I wasnt talking about that argument in that comment. I was talking about Butt supposedly being more talented than Alastair COok. I'll come to the aussie attack comment in a minute. Firstly to Cook and Butt, firstly to what they've achieved so far.
Cook:
Matches= 18
runs= 1435
Average= 46.29
100's/50's= 6/5
HS= 127
Butt:
Matches= 14
Runs= 777
Average= 29.28
100's/50's= 2/4
HS= 122
As you can see, Cook's test match statistics are far and beyond those of Salman Butt. Yes cook has played 4 more test matches, but has almost 700 more runs, triple the amount of hundreds and a better average. Then to the first class statistics:
Cook:
Matches= 66
Runs= 5074
Average= 47.86
Butt:
Matches= 57
Runs= 3582
Average= 38.10
So, even in first class cricket, which is of a higher standard in England imo he has a better record than Butt. Then we look at both players records away from their continent, Butt has played away series against Australia, England, and West Indies, whereas Cook has played in away series against Australia and India.
Averages:
Butt:
Australia: 37.50
England: 11.50
West Indies: 13.50
Cook:
Australia: 27.60
India: 61.00
So, although Butt averaged higher in Australia, he failed badly against England and the West Indies. Cook was dissapointing against Australia, but was against a collossus attack with a point to prove. Clark and McGrath bowled to Cook perfectly, yet he still came away with a century under his belt. He also showed that he can play in the sub-continent. He was rushed into India and after being in the country for a day he had to play his first test match. He scored 183 runs in 2 matches, in his first test tour to the sub-continent, whilst jet lagged also. That surely shows the quality of the lad ?
/point proven
.
Now to the Aussie attack. I seriously dont get, how Kasprowicz and Gillespie are more impressive than Lee and Clark. Lee averages 31.6, Clark averages 17 whereas Kasprowicz averages 32 with Gillespie averaging 26. Lee was Australias best player in the 2005 ashes imo, showed great detirmination, has great pace and takes wickets. Clark was Australias best player in the 2007 ashes with an amazing record, lots of wickets and a very hard bowler to play. Kaspa and Gillespie seem more wayward from what i've seen, detirmined yes but nowhere near as talented as Clark and Lee. I suppose this part of the discussion is down to opinion i suppose. Some people will prefer Dizzy and Kaspa whilst others prefer the awesomeness of Lee and Clark, its down to perception and what you've seen of the players. But from what i've seen of all 4, the 2007 duo are more impressive.
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