Which Australian test team looks stronger?

[PlayerComparisons]

Team A:

Matthew Hayden
Ricky Ponting
Steve Smith
Greg Chappell
Allan Border
Steve Waugh
Adam Gilchrist
Shane Warne
Pat Cummins
Dennis Lillee
Glenn McGrath

Team B:

Matthew Hayden
Justin Langer
Ricky Ponting
Steve Smith
Greg Chappell
Allan Border
Adam Gilchrist
Shane Warne
Pat Cummins
Dennis Lillee
Glenn McGrath

 

[ankitj]

Please highlight the differences in the XIs

 

[sayon basak]

You could've just Made a Steve Waugh and Justin Langer poll tho.

 

[PlayerComparisons]

Please highlight the differences in the XIs

One has Langer opening and no Waugh in the team. The other has Ponting opening and Waugh in the team.

 

[Kenneth Viljoen]

Poor comparison thread

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Why not open with Smudge?


/s

 

[ankitj]

One has Langer opening and no Waugh in the team. The other has Ponting opening and Waugh in the team.

Thanks. I don't have an opinion on this comparison.

 

[reyrey]

If Ponting is comfortable with opening then I'd go with that option. Waugh also brings his medium pace

 

[PlayerComparisons]

The team just looks insane if Ponting opens. The only player that isn’t an ATG in there is Hayden

 

[kyear2]

Team A:

Matthew Hayden
Ricky Ponting
Steve Smith
Greg Chappell
Allan Border
Steve Waugh
Adam Gilchrist
Shane Warne
Pat Cummins
Dennis Lillee
Glenn McGrath

Team B:

Matthew Hayden
Justin Langer
Ricky Ponting
Steve Smith
Greg Chappell
Allan Border
Adam Gilchrist
Shane Warne
Pat Cummins
Dennis Lillee
Glenn McGrath

Team B, just add Bobby Simpson and it's perfect

 

[PlayerComparisons]

Team B, just add Bobby Simpson and it's perfect

I was just trying to make a team of players that have debuted since 1970

 

[sayon basak]

I was just trying to make a team of players that have debuted since 1970

Then add don Bradman.

 

[Majestic]

Ponting as opener not very convincing. He is an aggressive batsman who likes to take on the bowlers, yes he batted at 3 but he has luxury of Hayden and Langer as opener, its a different thing than opening the batting.

Team B seems a safer bet in my opinion.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

I think Border could work as an opener. Gritty, good leaver, good technique - upgrade on Langer

 

[reyrey]

I think Border could work as an opener. Gritty, good leaver, good technique - upgrade on Langer

Good call. Border got runs in every position from 3 to 6, so wouldn't bet against him averaging high 40s as an opener

 

[kyear2]

Ponting as opener not very convincing. He is an aggressive batsman who likes to take on the bowlers, yes he batted at 3 but he has luxury of Hayden and Langer as opener, its a different thing than opening the batting.

Team B seems a safer bet in my opinion.

My thoughts exactly.

He befitted from having one of the great opening partnerships and having a little cushion more often then not.

That plus the fact that I don't think he ever opened, makes me reluctant.

I would bet on a Headley more than him personally.

 

[kyear2]

I think Border could work as an opener. Gritty, good leaver, good technique - upgrade on Langer

Border is perfect at 6 for an Aussie all time team, acts as a buffer between Gilchrist and the stroke players and as a safety net in the instance if a collapse. He would also be a more than decent candidate for captain.

Don't know what's the recent fascination of post 70's, Simpson is the perfect foil for Hayden as an opener and would be an invaluable member of the team. The 2nd spinner and 5th bowler and arguably the greatest 1st slip ever.