Harold Larwood vs Vernon Philander

[Coronis]

Wrong. He pretty much suffered with bad health throughout his career post 1902.

From what I’ve read, he contracted scarlet fever in 07, and missed an Aussie season around then, apart from that I cant find other mentions til after his career finished in 1912

 

[capt_Luffy]

From what I’ve read, he contracted scarlet fever in 07, and missed an Aussie season around then, apart from that I cant find other mentions til after his career finished in 1912

From what I have read his health was well in decline from the 1902 season; with his wife begging him to play less but to no avail.

 

[peterhrt]

Indifferent health was almost the norm in Edwardian times. A leading British general observed that the male population was too under-nourished to fight a major war. Welfare reforms, including free school meals, followed.

Many of Britain's leading footballers were described as thin or pale. The most famous, Steve Bloomer, was nicknamed Paleface.

Trumper's peak lasted about three years – from the English season of 1902 to the Australian one of 1904-05. His wife thought he had taken too much out of himself and was not well enough to undertake a full tour of England in 1905. Trumper went anyway, showing only the odd flash of brilliance. From then on his form was up and down, but he was still widely considered the world's leading batsman until Hobbs' 1911-12 tour of Australia.

Clem Hill was the same age but peaked earlier. Wisden thought he was past his best when struggling on the wet English pitches of 1902. English writers always rated Trumper higher. Some Australian critics thought Hill was just as good, even superior on a firm pitch. Johnny Moyes played under Hill for South Australia and placed Hill, Trumper, Macartney and Bradman equal first in the Australian pantheon.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

I rate Philander higher than most on here, but can't believe he's winning this poll.

Larwood > Cowie > Philander

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Indifferent health was almost the norm in Edwardian times. A leading British general observed that the male population was too under-nourished to fight a major war.

English Tommies were runts compared to the Anzacs many of whom were NZ and Australian farming lads brought up on fresh air, sun, fresh produce and plenty of meat and dairy products. Many of the English, on the other hand, were malnourished and lived in dirty, smoggy cities.

 

[ataraxia]

English Tommies were runts compared to the Anzacs many of whom were NZ and Australian farming lads brought fresh air, sun, fresh produce and plenty of meat and dairy products. Many of the English, on the other hand, were malnourished and lived in dirty, smoggy cities.

Unfortunately, this inequality continues to this day, as reflected in their respective cricketing prowesses.