Finding out the best decade for test cricket: The tournament thread! 12 ATG XIs duke it out.

[Starfighter]

50, 90

 

[Fuller Pilch]

50, 90

 

[trundler]

90s, 50s

 

[The Sean]

It’s really the ‘90s plus one, isn’t it?

I have a couple of things against the 1950s side, not least that – in my opinion, obviously – it is the only one which didn’t actually select the greatest cricketer of its own decade! Additionally, the 2000s team both bats deeper and has a genuinely good fifth bowler.

And yet the '50s team is so good that I still find myself leaning towards the old blokes…

 

[mr_mister]

It’s really the ‘90s plus one, isn’t it?

I have a couple of things against the 1950s side, not least that – in my opinion, obviously – it is the only one which didn’t actually select the greatest cricketer of its own decade! Additionally, the 2000s team both bats deeper and has a genuinely good fifth bowler.

And yet I still find myself leaning towards the old blokes…

Which player is that?

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Miller at a guess

 

[trundler]

Miller not making it is puzzling in hindsight

 

[The Sean]

Yeah, it's Miller (and given that I'm the one who posted, I'm amazed you needed to ask ).

 

[The Sean]

Miller not making it is puzzling in hindsight

I thought it was bloody baffling at the time!

 

[Victor Ian]

50 90

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Miller in the 1950s: 37 tests, 2080 runs (6 100s) @ 34.66; 122 wickets @ 23.59

Sobers in the 50s (made the side): 27 tests, 2213 runs (6 100s) @ 56.74; 31 wickets @ 46.58

Worrell in the 50s (also missed the side): 29 tests, 2397 runs (7 100s) @ 47.94; 47 wickets @ 36.19

Tough choice

 

[The Sean]

Yeah, I know the stats. I have posted before on Miller's all-round impact across multiple series. Still, it's a moot point as the selection has been made.

FWIW though, I wouldn't have replaced Sobers. For me - and I realise my preference for five genuine bowling options where possible is at odds with many - Miller would actually come in for Harvey in that team (as great a batsman as old Neil was), and Walcott or Sobers would move to number three.

 

[271 & 16/166]

50s and 90s

 

[mr_mister]

I like how a lot of the best sides have a flaw or two, i'm finding it hard to guess which side will win it all

Bradman's sides not having "complete bowling attack" (no proper spinner for the 40s side, the 30s side lacking pacemen)

80s side also missing a spinner

90s and 00s side having a few question marks over their opening batsmen, no ATGs to be found there

 

[honestbharani]

90s and 2010s

 

[271 & 16/166]

That 50s side gets better everytime I look at it, or it may just be me

 

[_00_deathscar]

Miller at a guess

Yes well, I’m sure if he really wanted to he’d have made the side. Clearly he didn’t care…

 

[_00_deathscar]

I like how a lot of the best sides have a flaw or two, i'm finding it hard to guess which side will win it all

Bradman's sides not having "complete bowling attack" (no proper spinner for the 40s side, the 30s side lacking pacemen)

80s side also missing a spinner

90s and 00s side having a few question marks over their opening batsmen, no ATGs to be found there

ATG openers are of course great but to be honest I don’t think you NEED them. You just need them to stick it out for the middle order. And the 90s has a great middle order, and an epic (and varied) bowling attack.

On the other hand you do NEED at least a very good middle order (or meme runs from your debutants apparently) and definitely a great bowling attack.

Also given that most of us grew up watching the 90s I’d be surprised if it didn’t win.

 

[271 & 16/166]

Yeah, I know the stats. I have posted before on Miller's all-round impact across multiple series. Still, it's a moot point as the selection has been made.

FWIW though, I wouldn't have replaced Sobers. For me - and I realise my preference for five genuine bowling options where possible is at odds with many - Miller would actually come in for Harvey in that team (as great a batsman as old Neil was), and Walcott or Sobers would move to number three.

Neil Harvey turns 93 tomorrow

 

[Slifer]

90s and 50s