If not for match fixing, how would Hansie and Azhar be remembered?

[SuperMurali]

There's not doubt that Cronje and Azharrudin were great players. But their records have been tarnished by match fixing.


If that they didn't fix (or if we never found out), how highly would they be rated? All time great? Would they be in the all time India and South Africa teams?

 

[Red]

Cronje was a decent cricketer, gritty batsman, and tough, but not ATG. He's not keeping any of Kallis, Nourse, DeVilliers, Faulkner or Amla out of a SA ATG middle order.

Azzhuradin has more ATG claims but he's competing with Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman, Hazare and prob Kohli now.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Azhar was ATG on the eye, best Indian player to watch bat for me, dreamy shots all over the place.

Cronje was like a Saffer version of Collingwood and not that good just a gritty fighter.

 

[fredfertang]

Interesting contrast with these two - bitterly resent Cronje and all he stood for and the memory of him as a cricketer is irrevocably sullied by what he did. With Azhar though the abiding feeling is what a shame, and what a stylish batsman he was. Viewed objectively both were as bad as each other, so the firmness of the wrist is obviously a factor in how the human condition is judged ......................

 

[Teja.]

Azhar played some of the most randomly absurd 132 (89) knocks against top class pace bowling when the situation didn't even call for aggression despite not being a particularly aggressive batsman in general.

Also competes with VVS for being the best player from my city.

He's a **** but a very memorable batsman.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Azhar was the VVS before VVS not just in the wristy Hyderabadi way but also in getting out in infuriating ways but out of the blue producing the kind of knocks no one else would even attempt. Would definitely be fondly remembered... and not just in India either. He made it a point to produce 1/2 utterly insane knocks in every country he toured regardless of his overseas inconsistency. Was as tough he was generously giving fans everywhere atleast one glimpse of his entertainment value. Such a damn shame.

 

[SOPL]

One must wonder as to what proportion their failures were due to match-fixing rather than an inability/inconsistency.

Agree with most on here about Azharuddin - certainly had the midas touch.

 

[weldone]

Azharuddin was a master against spin - scored numerous glorious centuries against Murali and also Warne

 

[Jono]

One must wonder as to what proportion their failures were due to match-fixing rather than an inability/inconsistency.

Don't like this way of thinking. Makes match fixers get the benefit of the doubt for their ability. **** them.

 

[Oduodu]

hansie was one of the finest captains we ever had. what else can i say.

 

[sledger]

That he was a cheat.

 

[Oduodu]

i cant argue against that . the question was how he would have been remmebered if he didnt commit fraud.

 

[Oduodu]

i dont consider hans an alltime great batsmen. good player of spin bowling . destructive at best in ODI"s.

his captaincy was very good though. and under bob woolmer who waS MURDERED at a world cup he was brilliant. funny how those two are no longer alive.

 

[sledger]

i dont consider hans an alltime great batsmen. good player of spin bowling . destructive at best in ODI"s.

his captaincy was very good though. and under bob woolmer who waS MURDERED at a world cup he was brilliant. funny how those two are no longer alive.

Erm...

 

[OverratedSanity]

i dont consider hans an alltime great batsmen. good player of spin bowling . destructive at best in ODI"s.

his captaincy was very good though. and under bob woolmer who waS MURDERED at a world cup he was brilliant. funny how those two are no longer alive.

Yeah. Hilarious. I sometimes just randomly think about Hansie crashing into a mountain and burst out laughing.

Actually, nah.

 

[Viscount Tom]

I'd buy that final line from you but for your name been OverratedSanity.

 

[Red]

To give him the benefit of the doubt I don't think he meant funny haha

 

[LongHopCassidy]

Boycott would have won the Battle of the Infamous.

 

[Gob]

leather jackets

 

[morgieb]

Boycott would have won the Battle of the Infamous.

Nah Harbhajan didn't match fix.