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The Australian cricket all-time great alphabet teams: Who wins the Alphabet Cup?

Roar Guru
20th April, 2020
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Roar Guru
20th April, 2020
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To those few hardy souls who have been reading my series of articles on the greatest Australian cricket alphabet teams, I promised I would finish by ranking my selected teams and crown the winner of the mythical Alphabet Cup.

Each team is shown below with some basic weighted marks in various categories to assist in ranking. In this mythical 24-team competition we have a top-eight and all five-day games were played on the perfect wicket.

The first day was at the Gabba, with the ball seaming around. Days 2 and 3 were played in perfect conditions at the Adelaide Oval and MCG respectively. On Day 4 we started to see some cracks opening up and uneven bounce at the WACA, and then the final day was a dirty fight on a traditional spinning SCG wicket.

So here goes, in reverse order.

Please refer to my previous articles on each team for player biographies for all teams.

The also-rans

23. QUXZ Team

Rob Quiney (the best nine ever), Michael Quinn, Patrick Quinlan, Keith Zeibell, Robert Zadow, Stanley Quin, Tim Zoehrer (wicketkeeper, captain), Adam Zampa, Andrew Zesers, Ian Quick, Brian Quigley.

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  • Opening batting: 3/10
  • Middle-order batting: 2/10
  • Pace bowling: 2/10
  • Spin bowling: 4.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 0.5/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0/1
  • Total: 16/50

Tim Zoehrer is the standout player in this side, so the wicketkeeping department holds its own. Ian Quick’s 200 first-class wickets mean he’s a quality spin option, but there’s little else going for this XI. The only Test player in the top order managed just nine runs in his four innings for Australia, and the first-class batting averages leave a lot to be desired.

Not such a supergroup, the QUXZ mob are really lacking in class.

Australia's Adam Zampa bowls

Adam Zampa (AAP Image/SNPA, John Cowpland)

22. V Team

Mike Veletta, Murray Vernon, Jeff Vaughan, Adam Voges (captain, the statistical anomaly), Graeme Vimpani, Frederick Vaughan, Tom Veivers, Brian Vincent, Leslie Vernon, Roland Vaughton (wicketkeeper), Jason Voros.

  • Opening batting: 4/10
  • Middle-order batting: 3.5/10
  • Pace bowling: 2/10
  • Spin bowling: 4/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 0.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 0.5/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0.5/1
  • Total: 16/50
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This team just escapes the wooden spoon due to a solid top four, with Veletta and Voges providing the quality. The bowling lacks experience, with the only international bowler more of an all-rounder.

Adam Voges scores a run in Sri Lanka

Adam Voges (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

21. Y Team

Graham Yallop (captain, the sacrificial lamb), Peter Young, George Young, Walter Yeates, Shaun Young, Brad Young, Allan Young, Bruce Yardley (The Kangaroo), Dennis Yagmich (wicketkeeper), Fergus Yeates, Claye Young

  • Opening batting: 4.5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 3/10
  • Pace bowling: 1.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 6.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 2/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 0.5/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0/1
  • Total: 19/50

The Y team are light on for batting and have non-existent pace bowling, but will gookay on a spinning wicket. Yallop is the standout with a 40 plus Test average and Yardley will lead the bowlers.

Graham Yallop

Graham Yallop (S&G/PA Images via Getty Images)

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20. I Team

Frank Iredale, Jock Irvine, John Inverarity (captain), Brad Inwood, Mervyn Inverarity, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Bill Ives, Edward Illingworth, Mathew Inness, Bert Ironmonger (left-arm very unorthodox), Jack Iverson (flicky finger leg spin, sort of).

  • Opening batting: 4/10
  • Middle-order batting: 2/10
  • Pace bowling: 3.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 7.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 2.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 22/50

This side will be very nasty on a spinning wicket with the Iverson-Ironmonger combination, but they don’t have enough batting firepower to seriously threaten.

Josh Inglis

Josh Inglis (Paul Kane/Getty Images)

19. E Team

Matthew Elliott (captain), Ken Eastwood, Wally Edwards, Allan Edwards, Ross Edwards, Charles Eady (the Tassie legend), Phil Emery (wicketkeeper), Sid Emery, Hans Ebeling, Edwin Evans, Sam Everett.

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  • Opening batting: 5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 4/10
  • Pace bowling: 4.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 6/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3/5
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0/1
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1/2
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0/1
  • Total: 24/50

I would classify this team as all round solid mediocrity. The openers, plus Ross Edwards, provide a solid batting order. Charles Eady was a legendary Tasmanian all-rounder and the bowling consists of fringe Test players with solid first-class careers.

Matthew Elliott

Matthew Elliott (Brendan Monks/EMPICS via Getty Images)

18. A Team

Jason Arnberger, Tommy Andrews, Warwick Armstrong (captain, the big ship), Arthur Allsopp, Wayne Andrews, Ron Archer, Mark Atkinson (wicketkeeper), Ashton Agar, Jo Angel, Peter Allan, Terry Alderman (right-arm Graham Gooch destroying swing around corners).

  • Opening batting: 4/10
  • Middle-order batting: 4/10
  • Pace bowling: 7.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 2.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 2.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 2/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 24.5/50

The A team are blessed with good quality and depth in pace bowling, a solid opening combination and one of Australia’s greatest all-rounders and captains in ‘the big ship’ Warwick Armstrong. But the middle order and spin bowling is a bit thin. Almost a pass mark.

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Warwick Armstrong.

Warwick Armstrong (PA Images via Getty Images)

They’ll turn some heads but won’t quite get there

17. N Team

Paul Nobes, Jack Nitschke, Marcus North, Monty Noble (captain), Peter Nevill (wicketkeeper), Laurie Nash. Tim Neilsen (wicketkeeper), Ashley Noffke, Michael Neser, Matthew Nicholson, Geff Noblet.

  • Opening batting: 4/10
  • Middle-order batting: 4.5/10
  • Pace bowling: 7/10
  • Spin bowling: 2/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 2/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 1/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 25/50

The N team has a solid enough top four and a squad of very good pace bowlers. However, the batting drops away and they have virtually no spin options. They do possess one of the great all-rounders to bolster their chances.

Peter Nevill takes off for a run

Peter Nevill (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

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16. D Team

John Dyson (What. A. Catch.), Joe Darling (captain), Michael Di Venuto, Reg Duff, Len Darling, Alan Davidson (left-arm relentless), Tony Dodemaide, Greg Dyer (wicketkeeper), Bruce Dooland, Adam Dale (right-arm dibbly), Geoff Dymock (right-arm bearded).

  • Opening batting: 4.5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 4.5/10
  • Pace bowling: 7.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 6.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 2.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 2/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0.5/1
  • Total: 28/50

The Ds have a very good bowling attack, with Australia’s greatest left-arm paceman backed by solid, if not spectacular, pace and spin options. They are lacking a bit in star power in the batting line-up, but it’s all pretty solid.

Alan Davidson circa 1960

Alan Davidson (Central Press/Getty Images)

15. K Team

Robbie Kerr, Charles Kelleway, Usman Khawaja, Michael Klinger, Simon Katich (captain), Alan Kippax, Jason Krejza, James Kelly (wicketkeeper), Michael Kasprowicz, Lindsay Kline, Tom Kendall.

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  • Opening batting: 5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 7.5/10
  • Pace bowling: 4.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 6/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1.5/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0/2
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 29/50

The Ks have a very good middle order, with Katich, Khawaja, Klinger and Kippax providing a lot of runs, but they lack a little in pace bowling options. Kelleway will have to open the bowler with Kasper and then rely on grinding teams down.

Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja (Lindsey Parnaby / AFP / Getty Images)

14. F Team

Jack Fingleton, Peter Forrest, Les Favell (captain), Callum Ferguson, Aaron Finch, Alan Fairfax, James Faulkner, Doug Ford (wicketkeeper), Damien Fleming (right-arm bowlologist), John Ferris, Chuck Fleetwood-Smith (left-arm unfathomable)

  • Opening batting: 5.5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 4.5/10
  • Pace bowling: 7.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 7/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 2.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0.5/1
  • Total: 29.5/50

This is a solid, aggressive team that could cause some problems if they put runs on the board. There are some fast runs in the middle order if they get going, and the Ferris-Fleming opening combination will go very well if there is anything in the air or off the wicket. Fleetwood-Smith is an out-and-out matchwinner at first-class level. Over all this side is a beast at first-class level that never really translated into Test glory.

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Australia's captain Aaron Finch celebrates after scoring a hundred

Aaron Finch (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

13. O Team

Leo O’Brien, Leo O’Connor, Norm O’Neill (captain), Hec Oakley, Simon O’Donnell, Ron Oxenham, Bert Oldfield (wicketkeeper), Kerry O’Keefe (cackling leg spin), Stephen O’Keefe, Bill O’Reilly (relentlessly aggressive leg spin), Jack O’Connor.

  • Opening batting: 4/10
  • Middle-order batting: 4/10
  • Pace bowling: 3/10
  • Spin bowling: 10/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 4.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1.5/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0.5/1
  • Total: 30.5/50

The O team is a spin bowling juggernaut. Tiger O’Reilly backed up by the two O’Keefes and will be relentless. And the keeper was exceptional standing up to the stumps. But with the exception of Norm O’Neill, they are light on for batting and the pace bowlers will just be there to take the shine off the ball.

Stephen O'Keefe celebrates Australia

(AAP Image/Paul Miller)

Finals contenders that might just miss out

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12. J Team

Phil Jaques, Nick Jewell, Archie Jackson, Dean Jones, Ron James, Sammy Jones, Barry Jarman (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Johnson (left-arm moustachioed armpit seeking thunderbolts), Ian Johnson (captain), Bill Johnston, Ernie Jones (right-arm moustachioed ‘Sorry, doctor, she slipped’ thunderbolts)

  • Opening batting: 5.5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 6/10
  • Pace bowling: 7.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 6.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 0.5/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0.5/1
  • Total: 31/50

The J Team just shaded the Os by being ever so slightly more rounded for Australian pitches. Three of the top four are exceptional batsmen, and there’s a good mixture of aggression and guile in the bowling line-up. The opening combination of Johnson and Jones will have them ducking and weaving.

Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson prepares to bowl on day 3 of the second Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Mitchell Johnson (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

11. R Team

Chris Rogers (the rock), Owen Rock (the other rock), Ian Redpath (possibly another rock), Jack Ryder (captain), Greg Ritchie, Vernon Ransford, Steve Rixon (wicketkeeper), Paul Reiffel, Doug Ring, Bruce Reid (left-arm injury-prone brilliance), Carl Rackemann.

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  • Opening batting: 6.5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 7/10
  • Pace bowling: 7.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 5.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 1/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0.5/1
  • Total: 33/50

This R Team has a high quality solid top four supported by some quality pace bowling. Bruce Reid provides the strike power. They bat deep and have plenty of experience. A solid all-round unit.

Chris Rogers of Australia

Chris Rogers (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

10. P Team

Bill Ponsford (the run machine), Wayne Phillips, Ricky Ponting (captain, legend), Kurtis Patterson, Jack Potter, Ellyse Perry, Tim Paine (wicketkeeper and good egg), Peter Philpott, James Pattinson (right-arm angry), Joey Palmer, Len Pascoe (right-arm even angrier)

  • Opening batting: 7/10
  • Middle-order batting: 7/10
  • Pace bowling: 5.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 7/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 1/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 34/50

There are massive runs in this side with Ponsford and Ponting in the top three. The opening bowling combination is fiery and they are backed up by some solid spin bowling

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Ricky Ponting of Australia works the ball to leg

Ricky Ponting (James Knowler/Getty Images)

9. C Team

Ed Cowan (doing a Cowan), Herb Collins, Ian Chappell (The. Captain.), Greg Chappell, Bob Cowper, Michael Clarke, ‘Sammy’ Carter (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (right-arm Adonis), Albert ‘Tibby’ Cotter, Stuart Clark (right-arm McGrath-like), William Cooper.

  • Opening batting: 6.5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 9/10
  • Pace bowling: 8/10
  • Spin bowling: 5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 35.5/50

This is the first all-Test XI. The Cs possess a cracking middle order, all in the great category, that will be heaven to watch in full flow. There’s an excellent pace attack to back them up. This is a definite step up. Maybe spin bowling lets them down

Michael Clarke celebrates his triple century

Michael Clarke (Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

The top eight

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8. G Team

Sid Gregory, George Giffen (captain, right-arm bowl himself all day), Ross Gregory, Jack Gregory (right-arm charismatic), Harry Graham, Adam Gilchrist (wicketkeeper, a force of nature), Gary Gilmour, Tom Garrett, Jason Gillespie (right-arm mullet), Johnny Gleeson, Clarrie Grimmett (grum the genius)

  • Opening batting: 6.5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 6/10
  • Pace bowling: 6/10
  • Spin bowling: 10/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 2/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 1/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0.5/1
  • Total: 38/50

This G side is full of unique talents, including our greatest keeper and close to our greatest spin bowler. There are some colossal all-rounders, but the batting overall lacks a little something.

Adam Gilchrist celebrates reaching his last Test century

Adam Gilchrist (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

7. T Team

Mark Taylor (captain Fujitsu), Victor Trumper (the golden age), Grahame Thomas, Michael Taylor, Johnny Taylor, Albert Trott, Don Tallon (wicketkeeper), Hugh Trumble, Charlie Turner (right-arm ‘terror’), Ernie Toshack, Jeff Thomson (right-arm hide behind the couch gibbering in terror)

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  • Opening batting: 9.5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 4/10
  • Pace bowling: 8/10
  • Spin bowling: 9/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 4.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1.5/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 0.5/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 38.5/50

Okay, so it’s heating up now. The opening combination is easily the best so far, with the greatest of the golden age and a player in the argument as our best-ever captain. The bowling is full of fast, wicket-taking pacemen supported by our best pre-GOAT off spinner. Behind the stumps is possibly our greatest-ever pure keeper. Slightly let down by a weak middle order.

victor-trumper-jumping-out

Victor Trumper (George Bedlam, National Portrait Gallery)

6. S Team

Bob Simpson (disciplinarian captain), Michael Slater (erratic brilliance), Keith Stackpole, Steve Smith (BSB), Paul Sheahan, Andrew Symonds (right-arm boozy talented medium, off spin), Wade Seccombe (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc (left-arm watch-your-toes fast), Peter Siddle (right-arm reliable fast medium), Fred Spofforth (right-arm pure evil medium), Jack Saunders (left-arm medium, left-arm orthodox).

  • Opening batting: 9.5/10
  • Middle-order batting: 8.5/10
  • Pace bowling: 8/10
  • Spin bowling: 7.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 1/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 40.5/50

The S Team looks formidable. It boasts a super opening combination and the middle order includes dynamic players with solid Test and first-class records batting around the current best since Bradman. The opening bowlers are both the spearheads of their age, supported by the reliable Mr Siddle. The spin bowler took his wickets at under 23. There is not a lot wrong here.

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Steve Smith

Steve Smith (Visionhaus)

5. W Team

David Warner (Mr Punchy), Kepler Wessels (a crab with a lower back problem), Bill Woodfull (captain, this will be one side that is playing cricket), Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh (the toughest), Doug Walters, Matthew Wade (wicketkeeper, sort of), Shane Warne (the greatest), Max Walker (right-arm wonky leg), Bill Whitty, Mike Whitney (left-arm frizzy)

  • Opening batting: 9/10
  • Middle-order batting: 10/10
  • Pace bowling: 6.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 10/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 2.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1.5/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 42/50

It’s only a slight weakness in pace bowling and a dropsy wicket keeper that holds this powerhouse team back from the top four. The batting has the right combination of toughness and brilliance to provide plenty of runs, and the bowling is spearheaded by our best-ever spinner. And, boy oh boy, will they give some lip! Woodfull will have his hands full controlling this mob.

David Warner

David Warner (AAP Image/David Mariuz)

The top four

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4. H Team

Phil Hughes (or Kim Hughes if you prefer), Matt Hayden, Neil Harvey (the first BSB), Clem Hill, Lindsay Hassett (captain), Mike Hussey (Mr Cricket), Ian Healy (wicketkeeper, “Bowled, Shaaayyynnne”), ‘Ranji’ Hordern, Ryan Harris (right-arm no knees sheer willpower), Merv Hughes (right-arm sledgy), Josh Hazlewood.

  • Opening batting: 9/10
  • Middle-order batting: 10/10
  • Pace bowling: 8.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 7.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 4.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 0/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 42/50

A slightly weaker bowling than batting outfit and no all-round option are this team’s only weaknesses. The top six is littered with all-time greats. The keeper was in our team of the century and the pace attack is full of class and heart. Hazlewood and Harris opening the bowling will ask plenty of questions. Spin is covered by our first great leggie. They will take some beating.

Michael Hussey of Australia celebrates scoring the winning runs

Michael Hussey (Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

3. B Team

Warren Bardsley, Sid Barnes (Or Bill Brown and play Barnes ahead of Brian Booth at 6), Don Bradman (The Don), David Boon (the keg on legs), Alan Border (AB, the shoulders we stood on), Brian Booth, Richie Benaud (captain, “the white, the off-white, the ivory, the beige”), Andy Bichel, Jack Blackham (wicketkeeper), Jackson Bird, Doug Bollinger (right-arm rug)

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  • Opening batting: 9/10
  • Middle-order batting: 9.5/10
  • Pace bowling: 7/10
  • Spin bowling: 9.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 4/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 0.5/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 1/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 42.5/50

And Bradman comes third. This team did not quite have the bowling attack to support our greatest-ever player. The pace bowling is willing and the leggie is great but bowlers win matches and there are better attacks out there. But they will of course bat all day.

Australia's best-ever Don Bradman

Donald Bradman (PA Images via Getty Images)

The runner-up

2. L Team

Bill Lawry (captain, the corpse with pads), Justin Langer, (the summer of) Marnus Labuschagne, Martin Love, Stuart Law, Darren Lehmann, Ray Lindwall (right-arm brilliant), Brett Lee (right-arm seriously fast), Gil Langley (wicketkeeper), Dennis Lillee (right-arm charismatic), Nathan Lyon (the GOAT)

  • Opening batting: 9/10
  • Middle-order batting: 7.5/10
  • Pace bowling: 10/10
  • Spin bowling: 9/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 3.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 1/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 1/1
  • Total: 42.5/50
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A slight softness in the middle order and wicketkeeper prevent this brilliant attacking side from taking out the title. I put them just ahead of the Bs because bowling wins matches, and according to Jardine, Bradman didn’t like it up him. Here we have three of the best to Test that theory.

Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The champions

1. M Team

Arthur Morris, Charlie Macartney (the general), Stan McCabe (“Come and watch. You will never see this again”), Damien Martyn (how batting should look), Billy Murdoch (captain), Keith Miller (the charisma), Rod Marsh (wicketkeeper), Garth McKenzie, Craig McDermott, Stuart MacGill (very, very bad or very, very good leg spin), Glenn McGrath (right-arm robotic metronomic claustrophobic)

  • Opening batting: 9/10
  • Middle-order batting: 8.5/10
  • Pace bowling: 9.5/10
  • Spin bowling: 8.5/10
  • Wicketkeeping: 4.5/5
  • All-rounder bowling options: 2/2
  • Lower-order batting bonus: 0.5/1
  • Experience bonus: 1/1
  • Captaincy bonus: 0.5/1
  • Total: 44/50

With all bases covered, I’d back this champion M team. Morris, Miller and maybe McGrath are the best in their positions and all others are near the very top. And they’d play cricket the right way, attacking batting and bowling. They would be a joy to watch.

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So there you have it. The Ms are victorious by a nose. Feel free to go back and peruse each team and the spirited discussions along the way (Kim Hughes, I get it!).

Thanks to everyone who read along through this series, and sorry the final article took so long.

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