End of decade summit: Best batsman
December 23rd, 2009 by TWC in Miscellaneous
Today we choose our batsman of the decade. Tell us yours in the comments below.
John Stern (Editor of TWC)
Kevin Pietersen
For originality, innovation and uniqueness. And for his 158 at The Oval, 2005.
Edward Craig (Deputy Editor)
Mohammad Yousuf
How many players have got close to records that seemed unbeatable this decade? Yousuf managed to overhaul Sir Viv’s runs-in-a-calendar-year behemoth in 2006. He has the third highest Test average in the 2000s (a smidgeon behind first and second). Mixes Dravid-like patience with Lara-like shots and is still going. At a time when Pakistan are in endless turmoil, he seems the one guarantee and for that alone he deserves it ahead of more celebrated stars.
Daniel Brigham (Assistant editor)
Ricky Ponting
Just the 55 international hundreds this decade. Us Brits don’t like showering Aussies with praise, so Ponting has rarely been as popular as Lara or Tendulkar, yet he’s better. His swivel and pull over mid-wicket must be the best-looking and most emphatic shot in the game right now.
Benj Moorehead (Editorial assistant)
Virender Sehwag
Non-cricket fans look at a game of cricket and wonder why batsman don’t just smack it. Because they’ll get out, stupid. Not so, more often than not at least, Sehwag. His is a triumph of aggressive run-scoring against the odds. To Sehwag’s averages (52 in Tests, 33 in ODIs) can be added at least five runs for the speed at which they’ve come. He has entertained us more than any other with those ripping cuts and drives. He also has touch and imagination, as was proven in that extraordinary 293 against Sri Lanka the other week.
Sam Collins (Website editor)
Sachin Tendulkar
Impossible to go beyond Sachin. For technique, delicacy, runscoring and sheer longevity. The man who made his debut in the 80s has now played 162 Tests, 439 ODIs and is still going. In recent times he has inspirationally refused to be cowed by injury and suggestions that he is past his best – hundreds in his last four Test series indicating that he remains a dominant force as he enters his fourth decade in the game.
Tomorrow: Innings of the decade
Posted in Miscellaneous | 9 Comments »
December 24th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Doesn’t that make Tendulkar the best player of the last two decades, Sam?
He is amazing but looking at the 2000s in isolation, there are definitely better. Kallis for one.
December 24th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Point taken Chris, but for me that Tendulkar has shown the courage to come back so strongly after being written off, allied with 20 Test centuries over the decade, that makes him my favourite.
Kallis’ achievements have been huge, but what does it say about the way he makes his runs that none of us have chosen him?
December 24th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I’d agree with Benj, there is nothing Sehwag can’t do. He’s taken what Slater started at the top of the order to its conclusion. If he, rather than Cook, was opening at Centurion for England I’m sure Graeme Smith would not have declared as early.
December 24th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Think Kallis’ omission shows that the English aren’t that big fans of the Saffas – that’s all.
December 24th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I can’t speak for the others, but my favourite bowler of all-time is Allan Donald and I admire Graeme Smith, I just don’t enjoy watching Kallis bat.
December 24th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Sam, I bet you have loads of Gay friends too..
December 24th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Fair kop John.
December 26th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Sam. Did u ever see Wasim and Waqar bowl? if yes, u should have forgotten Donald.
December 30th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
it is sachin tendulkar for following innings
103* vs england at mohali.
165 vs new zealand
109 vs australia at nagpur
154 vs australia at adelaide
153 vs australia at sydney
241* vs australia at sydney
193* vs pakistan at multan