CW's Ranking of WicketKeeper-Batsmen (Tests)

[number11]

Stewart played 82 Tests as a 'keeper, and averaged 34.92 while doing so.
In 51 Tests as a specialist bat, he averaged 46.90.

Unfortunately the weakness of the side back then meant that Stewart had to serve two roles for balance. He was a wonderful batsman, especially against pace. One of England's modern greats.

 

[The Sean]

The thing about it all was that - as 'keeper - Stewart didn't average that much more than Jack Russell, who was a brilliant gloveman but kept getting left out. I remember being really surprised the first time I saw Russell's Test batting average, because my perception based on England's obsession with picking Stewart over him was that he must have been a Wasim Bari-level batsman. But he actually averaged 27 - the same as Healy and Kirmani, and slightly more than Rod Marsh.

 

[number11]

The thing about it all was that - as 'keeper - Stewart didn't average that much more than Jack Russell, who was a brilliant gloveman but kept getting left out. I remember being really surprised the first time I saw Russell's Test batting average, because my perception based on England's obsession with picking Stewart over him was that he must have been a Wasim Bari-level batsman. But he actually averaged 27 - the same as Healy and Kirmani, and slightly more than Rod Marsh.

Lots of decent wkt averaged ~ 30 with the bat. Of course these guys were known more for grit and doggedness than pure batting skill, but before Gilchrist 30 was seen as being a solid wkt-bat.

 

[bagapath]

I mean you specifically responded to a post that said he suffered occasional lapses of form which led to him being dropped, which is clearly true.

twice in ten is not occasional... it is an extraordinarily successful career... who else but the very best plays 88 out of 95 tests?

 

[ataraxia]

twice in ten is not occasional... it is an extraordinarily successful career... who else but the very best plays 88 out of 95 tests?

(it's the definition of occasional)

 

[bagapath]

(it's the definition of occasional)

ok... we are stuck... and let it be

 

[peterhrt]

it is an extraordinarily successful career... who else but the very best plays 88 out of 95 tests?

Agree Kirmani was top-class and may well have been India's best keeper.

In 1985 he made mistakes. It was towards the end of his career when he could have been past his best. Legacy not really affected.

1979 is more complicated. There were rumours that Kirmani and Gavaskar had been talking to Packer about WSC contracts. At the same time Kirmani was dropped, Gavaskar was sacked as captain. Both decisions were officially for cricketing reasons but the timing was suspicious.

Match reports for Tests during the two previous series do not include criticism of Kirmani's wicket-keeping. There is talk of missed chances but none specific to Kirmani. He averaged 17 with the bat in these series which may have been a factor. Packer was usually only interested in the best players.

 

[Coronis]

twice in ten is not occasional... it is an extraordinarily successful career... who else but the very best plays 88 out of 95 tests?

occurring, appearing, or done infrequently and irregularly.

 

[bagapath]

occurring, appearing, or done infrequently and irregularly.

very rarely... almost never...

 

[bagapath]

(it's the definition of occasional)

it is the definition of almost never