subshakerz
Hall of Fame Member
I don't think a bowler needs to replicate Marshall's peak, just his overall numbers, which Bumrah has been doing fairly well so far, and even Cummins before last year.I think it’s impossible for any bowler to replicate Marshall’s peak of 1983-88, i.e combination of two factors: domination in all conditions, and crazy WPM amidst crazy competition. However I really think, it’s close between the two as you raise some good points ala Tendulkar’s longevity and quality of bowling faced. Some other day, I would go Tendulkar perhaps.
Whereas for a bat, they either have to match Tendulkar numbers with somewhat close to his longevity, or exceed his numbers by a hefty average margin in around maybe half the games, which Smith was threatening to do and failed.