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Increasing number of tests draft

AndrewB

International Vice-Captain
DrafterPlayers# of tests
Fuller PilchSidney Barnes, Marnus Labuschagne, Rishabh Pant21
RedDuleepsinhji, Charlie Turner, Arthur Mailey21
HimannvStewie Dempster, Phil Mead, Fred Spofforth, Harold Larwood21
MichaelF7777777WG Grace22
Magrat GarlickGeorge Headley22
srbhkshkRanjitsinhji, Douglas Jardine`22
AtaraxiaGraeme Pollock23
AndrewBFrank Foster, Aubrey Faulkner25
PothasFrank Tyson, Neil Adcock 26
KingKallisBill O'Reilly27
ankitjWayne Daniel, Sydney Barnes27
CricAddictAdam Voges, Shahid Afridi27
trundlerVijay Merchant, George Lohmann, Stanley Jackson, Dudley Nourse34
TeutonDenis Lindsay, Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins34
JOJOXIShane Bond, Herbie Collins, Alan Davidson44
HonestBharaniKeith Miller55

Complete
Line and Length: Jack Russell, Manny Martindale, Alan Melville, Steve Rhodes, Sylvester Clark, Bert Ironmonger, Peter Heine, Colin McCool, Vinod Kambli, Eddie Paynter, Don Bradman
 

ataraxia

International Coach
Geez, even for a 17 player draft there have been a lot of bits 'n' pieces picks who you wouldn't normally see.
 

Line and Length

Cricketer Of The Year
The players I selected (apart from Bradman) may have played only a few Tests but there are reasons. Their career stats suggest they were more than "bits 'n' pieces" selections.

1. CAG "Jack" Russell / (910 runs @ 56.87) but for injuries and illness, and the presence of openers Hobbs & Sutcliffe, would have played more Tests.
2. Alan Melville v.c. / (894 runs @ 52.58) made his Test debut in 1938 then WWII interrupted his career. Regarded as a South African great.
3. Don Bradman capt. / (6996 runs @ 99.94) to quote a song, "Simply the Best".
4. Vinod Kambli / (1084 runs @ 54.20) for some reason was seen as a ODI specialist when his Test appearances suggest he should have played more in the longer form.
5. Eddie Paynter / (1540 runs @ 59.23) a courageous and attacking bat whose Test career ended with WWII.
6. Colin McCool /o (459 runs @ 35.30; 36 wickets @ 26.61) part of Bradman's invincibles team. With limited opportunities he moved to England to play Lancashire League and county cricket for Somerset. 18 1st class tons and 34 fivefers.
7. Steve Rhodes w/kp (294 runs @ 24.50 & 49 dismissals) proficient 'keeper who was overlooked when England wanted a keeper/batsman (Alec Stewart).
8. Sylvester Clarke o (42 wickets @ 27.85) was in the shadow of other West Indies quicks, banned for playing in the rebel tour of South Africa. Played with great distinction in county cricket for Surrey. 942 1st class wickets @ 19.42
9. Peter Heine o (56 wickets @ 25.08) a fast bowler renowned for his consummate hostility, he formed a potent Test combination with Neil Adcock.
10. Manny Martindale o (37 wickets @ 21.72) was the leading bowler when West Indies won their first Test series, against England in 1935–36. Employed bodyline tactics effectively. Moved to England to play league cricket in 1938 then WWII.
11. Bert "Dainty" Ironmonger o (74 wickets @ 17.97) a 'late bloomer' who made his Test debut at 46. Could turn the ball on flat tracks and was said to be unplayable on a 'turner'.

In short, a powerful top order, a pace trio with a nasty streak supported by a classy spinner and a capable all rounder. All led by The Greatest as captain.
 

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