I think he edges kohli as the best in the world. Hard to say if thats because of the bowlers. Does seem like an excuse tho. Broad and woakes bowled very well 1 innings and he didnt look that troubled.

Hopefully this jinxs him for today and the rest of the tour. Because right now he looks the difference between the teams.

What is his record like in Asia? Aussies rarely travel there.

This pitch is quite flat so not suprised he is cashin in. Overall think Smith edges Kohli, but on the other hand Kohli has performed in all conditions before. Smith still has to do well in SA and NZ (I think)

Also last year when India toured Eng, the pitches had so much for pacers. Already this match looks quite a good wicket for batsmen.

Another thing to note is I have never seen Root being a standout batsmen. Eng have played against Aus, NZ and India, and can’t recall when was the last time he actually overshadowed Kohli, Smith and KW.

I can’t stand the bloke but you have to give him credit for the guts he shows to fight for his team

He`s got one of those faces you`d like to punch

Shame Jimmy got Injured.... May have been a different test

Very good batsman, but also a really poor era for bowling.

comment by JustTrue (U13155)
posted 4 hours, 11 minutes ago
Very good batsman, but also a really poor era for bowling.
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The last modern day great bowler has just retired too in Dale Styen.

Cheating cuuunt shouldn't be playing the game!

comment by (kash) I'm the Mané - 6 Times Baby (U1108)

posted 19 hours, 9 minutes ago

comment by JustTrue (U13155)
posted 4 hours, 11 minutes ago
Very good batsman, but also a really poor era for bowling.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The last modern day great bowler has just retired too in Dale Styen.
=========================================

Dale was the last great, I think there's a possibility that Starc will end up being regarded as a great, but Smith will never have to play him.

comment by JustTrue (U13155)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by (kash) I'm the Mané - 6 Times Baby (U1108)

posted 19 hours, 9 minutes ago

comment by JustTrue (U13155)
posted 4 hours, 11 minutes ago
Very good batsman, but also a really poor era for bowling.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The last modern day great bowler has just retired too in Dale Styen.
=========================================

Dale was the last great, I think there's a possibility that Starc will end up being regarded as a great, but Smith will never have to play him.

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Starc is not a great test bowler though. Out of the current crop you are looking at Rabada, Cummins, Bumrah. Broad and Anderson will go down as excellent test bowlers but not greats.

Boult?

Anderson is a great imo. Nearing 600 wickets thanks to being highly skilful over a long period.

Great longevity but not a test great. Record outside England isnt the best and at home the English conditions are a bowlers paradise at times.

I think Anderson is a great, but not a legend like Marshall, Akram, Warne, McGrath, Murali, Donald and many others

I have Jimmy in the same bracket as Walsh, Asif, Johnson, Pollock, Lee, Bolt, plus a few more.

Bowlers like, Marshall, Ambrose, Waqar, Akram, Imran, Hadlee, Steyn, McGrath, Donald, and Garner are that level above.

Why do people never mention Philander? What about Ajmal, Ashwin, Herath, Boukt, Southee, Broa?

Anderson is now clearly a great.

If anything I might consider it a weak era for batting.

It's a weak era, full stop

Only Steyn and Anderson in recent years

Starc will get there, i think Boult will too at some point

Others are not great, either careers are too short or they just haven't posed enough consistent threat

I mean I know Herath got tons of wickets, but did he scare anyone really, apart from on dustbowls?

Ajmal had a dodgy action while Ashwin got 90% of his wickets in Asia. In the recent era I would have is:

1) Steyn
2) Anderson
3) Philander
4) Broad
5) Boult

Big game from Steyn and the rest though.

Mohammed Asif?

Spot fixing ruined his career. Only played 23 tests.

True!

Shame, as he was a potential great, like Amir

Yeah Amir was never the same. Struggled to swing the ball since his return and now he's called time on test cricket.