'Muscular' Cricket

[silentstriker]

Nah, there's quite a few. Off the top of my head: Smith, Gayle, Pietersen, IVA Richards, Clive Lloyd. All specialist batsmen and all big, big guys. 6' plus and built.

But, for example, someone like Sangakarra would intimidate me more than Gayle, regardless of physical stature. In the end, it's just skill that does it.

 

[BoyBrumby]

How much is physical intimidation worth if you're not very good? Doesn't the majority of intimidating factor come from being a world class player, like a Flintoff or Hayden?

Wasn't suggesting it's an advantage as a batsman per se; just countering Pre-c's claim that Hayden's the only physically intimidating batsman.

 

[StumpMic]

I have a pretty firm view on what Test cricketers should be like and a number of players (past and present) dont fit the bill.

So much of cricket is played in the mind. Even at the highest level and pressure, doubt and intimidation play huge roles.

I believe in 'muscular' cricket. Based on the physically intimidating (Flintoff, Willey, Merv Hughes), those of a strong steely mind (Steele, Richardson, Wessels) or flawed genius who can turn a game (Vaughan, Harmison, Tufnell).

What I dislike are 'nice' cricketers. The type of players that just soften the hardness of a team and make losing respectable rather then chancing everything for a win.

Basically, Im saying you pick your superstars and then flesh out the side with those that are physically or mentally strong or that can change a game by offering something unique.

Its interesting that most of the top players in the world are quite humble and "nice". People like jayasuriya, tendulkar, murali, muhammed yousuf etc. So why are we looking for "non-nice" players to make up the second string? If the idea is to learn from the best then those who are a notch below should also have similar characteristics.

 

[silentstriker]

Its interesting that most of the top players in the world are quite humble and "nice". People like jayasuriya, tendulkar, murali, muhammed yousuf etc. So why are we looking for "non-nice" players to make up the second string? If the idea is to learn from the best then those who are a notch below should also have similar characteristics.

I don't know if that's necessarily true - look at McGrath or Warne, for example.

 

[James90]

Graeme Hick was (and is) 6' 3" & looked like Swarzenegger with his shirt off (was trying to find a pic, but Google wasn't obliging) but his imposing frame & buff abdomen never helped him succeed.

Can just imagine Brumby typing "topless hick" into google.

 

[Furball]

In my opinion, Goughy's point can be illustrated by comparing 2 England batsmen - Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood.

Looking at their batting prowess from a purely technical aspect, I'd be suprised to see many people disagree with my opinion that Bell is technically miles better than Collingwood.

However, Collingwood is a far tougher, grittier character than Bell. For all Bell's technical prowess, he's never been able to impose himself on an opposition. There's something "soft" about Bell's mentality, which translates itself into his performances.

 

[thierry henry]

Think this thread is profoundly silly tbh, and quite a reflection of Goughy's self-image as a paragon of burlyness.

 

[andruid]

Goughy did say that world-class players aren't subject to the analysis tbf.

Cop out

 

[roseboy64]

Not a very good idea. Runs and wickets especially so under pressure matter more than if he's imposing.

 

[jeevan]

Blah,

Sachin Tendulkar

Brian Lara

Donald Bradman

All these players were 5 foot 7 inches or shorter.

Maybe there is a point as regards to fast bowlers, but skill is more important than physique.

Fits the theory (from sports physiology) that suggests that fast twitch muscles in a small frame is the best physique for certain activities - batting being among them, since the smaller frame translates into shorter travel distance for limbs. So stuff the thugs in the bowling department.

 

[NUFAN]

HAHA. I agree that if you have a side full of talent. aggression and toughness it helps.

One of the best things about cricket is that you can play it whether you look like Bruce Reid, David Boon or Shane Watson.

I'm pretty sure most countries would be picking their XI on players that they consider one of the 3 factors [talented, aggressive, toughness] it's just that they feel your Cooks, Bells and Broad are talented but others disagree.

 

[Jono]

Is this why you don't like Ashwell Prince Goughy?

 

[Athlai]

Cricket to me is a game which relies on the brain and fast reflexes, though bowling is somewhat of an exception to that (though being overly muscular as a bowler is a hindrance to the fluidity of a bowling action).