Brian Lara vs AB de Villiers

[Slifer]

Lee was fast but not high quality. Gillespie and Ntini were nippy but I don't think they qualify.


I agree. It doesn't tell us anywhere near a full picture.

Lee was quality enough in the series he played vs Lara where lara made runs for example: 2003 in the Caribbean and 2005 in Australia.

 

[subshakerz]

Lee was quality enough in the series he played vs Lara where lara made runs for example: 2003 in the Caribbean and 2005 in Australia.

My memory was Brett Lee getting Lara to hop about but not really being able to apply sustained pressure.

 

[number11]

Lara is the best test bat of modern times.

 

[Slifer]

My memory was Brett Lee getting Lara to hop about but not really being able to apply sustained pressure.

My memory was of Lara ducking and weaving from Lee, once almost offering a return catch (in 2003) but Lara putting away the bad balls when they came (as he would with all other bowlers).

 

[Slifer]

Yes. I would back ABD over Lara against high quality pace. Obviously overall Lara is a better bat.

I suspect Lara's weakness against high quality pace has to do with an eye issue he developed in 1994. After that, he struggled against Donald in SA, 2Ws in Pakistan, English quartet in England and Bond in NZ.

And the OP asked against a highly quality "bowling" attack on a tough wicket, not necessarily an all fast bowling attack. Focus. Lara has one of those innings fwiw: Perth '97 132 vs Warne, McGrath, and Reifel. That wicket was atrocious!!!

 

[subshakerz]

And the OP asked against a highly quality "bowling" attack on a tough wicket, not necessarily an all fast bowling attack. Focus. Lara has one of those innings fwiw: Perth '97 132 vs Warne, McGrath, and Reifel. That wicket was atrocious!!!

That's why I voted Lara.

 

[Slifer]

That's why I voted Lara.

Oh you did??? I'll shut up then.....

 

[Coronis]

Lara is the best test bat of modern times.

3rd best for me. Assuming modern in this context is 1990’s onwards. Impressive nonetheless.

 

[Slifer]

3rd best for me. Assuming modern in this context is 1990’s onwards. Impressive nonetheless.

3rd?? Sachin and who else?? Smith???

 

[Coronis]

3rd?? Sachin and who else?? Smith???

Yes.

 

[Slifer]

Yes.

Ok

 

[honestbharani]

Lara is the greatest test bat I have seen.

 

[subshakerz]

Lara is the greatest test bat I have seen.

Yes, we know.

 

[kyear2]

Lara is the greatest test bat I have seen.

Same

 

[number11]

3rd best for me. Assuming modern in this context is 1990’s onwards. Impressive nonetheless.

I usually consider "modern" from 1970 when covered wickets were normalized. From 1990, I cannot see a better test bat than Lara.