subshakerz
Hall of Fame Member
Let's see in Aus. 76 Subpar series. 79 ATG series. 81 poor series. 84 good series. 88 great series. Overall succeeded more than not in Aus, and once you include WSC, it's an easy great record.WSC is not Test cricket, so why should I factor it in when discussing Tests? I don't do it for everyone who participated. You still haven't really stated why Viv having mediocre series more often than not and not having better averages despite his situation is good enough to put him over Murali.
Look at your selective language. So for Viv 'not great' = unacceptable but you give a pass for Murali having 'fine' for his entire away record.Viv faced easier circumstances than most great batters. 40 in that scenario is definitely not great. 28 on the other hand for a offspinner is fine in comparison given the context. He still took over 600 Test wickets. Viv barely averaged over 50 ffs.
28 is not fine if you claim he is the GOAT and ahead of a top rated bat of an era.