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Did anybody here Colin Bland play?
- Thread starter Craig
- Start date
luckyeddie
Cricket Web Staff Member
The answer to your question is obviously no - I am Cricket Web's old fart.
Colin Bland wasn't better that Jonty Rhodes - you have to appreciate that in the 1960's, ground-fielding didn't involve much diving, sliding and the like - at least, until Colin Bland came along.
He just took cover fielding to a new level, far higher than anyone had seen it before. He was the first fielder to do 'exhibitions' - hundreds used to turn up, just as they did for Jonty.
He was the master of the 'quick pick-up and throw', quick, mobile and unerringly accurate.
The next 'world great' to come along was Derek Randall, who probably edged Bland regarding anticipation (Randall was like a panther in the field - quick feet) but was slightly behind on technical ability.
Jonty was the match of both in either category (I watched his 'masterclass' last year and the emphasis he placed on foot movement and weight transference reminded me very much of Randall - tiny steps just before the batsman hits the ball), and so in my mind is Number 1 by the narrowest margin.
Colin Bland wasn't better that Jonty Rhodes - you have to appreciate that in the 1960's, ground-fielding didn't involve much diving, sliding and the like - at least, until Colin Bland came along.
He just took cover fielding to a new level, far higher than anyone had seen it before. He was the first fielder to do 'exhibitions' - hundreds used to turn up, just as they did for Jonty.
He was the master of the 'quick pick-up and throw', quick, mobile and unerringly accurate.
The next 'world great' to come along was Derek Randall, who probably edged Bland regarding anticipation (Randall was like a panther in the field - quick feet) but was slightly behind on technical ability.
Jonty was the match of both in either category (I watched his 'masterclass' last year and the emphasis he placed on foot movement and weight transference reminded me very much of Randall - tiny steps just before the batsman hits the ball), and so in my mind is Number 1 by the narrowest margin.
luckyeddie
Cricket Web Staff Member
Superb athleticism, yes, but nowhere near as quick off the mark - obvious, really - Clive is huge, and so are his hands (fabulous catcher).mavric41 said:
Regarding Bland's batting, I only really saw a few of his knocks but he was very solid indeed in the middle order.
Richard
Cricket Web Staff Member
I've seen footage of Colin Bland, and for me he seemed better than Rhodes.
IMO it was:
Best batsman of all-time: Sir DG Bradman
Best all-rounder of all-time (and best overall cricketer): Sir GS Sobers
Best bowler of all-time: Malcolm Marshall, followed by SF Barnes
Best fielder of all-time: Colin Bland
Colin Bland had one of the highest Test batting-averages of those who played more than 30 innings'. That is why, IMO, it should be 60 innings'.
IMO it was:
Best batsman of all-time: Sir DG Bradman
Best all-rounder of all-time (and best overall cricketer): Sir GS Sobers
Best bowler of all-time: Malcolm Marshall, followed by SF Barnes
Best fielder of all-time: Colin Bland
Colin Bland had one of the highest Test batting-averages of those who played more than 30 innings'. That is why, IMO, it should be 60 innings'.
Shane Warne
Banned
i never actually heard him play, that would be fairly boring. i find watching someone play to be better
luckyeddie
Cricket Web Staff Member
Whereas I don't recessarily disagree with the players you have topping each category, the statement 'no one in history comes close' is rather nonsensical.Pratyush said:
I've seen Bland - and there wasn't much between him and Rhodes - similarly with Randall.
Opinions are one thing - certainty is quite another.
Shane Warne
Banned
Clive Lloyd in his early days. Apparently lethal in the covers. [/B][/QUOTE]
im not sure how you are aware of that but i dont think his bedroom habits have anything to do with this topic
im not sure how you are aware of that but i dont think his bedroom habits have anything to do with this topic
Langeveldt
Soutie
Bit extreme!Pratyush said:
Bradman - Unmatched obviously!
Id say Jacques Kallis might give Sobers a run for his money, maybe his bowling isnt as potent.. Not saying he is better, but he does come close IMO..
Trevor Penney gives Rhodes a run for his money too.. As do guys like Herschelle Gibbs and Ricky Ponting...
Shane Warne
Banned
Langeveldt said:
Langeveldt
Soutie
Shane Warne said:
Liams got it..
Mr Mxyzptlk
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Hmmm..... but I know that Kallis is miles off of Sobers. Miles.Langeveldt said:
Mr Mxyzptlk
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Or rather batsman-keeper...Pratyush said:
Mr Mxyzptlk
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For a brilliant batsman who filled in with the ball as well, it wasn't all that bad. He never had pace and didn't turn it as much as others, so I think 235 wickets in 93 matches isn't too bad. 6x5w.marc71178 said:
Neil Pickup
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I'd take Imran Khan at his peak (as captain) over either.