I'll do my modern day player and put my write up for my previous two picks after it
My next pick is...
Shane Warne
In all my years of watching cricket there has never been a bowler of the level of Shane Warne's caliber, and I doubt there ever will be again. With a not too shaby 25 with the ball, and over a 1000 international wickets in both forms of the game. A magician with the ball he could go through, around or decieve a batsman into his demise, the most famous of his concoction of dismissals is the "Gatting Ball", these alone could justify his selection wholly by itself, however the stats only tell half of the story.
That story however is incredibly difficult to define, especially with a career that has experienced many up's and down's, and a fair few of those lows were of his own doing, however in spite of these trials and tribulations, they only served to help the legend grow, his outright competitivness which from all viewpoints, was the reason many view him as the greatest captain the Aussies never had, is just as legendary as his stats. If a series can truly define him it would have to be the 2005 Ashes, a series in which he nearly defended the Ashes for Australia by himself, there he not only tried to carry Australia with the ball he also carried them with the bat as well on a few occasions, even though Australia failed, he was not one of the reasons why. He did have success such as bringing the Aussies back from the brink at the 99 World Cup, and then bowled them to a victory in the final. He was a player who certainly rose for the big moment, and is a highly valued addition to my team
My write up for my previous picks
Bill Ponsford
A batsman who made a brilliant entry and exit to test cricket, with centuries in his first two tests and two on the way out, the current holder along with Bradman of Australia's highest ever partnership, Ponsford was viewed as workman-like batsman, who was viewed to as close as difficult to get out by some as Bradman, especially to spinners, as it was regarded that Bradman actually gave them a look at the stumps. His batting average was 48 in 29 tests, with 7 centuries, though not a standout. His ability to bounce back from the "Bodyline" series in 1932-33, in the next ashes series stands as a great statement of his ability with 569 runs at 94. Another thing to look at is his first class stats which were amazing with an average of 65 and over 12,000 runs, with 47 centuries including 2 scores over 400, usually in partnership with fellow international Bill Woodful. He was a man that never seemed to be overshadowed by Bradman and had an innate ability to form big partner ships when batting, and combining that with a toughness that could take countless blows during the bodyline, and high skill dealing with spin. These make him an ideal opener to have in any side
Sir Frank Worrell
A leader, a unifier, a diplomat and a hero, these in itself describe the most important reason why the West Indies became such a dominant force in international cricket. In terms of what he broke down and changed about the game, he would be the most important figure in the game. From a purely cricket perspective he was an effective middle order batsman who scored 3860 runs at a tick under 50 with the bat, and he also proved handy with the ball too collecting 69 wickets at 38. Those alone a great reasons for selection, however the reason I chose him is if i'm looking at creating a greatest team, that I believe could win, not based purely on their statistics, then i'm gonna need a man who brought many divise elements together in his time with the West Indies, to bring together and get the best out of the players i've chosen.
My XI
1.
2. Bill Ponsford (2122 Runs Ave 48.22)
3.
4.
5.
6. Sir Frank Worrell (3860 Runs Ave 49.48)
7.
8. Sir Richard Hadlee (3124 Runs Ave 27.16) (431 Wickets Ave 22.29)
9.
10. Shane Warne (708 Wickets Ave 25.41)
11. Fred Spofforth (94 wickets Ave 18.41
In a hurry atm, but I will read them later on.
But it's actually good to be towards the end of this round, there really are lots of great players to choose from.
