The two opening positions in our greatest Ashes XI of all time have been closely-fought races so far. This one is probably going to be less so.
It’s time for us to pick the first of three middle-order batsmen in the side, and we’re going to start with the first seed in the position – no prizes for guessing who that is – up against the sixth.
Sir Donald Bradman was comfortably the most popular of the middle order players in last week’s poll with 89 per cent of the vote – although he wasn’t the most-selected player across all positions. Today, he’s pitted against a rival from his playing days, England’s Wally Hammond.
We’ll cover Hammond’s Ashes record first, because it’s still an excellent one. Thirty-three Tests resulted in 2852 runs against Australia at an average of 51.85. He also had an excellent conversion rate, with two more centuries than half-centuries – nine and seven respectively – and was a handy medium-pace bowler.
Then there’s Bradman. The Don still holds the record for the most runs in Ashes history – one which may stand the test of time entirely – with 5028 at an average of 89.78. And if Hammond’s conversion rate was excellent, we don’t know how to describe Bradman’s 12 fifties and 19 hundreds. Nineteen!
So make your choice between the two in the poll below, then tell us why you chose Bradman in the comments section.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
If you ever saw Barrington play, hou wouldn't pick him, Micko. More boring than Boycott.
Tight-Head
Roar Rookie
The don’s ashes average is 10 below his regular average - and he is still streets ahead of the rest. What a player!
The Late News
Roar Rookie
No brainer!
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Is Don, is Good.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
The don
Mark Scarfe
Roar Guru
Ive just read a great book by Roland Perry who was Bradman's 1995 biographer where he wrote "The Don". The new on is called "Tea and Scotch with Bradman" which is the behind the scenes conversations not used in the bio. Wally Hammond didn't like the Don at all along with Grimmett, O'Reilly and Fingleton to name but a few. Bradman did however rate Hammond very highly and put him in his all time England Ashes best.
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
There might be a case for just putting Bradman in, no questions asked, and letting guys like Hammond battle it out with the other mortals. Bradman is in a class of one.
JGK
Roar Guru
He almost certainly won’t be averaging 60. But he probably only has one more Ashes series left in him (maybe 2) and they would have to be diabolical to really hurt his overall Ashes record.
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
Yes, best to wait until a players career is over before putting them up for things like this I reckon. When it's all done and dusted Smith might still be averaging 60+ but then again he might not.
Paul
Roar Guru
I agree Dave. I'm not sure this series should be called "the greatest ashes XI of all time". I'm guessing final positions may be down to popularity, but that isn't a measure of greatness necessarily. You and I debated over Hutton, Hobbs and Sutcliffe as Test openers but I bet one spot goes to Mattie Hayden who, while a seriously good player, isn't on the same page as these 3, IMO.
Mark Scarfe
Roar Guru
There seriously cant be any comparision? Bradman wins hands down every day.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
I love both those guys border and Waugh, but the try to not pick them in same team for ‘my imagined idea of balance’, lol. Both sort of hard head batters if it all goes pear shaped. With the same thought of Chappell.G or Ponting in a team I like.
1DER
Guest
Obviously one the greatest test players. I just highlighted his record in England versus in Australia against the Aussies. Australia: 35 (3 no) innings 1981 runs @ 61.9 England: 23 (0 no ) innings 871 runs @ 37.86 His overall test average in England 3004 runs @ 50.06, overseas 4245 runs @ 66.32
Micko
Roar Rookie
I intentionally left out Smith because his career is far from over. He could hypothetically decline to a point where his Ashes average is severely affected a la Warner. Actually after the last Ashes series, I'm curious to see how far Warner's average dropped.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Was it 900-plus runs, or just short?
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Good call. With a top line attack you only need a fifth bowler for a few overs. And with six bats you might also consider Steve Waugh over Border based on his Ashes record, and even more bowling depth.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Kudos. I had Bradman, Smith and Hammond, but it’s hard to leave out Barrington. Or Waugh, Border and Chappell.
Micko
Roar Rookie
I voted for Barrington based on his record.
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
Just because I can, I voted for Hammond.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
This vote-off is starting to look even sillier. Presumably once the Don knocks out Hammond, Hammond is no longer considered? But he would have to be a strong candidate for a middle order place. Also, quite a handy medium pace bowler. Smith is the only other one with a clear case ahead of him. Maybe Barrington- though I’m pretty sure no one here will have given him many votes, if any (had an Ashes record on par with Smith).