Gary Sobers vs Steven Smith

[Sliferxxxx]

Relying on peer rating when you've actually closely watched and followed someone's career at the time is particularly silly.

Agreed because Smith even now, is still clearly the best batsman (test) of his generation.

 

[Prince EWS]

Agreed because Smith even now, is still clearly the best batsman (test) of his generation.

Nah I actually disagree with that, I just hated his methodology lol.

 

[subshakerz]

Relying on peer rating when you've actually closely watched and followed someone's career at the time is particularly silly.

I don't form my views only the context of just watching him play though obviously that makes a person's opinions more informed. Some passages will stick out more than others. Record matters most but our view informs the record.

Peer rating here is more how opponents compare Smith as a threat to Kohli and Root his closest competitors. It doesn't seem Smith has a big advantge I thought he did.

 

[kyear2]

He's not the best batsman in the world right now, but how is he isn't the best of this era?

 

[DrWolverine]

There are 3 formats being played today so maybe peer rating will take a hit. For a long time Virat was on God mode in one day cricket and only slightly behind in Tests.

 

[Prince EWS]

I don't form my views only the context of just watching him play though obviously that makes a person's opinions more informed. Some passages will stick out more than others. Record matters most but our view informs the record.

Peer rating here is more how opponents compare Smith as a threat to Kohli and Root his closest competitors. It doesn't seem Smith has a big advantge I thought he did.

Peer rating is at best a vague substitute for following and watching someone in real time though, alone with their record. If you've been following them then "hmm other people disagree with me so I better alter my opinion" is just weak.

 

[Sliferxxxx]

Nah I actually disagree with that, I just hated his methodology lol.

If Smith isn't the best, in tests, then pray tell who is? Root? Kane?

 

[ankitj]

Don't think Smith is going up

He is.

 

[PlayerComparisons]

If Smith isn't the best, in tests, then pray tell who is? Root? Kane?

I think he had Kohli ahead for a long time. Not sure about now.

 

[subshakerz]

Peer rating is at best a vague substitute for following and watching someone in real time though, alone with their record. If you've been following them then "hmm other people disagree with me so I better alter my opinion" is just weak.

It isn't. There is a different qualitative experience between watching someone as a non-cricketer on a screen versus the intuition and assessment you have trying to get him out or score against him as an actual player.

The first obviously is very important but the second I don't disregard between players of close record standing.

 

[subshakerz]

He's not the best batsman in the world right now, but how is he isn't the best of this era?

I think there is a possibility if Kohli has a strong last year he can retcon himself as the eras best test bat. Or if Root just keeps his quality form for another 2-3 more years he will make his case. Neither would be though but it will muddy the waters.

 

[kyear2]

He is.

In terms of rank? No please.

I believed he's capable of this. He's deep enough into his career that's he's basically locked in.

No amount of cliff falling can drag him down, no amount of revival can elevate him higher.

But that's just me, and 6th best if all time feels about right.

 

[PlayerComparisons]

I think there is a possibility if Kohli has a strong last year he can retcon himself as the eras best test bat. Or if Root just keeps his quality form for another 2-3 more years he will make his case.

Smith is the only one that will probably even be rated as an undisputed ATG after their careers are over tbh. The other 2 are likely to retire with sub 50 averages and will see their ratings drop over time.

 

[subshakerz]

Smith is the only one that will probably even be rated as an undisputed ATG after their careers are over tbh. The other 2 are likely to retire with sub 50 averages and will see their ratings drop over time.

Sure. Root has a chance to keep his above 50 though.

 

[subshakerz]

But that's just me, and 6th best if all time fells about right.

I am dicey between him and Lara at the moment for 6th.

 

[ankitj]

In terms of rank? No please.

I believed he's capable of this. He's deep enough into his career that's he's basically locked in.

No about of cliff falling can drag him down, no amount of revival can elevate him higher.

But that's just me, and 6th best if all time fells about right.

I think we need to appreciate how versatile he is as a batsman. Not only has he bossed all conditions (standard checklist) but also has multiple tempos he can bring out even within one test innings - from dogged to counterattacking to shepherding the tail, he has got it all at an elite level. Other than longevity there is no argument to rate Tendulkar or anyone else above him.

 

[ankitj]

Basically, Smith is Tendulkar, Lara and Laxman all rolled into one.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Smith's ability to grit out key hundreds even during this post peak period is just making me appreciate him more tbh. It's what the very best do , find ways to contribute even when clearly not at their very best. Apart from that short opening stint, Smith never really was terrible, he kept making enough important runs to average mid 40s or so. Great, great player.

 

[kyear2]

I think we need to appreciate how versatile he is as a batsman. Not only has he bossed all conditions (standard checklist) but also has multiple tempos he can bring out even within one test innings - from dogged to counterattacking to shepherding the tail, he has got it all at an elite level. Other than longevity there is no argument to rate Tendulkar or anyone else above him.

So where do you have him?

 

[ankitj]

So where do you have him?

Top 5 for sure.