Better opener : Gavaskar vs Cook

[capt_Luffy]

Hutton has a more complete record. Gavaskar failed in all except one series in England. And Aus record is not bad, but because of his failures vs Lillee he didn’t pass the toughest test there.

Hutton did that, but he simply had MUCH fewer challenges. I always maintained that the 78 series was tougher than 85 despite the circumstances and even then in a 3 match series he played a vital knock of 70 (given a very poor out) in India's only victory in a 4th innings run chase, resulting our first series draw there. His English record overall is perfectly fine anyways you spin it, with an ATG series.

Hutton also mastered Ramadhin and Valentine, and basically had a spotless record. Gavaskar failed vs Lillee in Australia, and failed in all tours in Eng except one

I respect Ramadhin and Valentine, but just don't think it was a similar level of challenge, especially with all the pad play.

 

[DrWolverine]

There is another...

Boycott?

 

[capt_Luffy]

Boycott?

Barry Richards he is talking about.

 

[kyear2]

Hmmm...... Can almost say that. Was mostly great in Australia but played mostly against weakish attacks, had 2 great WI tours but the first was against a bad bowling attack, had a great and a poor NZ tour and his English record is good but nothing much (though have an ATG series there). Sir Lenny's downsides for me are that he mostly struggled to accelerate ever (mind you, Gavaskar was himself defensive but could accelerate at times) and more importantly, Australia was the only other team with a really World Class attack. WI and SA were good, but not that good. It's extremely close either way though.

Wait, what?

Really?

Anyways I think Sir Len is ahead, how far or close can be up for debate.

 

[capt_Luffy]

Wait, what?

Really?

Anyways I think Sir Len is ahead, how far or close van be up for debate.

I would prefer to have an opener like Hutton or Sutcliffe, someone who just doesn't gives their wicket away. But if they lack any knock of playing fast, I will hold it against them. That doesn't necessarily mean I prefer faster scoring players, just those who can accelerate if needed.

 

[kyear2]

Hutton has a complete record and you yourself said if not for his ear injury, he could’ve been the definite candidate for best after Bradman. He did well everywhere, against the tough Aus attacks as well was an exquisite player of spin. Longevity too, especially in the context of his insult. Only Hobbs, Sachin, Viv, Sobers and probably Smith are better

I would add Lara to that, but yeah. Agree.

He faced, at the time he played the greatest spinner and pacer and thus the two greatest bowlers up to that point.

He also faced the same WI pacers that gave Hammond grief and Bradman his lowest average.

Only issue was the reluctance to change the tempo, but that's why he's last in the group, but definitely in that top tier.

 

[kyear2]

Hutton also mastered Ramadhin and Valentine, and basically had a spotless record. Gavaskar failed vs Lillee in Australia, and failed in all tours in Eng except one

His record in the WI is also the most misleading one in sports.

 

[kyear2]

I would prefer to have an opener like Hutton or Sutcliffe, someone who just doesn't gives their wicket away. But if they lack any knock of playing fast, I will hold it against them. That doesn't necessarily mean I prefer faster scoring players, just those who can accelerate if needed.

Ummmmm

First time you've mentioned this, not coincidence that it's in a comp with Sunny.

 

[capt_Luffy]

Ummmmm

First time you've mentioned this, not coincidence that it's in a comp with Sunny.

You can check my notes on Boycott as well. Or why I rate Barrington below Weekes. I just don't do that for say Kallis and Ponting or Dravid and Ponting, as Kallis or Dravid could well accelerate. It's not SR, but just being able to do so. Still it's mostly a minor issue (except for Boycott).

 

[kyear2]

Boycott?

Barry Richards, a much more expeditious scorer and undoubtedly better vs fast bowling, especially on tracks that gave any assistance.

Even after Sunny's fast start vs the Windies, Barry was recognized as the best batsman in the world.

 

[capt_Luffy]

Barry Richards, a much more expeditious scorer and undoubtedly better vs fast bowling, especially on tracks that gave any assistance.

Even after Sunny's fast start vs the Windies, Barry was recognized as the best batsman in the world.

Not necessarily outside England. And that to consider that after his debut in 71, the next big Gavaskar year was 76. Not mention how big a wtf that "undoubtedly" is.

 

[Coronis]

Hutton has a complete record and you yourself said if not for his ear injury, he could’ve been the definite candidate for best after Bradman. He did well everywhere, against the tough Aus attacks as well was an exquisite player of spin. Longevity too, especially in the context of his insult. Only Hobbs, Sachin, Viv, Sobers and probably Smith are better

Another van Gogh?

 

[Slifer]

Excuse me but this thread is insulting to Sunil.

 

[Slifer]

Gavaskar vs Hayden would be a close comparison

No it would not because they aren't close either. Sunil is a prick but the sob was a gun opener; part of cricket's big 4 test openers.

 

[PlayerComparisons]

No it would not because they aren't close either. Sunil is a prick but the sob was a gun opener; part of cricket's big 4 test openers.

I wasnt serious

 

[Slifer]

I wasnt serious

Ok you got me there....phew!!!

 

[sayon basak]

No it would not because they aren't close either. Sunil is a prick but the sob was a gun opener; part of cricket's big 4 test openers.

@shortpitched713 knows what he's talking about.

 

[sayon basak]

No meme votes yet?

 

[Pap Finn Keighl]

Sunny > Hutton > Hobbs > Richards > other ATG openers >> cook

 

[PlayerComparisons]

Sunny > Hutton > Hobbs > Richards > other ATG openers >> cook

@Coronis will like this