kyear2
International Coach
Yes, knew this would come up.Can understand why Barnes isn’t there, but surely O’Reilly should be?
There are quite a few players with sterling peer reps and stats that didn't make all 3 lists.
Batsmen
Headley
Pollock
Richards
Bowlers
O'Reilly
All Rounders
Procter
Slip
Barlow
Mitchell
Headley and O'Reilly apart most of the then would have played for pre exclusion SA, but Headley and Pollock were also among the very best batsmen ever, but seems to have been phased out of the conversation because of relatively short their careers were. Why is O'Reilly the exception?
He played 27 tests vs two counties, and while he makes my 3rd team (almost by default) that isn't nearly enough of a resume, especially considering how we now apparently look at Headley and Pollock. Quality yes, without doubt, but when I see PA&G saying he's the greatest spinner ever, it just doesn't feel right.
And yes, I'm aware that this would be an unpopular choice and not looking to convince anyone to agree with it.