- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
With legendary batsman Ricky Ponting, and of late Michael Clarke dominating all comers, the best Australian batsman since Bradman debate always bubbles under the surface of any Australian summer.
Ponting has been the leader in this debate with him having the most centuries of any Aussie in his test career of 41 to go with an exceptional average of 51.85.
His dominating style of play that left oppositions in ruins from the pivotal number three position in the line-up, not only gives onlookers the best reminder of the Don, but also the respect of how he impacted on so many wins.
His period between 2003-08 where he scored 6451 runs at an average of 65.13 with 23 centuries highlights what a dominating juggernaut ‘Punter’ was.
In Clarke’s case, he has always been a fabulous talent as seen in his career average of 52.2, but has become a dominant force since assuming leadership as seen in the 12 centuries he has scored at an average of 62.08.
There are merits in both, but their names underline the ageist viewpoint this discussion has taken. With so much respect given to the modern day greats, over the icons of the past, without true context attached to how the game has changed.
The game could be split into two parts as symbolised by before the use of helmets, and after.
Its introduction having a profound effect on the method of batting as well as the mentality that is so crucial in its success.
Before there use, there was a very real fear for batsmen of being harmed which has largely been eradicated in the modern age of batsmanship.
The effect of helmets has been profound, but they have represented a raindrop that has instigated a torrent of technical advances that have aided batsmen.
The key one being the space age nature of bats, that has a sweet spot representing nigh on 90 percent of its face compared to the haphazard nature of bats of yesteryear.
These bats represent an almost comical place in the game where the edge is just as capable of propelling the ball into the middle of next week.
Add in the perfectly manicured the outfields coupled with exemplary rolled pitches.
It puts a whole new spin on this analysis.
The biggest poser it raises is how does one transcend the eras and their vast differences to give a viable number two to the Don.
My main premise on this is how the difference in conditions and the support given to batsmen through technology would impact on their figures.
I would suggest that it would represent a 5-10 run swing in averages and associated figures for the majority of batsmen
My top five since 1948
1. Greg Chappell (career average 53.86, 24 centuries at a strike rate of one every 6.29 innings)
The thing that stands Chappell apart was that he was great against all types of bowling, but his brilliance highlighted by his effectiveness against the great West Indies quicks.
As seen in him dominating the likes of Colin Croft, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts and Joel Garner in their home confines during the rebel Australian tour of 1979 scoring 630 runs at an average of 63.
2. Neil Harvey (career average 48.41, 21 centuries at a strike rate of one every 6.52 innings)
I feel torn rating Harvey, a batsman that had outrageous ability to go with his natural grit behind anyone other than the Don.
His technique was full proof to go with his footwork that I struggle to find a compare.
3. Ricky Ponting (career average 51.85, 41 centuries at a strike rate of one every 7 innings)
Ponting, with his dexterity of mauling the short ball would be one that I would feel confident of transcending the eras.
Also, without the benefit of helmets, his brilliance in pulling might have benefited him.
4. Allan Border (career average 50.56, 27 centuries at a strike rate of one every 9.8 innings)
When watching Border’s career, the first thing one thought was how strong was his back with him having to carry the team for most of it.
He was the ultimate man in the trenches that always revelled, even under sustained barrage.
5. Michael Clarke (career average 52.2, 26 centuries at a strike rate of one every 6.53 innings)
Clarke has always been seen as a rare talent, but only started fully delivering since assuming leadership.
If he starts to perform consistently away from home, then he could finish his career as the next best to The Don.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.