The 10 Greatest Batsmen of Modern Times (part III)
The story so far….(qualification 15,000 international runs)
10. Rahul Dravid: 24208 runs average 45.41
9. Ricky Ponting 27483 runs average 45.95
8. Brian Lara: 22358 runs average 46.28
7. Kumar Sangakkara: 28016 runs average 46.77
6. Javed Miandad: 16213 runs average 46.99
(124 tests 23 hundreds, average 52.57)
Belligerent, impudent improviser, highly competent against all forms of bowling – the original run thief – would often pretend he was only running a single and then would suddenly hare back for two as the fielder lobbed the ball back. With lightening hands he was very wristy, playing the ball late, riding movement cleverly and lashing anything off line with furious intent. B aited bowlers with provocative gestures the most famous of which was threatening to hit Dennis Lillee with his bat. (In his defence the Australian had just dipped the shoulder on him and aimed a kick!) An absolute wizard with his wand of a bat. Could be almost impossible to contain. Undoubtedly Pakistan’s greatest batsman.
- Matthew Hayden 15066 runs average 47.67
(tests 103 30 hundreds ave 50.73)
A big batting bully, ‘Haydos’ was an incredible hulk at the crease, using his massive frame and reach to intimidate bowlers. Liked to go on the walk down the pitch to unsuspecting seamers and biff them through the covers or over their heads from yards down the track. Very powerful driver and puller who could also slog sweep spin and made mincemeat of fragile attacks. Not a pretty player, but a relentlessly effective one equipped with excellent single-mindedness befitting an avid fisherman, and he briefly held the individual test record score with his 380 against Zimbabwe until Brian Lara won his record back. For those who dispute his place in these rankings, just check his overall average compared to the others.
There is lots of revelation and insight from all these great players here –