kyear2
International Coach
I also believe there is a small but clear gap between McGrath and Hadlee and believe that the former would be more beneficial on more surfaces and conditions.
Personally wouldn't include Miller, and don't think he's the quality batsman needed at 6. It ridiculously weakens the batting, imo.
In decent to helpful conditions and not over burdened and turned into the stock bowler, Sobers was more than useful. His production in the ROW series was instructive and that was at the burnt out end to his career.
Not weakening the batting to facilitate the two spinners, not when part of their appeal is being that they can bowl extended spells and long periods, and Murali, even with the new(ish) ball.
With regards to not being a primary concern. I agree that I'm not choosing my no. 10 batsman based on his he can bat. If that's a consideration or being consistently relied upon, you have far bigger issues.
That doesn't apply for the other thing. With an attack of Marshall, McGrath, Hadlee and Warne (your standard attack), it doesn't work if you don't have the keeper and slip catchers to support them.
And this has been borne out in history by similar scenarios and selections, well by the good teams at least. It can't be an afterthought.
Sobers was elite, so was Richards(V), not to mention Hammond, Chappell etc. who not only took almost everything offered, but created half chances as well. Richards(B) and yes, Miller, was just below them, but Warne was even below them, and not someone I would trust there at said level. That's before I even get into the Tendulkar discussion.
