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Australia and the West Indies make up two of the best Test teams ever. Who were their best XIs?
Australia: Glen McGrath-Shane Warne
The Spin King and Pigeon were the two most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. Over a thousand combined wickets to their name, proving they were most lethal combination in Test cricket.
An example of this is the 2005 Ashes series, which saw Warne and McGrath nearly single handedly win the fifth Test. With both almost pulling the impossible, only for dropped catches preventing an exciting finish on late-day five.
In addition to this one time where both showed why they are the best bowling combination is in 2002 in South Africa. South Africa were 1/89, then Warne and McGrath skittled them for 133 – taking the last nine wickets to win the match between them.
This is quite remarkable and shows how good these two combined. What makes this amazing combination is it McGrath’s accuracy and Warne aggressive tactics help in winning Test matches in Australia and abroad.
Warne has been quoted on several occasions that he was able to take many of his wickets due to McGrath bowling at the other end.
West Indies: Joel Garner-Michael Holding
The Garner-Holding partnership helped in make the Windes the powerhouse they were during the successful 70s/80s period.
Both fast bowlers but with different variations, they helped in creating a combination that is known as “pace like fire”.
This is due to how fast Holding was and to the height of Garner. They were both bowlers would instil fear in batsman.
Both bowlers have over 500 wickets between them. Both were key in winning the World Cup in 1979 which saw Michael Holding and Joel Garner trigger the greatest collapse in world cricket, with England losing 8 for 11 as the Windies went on to win the World Cup.
In addition to this both Holding and Garner helped in winning the Wisden trophy against England and the Frank Worrel trophy multiple times
My verdict
I think both bowling combinations were quite brilliant in their own right and are quite amazing.
I believe however that Warne and McGrath were better as a combination. Holding and Garner were helped by Andy Roberts and Malcolm Marshall as all four helped in keep the Windies successful, while Warne and McGrath were Australia leading bowlers which helped in winning matches.
Overall both combinations are amazing but I have to go with Warne and McGrath.
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