Prince EWS
Global Moderator
We start these threads because we don't rate Botham and we want people to know that he sucks.
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Ian Botham vs Keith Miller
- Thread starter DrWolverine
- Start date
sayon basak
International Regular
Seems like you are the one overrating Botham.
Lucky for fans like me the real world doesn't share the CW view
Prince EWS
Global Moderator
The real world has never heard of him because retired cricketers are a niche interest for nerds in specific countries.
The real currency for niche interest nerds will always be online forums.
DrWolverine
First Class Debutant
In another 50 years 99.94% of cricketers or most sportsperson for that matter will be judged on statistics alone.
DrWolverine
First Class Debutant
1977-1986
88 Tests
4809 runs @ 35
366 wickets @ 27
14 centuries & 27 5-Fer
Fantastic record
And how many Tests did you watch him play? I watched about 50
capt_Luffy
Cricketer Of The Year
Explains. You just skipped over his last 5 years.
In Botham's last 6 years (1987-92) he played only 14 Test matches and everyone agrees he shouldn't have played any in that time averaging 20 with the bat and taking only 17 wkts.
Doesn't change what he was before that though
capt_Luffy
Cricketer Of The Year
Even before that Botham wasn't super consistent. He was Great as a bowler for some 5 years then his bowling wasn't near that level. As a batsman he was more consistent, but barely Test standard specialist.
Since everyone just goes off stats, why not compare apples with apples
Miller after 55 Tests had:
- 2958 runs @ 36.97 with 7 hundreds
- 170 wkts @ 22.97, with 7 5fers
- 38 catches
Botham after 55 Tests had:
- 3008 runs @ 37.13 with 11 hundreds
- 251 wkts @ 23.68 with 20 5fers
- 60 catches
So basically Miller had a century and a 5fer every 8 Tests, while Botham had a century and two 5fers every 5 Tests
Miller after 55 Tests had:
- 2958 runs @ 36.97 with 7 hundreds
- 170 wkts @ 22.97, with 7 5fers
- 38 catches
Botham after 55 Tests had:
- 3008 runs @ 37.13 with 11 hundreds
- 251 wkts @ 23.68 with 20 5fers
- 60 catches
So basically Miller had a century and a 5fer every 8 Tests, while Botham had a century and two 5fers every 5 Tests
Last edited:
Migara
International Coach
In 88 odd tests Imran averages 23 something with ball and 37. something with the bat. Ditto Miller.
kyear2
International Coach
I also agree that at his peak he was an almost unparalleled match winner.
Where do you rank him overall?
kyear2
International Coach
The hundreds and five fers are a bit of a blessing and a curse though. Yeah he was big time, but with that many hundreds, one would believe his average would have been a bit higher. A bit of hit or miss he was.
sayon basak
International Regular
But he was no Chris Woakes.
DrWolverine
First Class Debutant
Botham’s first 51 Tests is insane.
2833 runs @ 38.3 & 11 centuries
230 wickets @ 23.02 & 19 5-Fers
If we are comparing the first 51 Tests, Ian Botham would be second only to the legendary Don Bradman.
Well in fairness Bradman played 52 Tests so you're giving him an extra one test advantage over Botham
DrWolverine
First Class Debutant
Bradman scored zero in his last test matchWell in fairness Bradman played 52 Tests so you're giving him an extra one test advantage over Botham