The Best XI

IMO Dhoni's a slightly better keeper too, at least a more improved one.

Long batting line up there Raj. Could have thrown in an extra spinner if you're basically batting til 10.

Gayle's not a spinner

One spinner I like watching is Danish Kaneria. Love his action. Shame he can't be more consistent, he could have been effective in ODIs if he sorted his game out better.

To be honest I don't like him. He is a hard worker - yes. But, damn too inconsistent and lacks penetration.

Yusuf Pathan , Bravo and Afridi in an all time best XI - I don't think so!!

That must be it zuhair , but even then I'm not sure they'd make my side.

I personally don't think anyone since about 1985 could be considered great. Warne was an average leg spinner in a world without any leg-spinners. All batsman are spoilt by uncovered pitches. Fast bowlers are spoilt by bowler friendly rule changes. Cricket is an old game and there are plenty in the last 120 years that could have competed with the players of now. Easily. I suppose it's human nature to think that "now is better". It aint.

Originally posted by spin wizard Hammond, you're probably on weed or I'm missing some figure of speech you're trying to use.  Warne average?  And I don't care which batsman you are, yo could be Bradman, Richards, Sobers etc, them couldn't be brutalizing McGrath and Ambrose.  Them 2 bowlers would easily hold them own against any quality batsman.   And I guess it's human nature to think that what you grow up on is the best way.  Don't say it ain't so because what people grow up accustom to, they pass on those stuff to their kids, for instance, what they eat for lunch, dinner etc.

Originally posted by spin wizard Hammond, would be interesting to hear your views on Dale Steyn - just how good do you rate him?  Anyhow, WG might slap him through covers but i'm willing to bet my house that Dale Steyn is way more than capable of dismissing any batsman currently alive and dead.  No matter how good you are, 145+ KPH outswingers would have anyone in trouble.    Heard Steyn let go a belter of a spell on day 3 of the last test match, just wish I could have seen it.   And good to see you liked Bond, he's another that I think is a ripper of a fast bowler, don't matter how good a batsman you are, Bond is quite capable of destroying you.

Originally posted by Sledger Steyn's up there already and is a fantastic athlete , he'll pass the SA wicket taking record and probably surpass Courtney Walsh's five hundred and odd as well!           As for the quickest , Benaud reckoned Frank Tyson the fastest he ever saw - a tad quicker than Thommo !

No SW , Steyn is terrific , but no quick bowler will have the longevity to take 800 test wickets.  Courtney Walsh's supreme fitness and lovely action made him as close to the perfect quickie , but even he had to give way to old father time.  Over 500 wickets for the speedster, in my eyes was a greater achievement than either Murali's 800 or Warne's 700 

So he did - I misread his post !!      Time for a visit to the opticians ! 

What's sad is that Steyn is really the only fast bowler playing today - no other generates the excitement that he does when he's at his best.

Yes Zuhair, quite right.  For that same reason, i'm hoping Asif is clean but with his record, might only be a matter of time before he ends up in trouble again.