Is Kohli better than Ponting?

[SillyCowCorner1]

Well it's all equally true so fair play

There we go. And no harm done

 

[TheJediBrah]

Don't think we can judge technique. I can hold a bat like Bradman but I'll end up looking like a ****ing idiot. That bloke had superb hand eye coordination but slowed down with age and went out averaging 80 in his last series. If it works for him, it just does and a player of his ability will adjust it accordingly. Orthodox techniques are overrated anyway because they're built for utility. Because of their one size fits all nature, they're limiting too. It's like how you can use Java or Basic for most purposes but for full efficiency you'll try something more specialised. As Bradman said, textbook technique can raise a subpar player to mediocrity but also reduce a great one to mehness. Paraphrasing obviously.

Tangentially related rant over.

so true, and very relevant re. Steve Smith

 

[Bijed]

I know he's always had an unorthodox technique, but did Smith's technique change at all leading to his becoming the run machine he now is? Or was it simply that something clicked mentally for him?

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Could have gone either way imho.

Would have been the greatest leggie in the world atm.

**** you Rashid

 

[TheJediBrah]

I know he's always had an unorthodox technique, but did Smith's technique change at all leading to his becoming the run machine he now is? Or was it simply that something clicked mentally for him?

Mostly mentally IMO, but IIRC his technique & stance did change pretty dramatically about the exact time he became 300% better. Make of that what you will.

 

[Burgey]

I know he's always had an unorthodox technique, but did Smith's technique change at all leading to his becoming the run machine he now is? Or was it simply that something clicked mentally for him?

It changed massively. When he first played he stayed leg side of the ball, almost Phil Hughes like. When he was dropped he went away and basically changed his technique to being in line with the ball. It’s what makes him TPC.

 

[Spark]

Ponting actually didn't have problems with the full, straight ball until right at the end of his career. His problem through 2010-2012 was more the pull shot, but also that he kept finding ways to get out when set. A bit of the mental fatigue from 120+ Tests more than anything IMO.

 

[vcs]

It's like how you can use Java or Basic for most purposes but for full efficiency you'll try something more specialised.

Someone's been reading for their Computers exam

 

[Flem274*]

you'll all be right eventually because unless they retire, age catches every batsman

 

[trundler]

Someone's been reading for their Computers exam

Thought I'd randomly throw that in there for a like from the nerd crowd.

 

[Coronis]

Thought I'd randomly throw that in there for a like from the nerd crowd.

We’re just cricket nerds not real nerds!

 

[trundler]

We’re just cricket nerds not real nerds!

Haha yep but there's a sizeable number of tech and science nerds too.

 

[Kirkut]

I'd go for Ponting, probably because I'm biased towards that great Aussie side.

That Aussie side had such an aura that when bowling to Ponting in a test match anywhere either away or home felt like bowling to an army general of the strongest military.