wicket. And I have no complaints about that.

Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave 100 50 6s Ct
121 182 12 8540 291 50.2324 45 84 122

Brilliantly written, it captures so much of who Richards was at the crease and how great he was. I know in DoG's thread everyone is going on about of how Bradman was twice as good as every other batsman who ever lived, and while Bradman was the best, he wasn't twice as good as IVA or anywhere near it and no one would ever be able to convince me of that.

 

[kyear2]

Thanks mate. But I am worried you guys could find it boring that most of these selections are too obvious.

My last fast bowling option is definitely not a surprise. Anyone with a bit of common sense would love to have Malcolm Marshall in their team.

I know I am giving the first over to Hadlee. But that is purely out of respect for his seniority. Before finalizing him, I did consider picking other new ball specialists like Akram, Ambrose, or McGrath; and the-one-who-I-still-don't-know-why-I-missed-him Imran Khan. Hadlee just shaded every one of those giants by a micro millimeter. In some cases it was his batting, in some other cases it was his versatility, in one case it was his accuracy. I found him to be my no.8 and the opening bowler after agonizing over the decision for a considerable time. Similarly, Garner could have been replaced by Pollock or Waqar or even Donald. But, for reasons already explained, I chose the Big Bird.

Macko's selection, on the other hand, doesn't need any justification. Who needs to be reminded that there was no technical chink in his armor? Don't we all remember that bustling run-up that would culminate in super-fast arm whirling that would send a skidding bouncer from a good length? Everyone knows he could swing the ball both ways and cut it in or out at express pace - sometimes of a shorter run up too. In case our memories have become fuzzy over time please check with the batsmen what they think of him. They will tell you what HE thought of them. He thought of their next stroke, their foot movement, their grip, their timing and bowled exactly where they didn't want him to bowl. They will tell you he was the smartest pacer around who used his brains more than his pace, skill and variation to outwit them.

In case all these obvious facts, the numerous match winning spells on varied surfaces, and his vicious blood-thirsty missiles are forgotten, tell me if there has ever been a more winning smile seen on the cricket field.

Marshall claimed 87 wickets at an average of 22.5 against Australia at a SR of 49.8. And, statistically this was his worst show against any nation. Against everyone else, he averaged under 22 and claimed a wicket in around every 8 overs. In overseas conditions too he averaged under 25 everywhere except in NZ where one wicketless innings skewed a sub 27 average to 32.

In any case, his name figures for sure when you discuss parsimonious bastards like Ambrose and Garner who bought their wickets dirt cheap. When you talk of the fast striking masters like Donald and Waqar, Marshall figures there too. When consistent 4.5 + WPM leading strike bowlers like McGrath and Trueman are called in Marshall is sitting in that elite group as well. His record is as perfect as it is humanly possible for a fast bowler in test cricket.

Mat Inns Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10
81 151 17584 7876 376 7/22 11/89 20.94 2.68 46.7 19 22 4

If his spectacular role as the leading strike bowler in partnership with Garner was bettered by his elder brotherly mentoring of future giants like Ambrose, Walsh and Bishop, then even that magnanimity pales in comparison with the humility and eagerness with which he served his apprenticeship under Roberts and Holding.

Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards know exactly who made their team the best ever in the history of test cricket. So do millions of fans like us.

Exquisite and even better that Vivian's write up. It's no secret that I believe that Marshall is the greatest ever bowler and one of the three greatest cricketers of All Time, and this biography specifically explains why infinitely better than I ever could. Marshall was utterly brilliant and for me the best match winner in the history of the game who took the best team in the game and took it over the top and helped make it the greatest team in the history of the game. I need not say any more because Bagapath has said it all.

There is one complaint, and though I fully respect your decision to include Hadlee in the team, I personally cannot conceive giving anyone else first shot with the new cherry over the great Malcolm Marshall.

RIP Maco.

 

[bagapath]

Nevermind, curse you Baga.

Okay mate. But why? Don't get you.

 

[Fusion]

Okay mate. But why? Don't get you.

Haha, I was incorrectly guessing your last selection as Imran.

 

[bagapath]

There is one complaint, and though I fully respect your decision to include Hadlee in the team, I personally cannot conceive giving anyone else first shot with the new cherry over the great Malcolm Marshall.

I think Macko would object to that and insist on Hadlee having the first go. Remember the time Lloyd asked Holding to open the attack? He politely suggested that Roberts holds the rights to take the new ball. Big Cat had to convince him that it was a combined decision by Andy and him that the time was right for Holding to bowl the first over. Marshall, afterall, was Holding's admirer. Am sure he will be of the same opinion that it is Hadlee's right to open the bowling.

 

[OverratedSanity]

I think Macko would object to that and insist on Hadlee having the first go. Remember the time Lloyd asked Holding to open the attack? He politely suggested that Roberts holds the rights to take the new ball. Big Cat had to convince him that it was a combined decision by Andy and him that the time was right for Holding to bowl the first over. Marshall, afterall, was Holding's admirer. Am sure he will be of the same opinion that it is Hadlee's right to open the bowling.

Or you could just take a combined decision with Hadlee like Lloyd did with Roberts

 

[bagapath]

Or you could just take a combined decision with Hadlee like Lloyd did with Roberts

Knowing the slightly selfish slant of Hadlee's personality I am sure he will congratulate Marshall for bowling the second over, quickly take the ball in his hand and walk to the top of his mark.

 

[Burgey]

I'm enjoying this team. It's just a shame Gavaskar was such a ****.

 

[harsh.ag]

Thanks mate. But I am worried you guys could find it boring that most of these selections are too obvious.

My last fast bowling option is definitely not a surprise. Anyone with a bit of common sense would love to have Malcolm Marshall in their team.

I know I am giving the first over to Hadlee. But that is purely out of respect for his seniority. Before finalizing him, I did consider picking other new ball specialists like Akram, Ambrose, or McGrath; and the-one-who-I-still-don't-know-why-I-missed-him Imran Khan. Hadlee just shaded every one of those giants by a micro millimeter. In some cases it was his batting, in some other cases it was his versatility, in one case it was his accuracy. I found him to be my no.8 and the opening bowler after agonizing over the decision for a considerable time. Similarly, Garner could have been replaced by Pollock or Waqar or even Donald. But, for reasons already explained, I chose the Big Bird.

Great write ups man! Who do you think Ambrose's bowling style is more similar to - Garner or McGrath?

 

[The Battlers Prince]

Tell me who the last player is!!! ****