Saker rates attack as good as great Australians
http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-west-indies-2012/content/story/566645.html
David Saker, the England bowling coach, has said England's bowling attack is "as good as" the great Australian attack that dominated world cricket for more than a decade.
Really? I will be the first one to big up the English attack as i really do believe that they are something special but are they as good as the great Australian attack which consisted of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie & Shane Warne?
It's pretty damn obviuous that the anser is a big fat NO, though Broads stats are similar to Lee's. As for the comments left by bitter cricket fans, it makes me want to rip my own head off & throw it at them!!
"such a great attack that you always got trashed in Asian conditions on regular basis"
"I'll agree about Broad,. Rest of them are so-so"
"Send this bowling attack to UAE against pakistan and then we will see how good they are. Australians destroyed pakistan two times for 54 all out in two tests in UAE in 2002 . This attack is not that good at all."
"Best Bowling attack?? Remember Australian attack performed all around the world but this England attack was made to cry in the sub-continent."
"big mouthed Englishmen at it again"
That is just a few comments but the hatred you see every day on cricinfo is unbelievable!! I know this is a bit of a joke of an article but come on, it wasn't an Englishman saying it!!!
Cheers
Really??
posted on 31/5/12
Having a good strike rate definitely adds to your prestige, but if your strike rate is low but you economy is high it doesn't really matter. You may deliver slightly more wicket taking deliveries but it's cancelled out by you leaking runs by delivering more 4 balls.
====================
I take your point, but I dont think it tells the whole story.
If you had a bowler with a low strike rate but a high average, you could still tie down the other end with an economical bowler if you want to keep the runs down. Also, it might be time that is the issue in the game, not runs.
It's (relatively) easy to find bowlers who can keep the runs down in test matches, especially with a conservative line and conservative field placings. What is priceless is a bowler who can take wickets.
I would also be surprised if any of the bowlers I have listed have high averages.
The fact that (aside from Steyn) they are generally regarded as the best bolwers of all time, just goes to show how important strike rate is imo.
posted on 31/5/12
^^ All truely get bowlers Dunc. No wumming from me because looking at that list, there is no need.
posted on 31/5/12
*Truly great ( that should have read)
posted on 31/5/12
posted on 31/5/12
Point is JPB McGrath was extremely economical and had an extremely good strike rate of about 52. This is why his average is lower than some of the more explosive bowlers on that list.
McGrath took wickets at greater speed than everyone but a handful of bowlers and did so whilst holding down an end. McGrath was the bowler who put Australia in great positions many times and even when conditions were tough he could at least keep the run rate down and build pressure that way.
Steyn will be regarded as an all time great and is only missing from my list because he has not finished his career yet. He would walk into any test side, an exceptional bowler.
posted on 31/5/12
Duncan, I havent disagreed - and wouldn't disagree - with any of that
posted on 31/5/12
Fair enough mate.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming SA series? I personally can't wait, there seems to be very little between the sides.
posted on 31/5/12
absoloutely. should be a belter.
england will have to play out of their skin to beat that lot i should think.
posted on 31/5/12
That series is going to make or break us Dunc, and like you I would not like to try and guess what is going to happen.
It's gonna be a thrilling time for everybody who loves the game.
You are of course lucky because you will be able to read my expert comments as the matches unfold Even I can remember something that happened 20 seconds earlier
posted on 31/5/12