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Dale Steyn vs Viv Richards

Who is the better test cricketer?


  • Total voters
    40

kyear2

International Coach
Obviously

I will choose Murali over Warne as well
Reasons for Warne over Murali.

Think Warne was possibly less conditions dependant.

I think that they are also close enough that Warne's batting comes into the picture.

Plus was there ever a better partnership than McWarne?


But more importantly, the Warne selection allows for Gilchrist to be selected over Knott. No idea how Gilly goes keeping to Murali, which presents unique challenges compared to Warne. Having Warne is what solidifies Gilchrist for me, and that in itself adds value.
 

capt_Luffy

Cricketer Of The Year
Murali is just a better bowler than Warne. More destructive, best ever at home and can carry an attack on his shoulder with a ridiculous WPM. Enough that Warne's batting is not a big factor anymore imho.
 

kyear2

International Coach
Nah I think PEWS is right here.

Looking at one of your former team lists…

which team looks better to you?

Hutton
Richards
Bradman
Richards
Tendulkar
Sobers
Gilchrist+
Imran
Hadlee/Steyn/Ambrose
Warne
McGrath

or

Hutton
Richards
Bradman
Richards
Tendulkar
Sobers
Knott+
Imran
Marshall
Warne
McGrath

So a couple points.

Yes that's one way to look at it, but also one can look at it from the perspective of if you have only one player you can choose and who would be that next pick going down the line. Gilly can't have a similar impact to your first choice strike bowler, who I'm most comfortable with in most conditions.

Additionally, let's say my team is

Hutton | Richards | Bradman | Richards | Tendulkar | Sobers | Gilchrist | Wasim | Marshall | Warne | McGrath |

If I no longer have Gilly, I have Knott and I'll switch out Wasim for Imran and push Immy up to 7. Damage mitigated where you have that 2nd all rounder and a better keeper.

Not to mention of your attack is Marshall - McGrath - Warne - Murali , then definitely I want Knott in that scenario.

But we can agree to disagree.
 

DrWolverine

U19 Debutant
If you are picking a wicket keeper purely for batting, Andy Flower has to be a top choice

If you are picking a wicket keeper for his ability behind the stumps, then one can pick Alan Knott or the fantastic Bob Taylor or the superb Jack Russell.
 
Last edited:

kyear2

International Coach
Murali is just a better bowler than Warne. More destructive, best ever at home and can carry an attack on his shoulder with a ridiculous WPM. Enough that Warne's batting is not a big factor anymore imho.
I disagree and think it's extremely close between the two, considerably closer than McGrath and Imran per say.

Yes he could carry an attack on his shoulders, but he often did so in considerably more helpful conditions and had a few more minnows to assist with his numbers.
The WPM is a direct result of more opportunities and wouldn't suggest that it was an indicator of increased value.

Warne is right up there with Murali imo.
 

capt_Luffy

Cricketer Of The Year
I disagree and think it's extremely close between the two, considerably closer than McGrath and Imran per say.

Yes he could carry an attack on his shoulders, but he often did so in considerably more helpful conditions and had a few more minnows to assist with his numbers.
The WPM is a direct result of more opportunities and wouldn't suggest that it was an indicator of increased value.

Warne is right up there with Murali imo.
Warne is closer to Murali than McGrath and Imran are; but I think they have a clear difference in between. Being a lone wolf is much more difficult to begin with and no one carried a team on their back quite like Murali. WPM, I will say, is definitely an indicator of increased value when he a lead of 3 runs in average to begin with. It's kinda close, but not really. More like Hobbs and Hutton or McGrath and Steyn. Overall, won't take Warner in mine really as simply don't think his batting is anywhere close to be a big enough factor for closing that gap.
 

capt_Luffy

Cricketer Of The Year
This carries a lot of value in my opinion.

A huge reason why I rate the likes of Andy Flower, Muttiah Muralitharan and Richard Hadlee very highly
It should honestly. People flak Murali for his Australia record (which I have previously explained many times that it's largely misplaced). Had Warne been in his shoes, he would had hardly bowled in those matches. Playing solitary means on a bad day you have nowhere to hide and are directly responsible for your team much more.
 

kyear2

International Coach
If you are picking a wicket keeper purely for batting, Andy Flower has to be a top choice

If you are picking a wicket keeper for his ability behind the stumps, then one can pick Alan Knott or the fantastic Bob Taylor or the superb Jack Russell.
But who would do that?
 

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