McGrath vs Imran (on flat pitches)

[PlayerComparisons]

Who would you pick on a flat pitch against an ATG batting line up?

 

[CartyDurham]

McGrath, I think he is the more consistent wicket taking threat whilst also keeping the run rate down

Imran is the better all rounder though

 

[Johan]

depends on how long the ball takes to get damaged enough for Imran's reverse to go bonkers.

 

[kyear2]

depends on how long the ball takes to get damaged enough for Imran's reverse to go bonkers.

The word you're looking for is prepared.

 

[Johan]

The word you're looking for is prepared.

I think it can be achieved naturally but the degree it achieves and duration it takes would be very different.

 

[subshakerz]

The word you're looking for is prepared.

Prep or no prep, Imran is simply better on flat pitches. He has pace and the action to make more of a difference.

McGrath much more likely to be blunted. Honestly you expect McGrath to have more impact on a Faisalabad wicket? Like seriously?

 

[subshakerz]

depends on how long the ball takes to get damaged enough for Imran's reverse to go bonkers.

Imran wasn't a one track pony. He has pretty much the same ER as McGrath but more pace and swing. Not sure what the argument is for McGrath to be better on a flat track, unless we say the pitch has bounce.

 

[vidiq]

Bumrah is the one who can give Tough competition to imran Khan on flat Pitches provided that the opposition team is not New Zealand.

 

[subshakerz]

Bumrah is the one who can give Tough competition to imran Khan on flat Pitches provided that the opposition team is not New Zealand.

Agreed

 

[Thala_0710]

Bumrah is the one who can give Tough competition to imran Khan on flat Pitches provided that the opposition team is not New Zealand.

Why did you vote for McGrath then

 

[Thala_0710]

Although I agree with you though. Steyn also a decent shout I feel and a fully fit Akhtar too.

 

[Johan]

Imran wasn't a one track pony. He has pretty much the same ER as McGrath but more pace and swing. Not sure what the argument is for McGrath to be better on a flat track, unless we say the pitch has bounce.

McGrath could generate uneven bounce naturally due to his height and was the greatest ever at analysing a Batsmen and picking a line and length where they're struggling and bowling there all day along with pin point accuracy. I think McGrath would definitely have the advantage until Imran can tap into the reverse.

 

[vidiq]

Why did you vote for McGrath then

Because I am biased towards McGrath.

 

[kyear2]

Imran wasn't a one track pony. He has pretty much the same ER as McGrath but more pace and swing. Not sure what the argument is for McGrath to be better on a flat track, unless we say the pitch has bounce.

I'll not be glib on this one.

No bowler will always be great in unhelpful wickets.

With with the slightest hint of bounce McGrath would always be a handful and you can be assured he wouldn't be a liability.

McGrath could also move the ball both ways, still being a threat from that perspective keeping the ball in the corridor.

The origin of Imran being great in the SC and subsequently on flat pitches is based purely on his performances at home. SL were minnows and he sincerely struggled in India.

So I'm not seeing the obvious advantage that you're referencing.

 

[BazBall21]

On a dead pitch I'd fancy Imran more. McGrath if it's a traditional flat Aussie wicket with a bit of bounce on offer.

 

[Sliferxxxx]

Close one but based on my observations and the key metric being an atg batting lineup, I'll say Glenn. I mean that is his claim to fame ie being the one fast bowler to excel on flat wickets of the 2000s. I believe it's more to do with the other greats retiring at the same time but whatever.

Imran would have done well on his own home flat wickets and did wreck us on a flat Bourda wicket in 1988 but the general perception is than wickets from the 80s were spicy relative to McGraths time and McGrath still did better.

 

[CartyDurham]

Anyone know what McGrath’s worst figures and against whom in his test career ?

 

[Coronis]

Anyone know what McGrath’s worst figures and against whom in his test career ?

In an innings? 0/107 vs England @ Adelaide 2006
In a match? 0/101 vs England @ Brisbane 1994

 

[CartyDurham]

In an innings? 0/107 vs England @ Adelaide 2006
In a match? 0/01 vs England @ Brisbane 1994

Those will do

still favouring McGrath over Imran on this one though

 

[kyear2]

Close one but based on my observations and the key metric being an atg batting lineup, I'll say Glenn. I mean that is his claim to fame ie being the one fast bowler to excel on flat wickets of the 2000s. I believe it's more to do with the other greats retiring at the same time but whatever.

Imran would have done well on his own home flat wickets and did wreck us on a flat Bourda wicket in 1988 but the general perception is than wickets from the 80s were spicy relative to McGraths time and McGrath still did better.

This also has some merit to it.

And yes in '88 in Bourda he was great, but remember, post decline Greenidge, Simmons, Hooper and Logie. Viv was out and it was basically Richardson.

It wasn't the juggernaught from 4 years prior. But yeah, Bourda, the ARG and spending on perspective QPO were generally flat.