I dont mind.
Cricket Draft - Tests
- Thread starter crappycraperson
- Start date
I dont mind.
We don't need you in any case. Go die, Karan.
I want coffee
People need to start posting their write ups. At this rate, we won't have any games starting any time soon
I shall post mine tonight since my match is tomorrow.
Out of office...will have access to a computer in an hour or so.
As you can see the team is built around a strong core in both batting and bowling. Led by the captain of one of the most successful test teams of all time, Ricky Ponting, with two of his most important weapons McGrath and Warne at disposal.
In batting, the line up consists of quality stroke players and this team will never be in shortage of runs. Both openers can carve any bowling attack on their day and lay down a strong platform for the following batsmen. Gibbs will be the more attacking of the two, looking to score freely and put away any lose deliveries while Sanath will look to play the long innings, which he is capable of shown by his best score, a triple century. Following them is Ponting, one of the best number 3s of all time and the innings would be built around him. As always he will play his natural game while staying on the crease for ages and driving the team to a good score. Accompanied by Martin Crowe, a superstar batsman of his generation and a beautiful stroke maker, he will use his world class technique and temperament to continue the work done by the top order. Both Ponting and Crowe are capable of rebuilding the innings in a case of early wickets as well as accelerate when needed. At 5 is the talented Darren Lehmann, didn't play much due to stiff competition but he was a brilliant player of pace and great against short pitched bowling. Also technically good enough to survive on tough conditions. At 6, a very crucial position IMO, is Kim Hughes, the former Aussie Skipper. You need someone with great character and mentally tough to finish an innings or save a test in case of a collapse, and that is what Hughes is. With a great array of shots in his book, he was never intimidated and could stay on the crease in the most dire circumstances like shown here against a devastating WI attack with wickets falling all around him. In the end there is Boucher, a very capable batsman and Warne who can contribute with decent figures.
In bowling, the attack is led by one of the best fast bowlers of all time, Glenn McGrath. Holding the record of most test wickets for a fast bowler, McGrath as we all know showed control and accuracy of line and length like no other, could land the ball on the same spot 6 times in a row and still move it both ways. More often than not he will take early wickets. Partnering him will be the Aussie workhorse, Merv Hughes. Glorious moustache aside, Hughes was a tireless bowler who was the mainstay of the Aussie bowling at his peak. With McGrath controlling one end, Hughes has the license to attack the batsmen and force errors with his variety of bowling. First change would be Ian Bishop, if not for injuries he would have been in the same bracket as the other WI greats, certainly cut from the same cloth, Bishop generated electric pace and struck fear in the batsmen's eyes. Last, but not the least, is IMO the greatest spinner of all time : Shane Warne. Nothing much needs to be said, could turn the ball on any surface and had the intelligence and tact to get any batsman out. All in all the bowling has balance to it with McGrath being the accurate one who can move it both ways, Hughes using his variety and attack mindedness while Bishop providing sheer pace and bounce. Jayasuriya and Lehmann can provide spells to give a rest to these bowlers.
Boucher is the wicket keeper in the team who holds the record for most test dismissals, and as a pure wicketkeeper, one of the best in the game.
To win a test match you need to take 20 wickets and I believe my attack is capable of it, being suited to all surfaces and against most type of batsmen. The batting his enough class to make totals good enough for these bowlers to defend. And the captain is a cunning **** who will go to any lengths to get his team the win.
The sub is Wasim Raja, a majestic stroke player and a useful bowler, Raja played the game in great spirit and entertained the crowds. He will come in for Kim Hughes if the game is being played on a subcontinent track.
Sorry for the delay boys, will get it in before RI wakes. Can't seem to find a spare minute.
You will be playing your first game against akash
On 14th or today?
Tomorrow
Ok.
So no matches today? Boooo!
Can we have the fixtures in the Op along with the respective venues?
Which ground am I playing in?
When is the first game? Somebody needs to update the OP
Its a combination of three grounds, MJJ.. Lords, SCG and Eden
So is this getting kicked off today?
We will kick off two matches
Interval vs MJJ
Aldo vs ghali/Kazi
Interval vs MJJ
Aldo vs ghali/Kazi
Bangabandhu.
Tomorrow it will be
Donaldo vs akash
irrespective of the write ups being ready or not.
Donaldo vs akash
irrespective of the write ups being ready or not.
The Regulator should be promoted just on the basis of his cricket knowledge. Smart as hell, the chap.
When I looked at making the team in this draft, I aimed for balance, and a mix of top quality aggressive batsmen and bowlers capable of winning matches and a stability required at the highest level of the sport.
Matthew HAYDEN - One very burly half of probably the greatest opening combo in Test cricket. The sheer number of matches Hayden bludgeoned mercilessly away from the opposition established his credentials as a matchwinner, not just as a slogger at the top of the order. His strength lay in carrying an excellent run of form through the series, scoring at a rapid rate and hitting centuries in succession.
He smashed 30 centuries, hitting 8625 runs overall at 50.73.
Justin LANGER - The biggest mistake any opposition would make was to underestimate Langer as a grafter and blocker and focus their efforts on Hayden. An extremely accomplished strokemaker, Langer hit 23 centuries, with 7697 runs overall at 45 plus.
Rahul Dravid - I was thrilled to get him in this draft because I've wanted him in my team for the past two drafts. To my mind, among the top 3 Test batsmen of our generation, and one of the best No. 3's in this draft. A proven matchwinner, he has 36 centuries across the globe, with an astounding 21 away from home. Average of 52.33 with 13288 runs.
Aravinda de Silva - One of the greatest Sri Lankan batsmen, a batting mainstay in the 80s and 90s for an evolving Lankan team. His attacking prowess is well known, but he possessed a strong defensive mindset, and played some of the greatest fast bowlers of the time with great skill. 20 centuries at what seems to be a relatively low average of 43, but at a time when such averages were the key signs of a world class player.
Allan Lamb - Tough as nails, technically excellent, 14 Test hundreds, and a whopping 89 first class hundreds against some top quality international bowling. The legendary West Indian fast bowlers were a brand he particularly relished, and he scored 6 out of his 14 hundreds against them. A valuable no.5 batsman to have, and one who slots in perfectly in my team.
Hansie Cronje - Captain at 24, Hansie led SA to 27 victories and 11 losses in 53 Tests. A fantastic number 6 to have, with an average of 36, and 6 centuries. A career he threw away as he gave way to avarice, and that would remain the lasting regret for anyone who ever thinks of Hansie Cronje and remembers his battle of wits and technique with the best bowlers of the 90s. A handy bowler, he bowled regularly for SA with an average of 29.
Jeff Dujon - One of the top three keepers in the draft, IMO, and one of the finest of all time. At number 7, he comes in with an average of 32, and 5 Test centuries. And he's not going to drop anything. No chance.
Daniel Vettori - One of the most underrated Test cricketers, I feel.Blessed with a keen cricketing brain, Vettori has a stupendous record given that he plays and has played for a largely mediocre to decent outfit. 360 wickets, with 20 fifers and 3 tenners. On his way to being in the elite few who have 4000 runs and 400 wickets. 6 Test centuries at No. 8. My god.
Richard Hadlee - One of the all time greats and a legend of the sport. He would walk into most all time XI's. 431 wickets at a ridiculous 22.2. 36 fifers, 9 tenners. 2 Test centuries.
Fun fact: Has dismissed Haynes 7 times in 10 Test matches, with 3 ducks, and Greenidge 6 times in 10 matches.
Big Bruce Reid - As tall as Garner, and at his peak, as dangerous. In a career riddled with injuries, big Bruce had a career average of 24 odd, and a strike rate of 55. International class by any standard.
Andy Roberts - One of the greatest fast bowlers ever. I watched and adored him as a kid because my family was obsessed with the Windians. Superb control of the cricket ball, a phenomenal brain. Him and Hadlee with Reid to follow would be a fearsome combo to face. Average of 25, with a strike rate of 55.
This is a team which wouldn't even consider defeat as an option. Some absolute fighters, and a selection of some of the smartest cricketing brains.
All the best.
Matthew HAYDEN - One very burly half of probably the greatest opening combo in Test cricket. The sheer number of matches Hayden bludgeoned mercilessly away from the opposition established his credentials as a matchwinner, not just as a slogger at the top of the order. His strength lay in carrying an excellent run of form through the series, scoring at a rapid rate and hitting centuries in succession.
He smashed 30 centuries, hitting 8625 runs overall at 50.73.
Justin LANGER - The biggest mistake any opposition would make was to underestimate Langer as a grafter and blocker and focus their efforts on Hayden. An extremely accomplished strokemaker, Langer hit 23 centuries, with 7697 runs overall at 45 plus.
Rahul Dravid - I was thrilled to get him in this draft because I've wanted him in my team for the past two drafts. To my mind, among the top 3 Test batsmen of our generation, and one of the best No. 3's in this draft. A proven matchwinner, he has 36 centuries across the globe, with an astounding 21 away from home. Average of 52.33 with 13288 runs.
Aravinda de Silva - One of the greatest Sri Lankan batsmen, a batting mainstay in the 80s and 90s for an evolving Lankan team. His attacking prowess is well known, but he possessed a strong defensive mindset, and played some of the greatest fast bowlers of the time with great skill. 20 centuries at what seems to be a relatively low average of 43, but at a time when such averages were the key signs of a world class player.
Allan Lamb - Tough as nails, technically excellent, 14 Test hundreds, and a whopping 89 first class hundreds against some top quality international bowling. The legendary West Indian fast bowlers were a brand he particularly relished, and he scored 6 out of his 14 hundreds against them. A valuable no.5 batsman to have, and one who slots in perfectly in my team.
Hansie Cronje - Captain at 24, Hansie led SA to 27 victories and 11 losses in 53 Tests. A fantastic number 6 to have, with an average of 36, and 6 centuries. A career he threw away as he gave way to avarice, and that would remain the lasting regret for anyone who ever thinks of Hansie Cronje and remembers his battle of wits and technique with the best bowlers of the 90s. A handy bowler, he bowled regularly for SA with an average of 29.
Jeff Dujon - One of the top three keepers in the draft, IMO, and one of the finest of all time. At number 7, he comes in with an average of 32, and 5 Test centuries. And he's not going to drop anything. No chance.
Daniel Vettori - One of the most underrated Test cricketers, I feel.Blessed with a keen cricketing brain, Vettori has a stupendous record given that he plays and has played for a largely mediocre to decent outfit. 360 wickets, with 20 fifers and 3 tenners. On his way to being in the elite few who have 4000 runs and 400 wickets. 6 Test centuries at No. 8. My god.
Richard Hadlee - One of the all time greats and a legend of the sport. He would walk into most all time XI's. 431 wickets at a ridiculous 22.2. 36 fifers, 9 tenners. 2 Test centuries.
Fun fact: Has dismissed Haynes 7 times in 10 Test matches, with 3 ducks, and Greenidge 6 times in 10 matches.
Big Bruce Reid - As tall as Garner, and at his peak, as dangerous. In a career riddled with injuries, big Bruce had a career average of 24 odd, and a strike rate of 55. International class by any standard.
Andy Roberts - One of the greatest fast bowlers ever. I watched and adored him as a kid because my family was obsessed with the Windians. Superb control of the cricket ball, a phenomenal brain. Him and Hadlee with Reid to follow would be a fearsome combo to face. Average of 25, with a strike rate of 55.
This is a team which wouldn't even consider defeat as an option. Some absolute fighters, and a selection of some of the smartest cricketing brains.
All the best.
Hadlee and Roberts
NM, I need your draft.
PM sent. I'm out!
So why hasn't this started?
Let's start the next one.
yup. need to keep this going
Allez!!!
...
Next one will start tomorrow morning. Or may be we can do it now. Lemme see
I don't have Varun's, TMM's and Red-Indian's write ups!
Next games will be -
akash vs Red Indian
Varun vs Kazi
MJJ vs TMM
crappy vs KM
We will do 2 each over upcoming days. I will post updated tables soon
akash vs Red Indian
Varun vs Kazi
MJJ vs TMM
crappy vs KM
We will do 2 each over upcoming days. I will post updated tables soon
Guess you have to chase them over PMs. I know that's pretty tiresome and the worst thing about organizing a draft but has to be done to keep it moving smoothly.
Nah. I am giving till tomorrow morning. After that I will start the games regardless of the write ups.
Am really busy tonight. When does the match start tomorrow?
Sorry about the slightly poor quality of the write-up and the missing stats. Knocked up in 15 minutes or so while the wife glowers at me for being on the laptop on a Sunday evening.
1. Mark Taylor (c)
2. Marvan Atapattu
3. Nasser Hussain
4. Brian Lara
5. Steve Waugh
6. Ravi Shastri
7. Ian Healy
8. Chaminda Vaas
9. Malcolm Marshall
10. Colin Croft
11. Patrick Patterson
Perhaps by sheer co-incidence, I feel like I’ve landed up with the best batsman and bowler in the draft. As a consequence, I think I’ve put together a superb team. Perfectly balanced between batting and bowling. The one weakness is the lack of a top class spinner but I’ve made up for that with probably the best sub-continent quick after Kapil plus Ravi Shastri who has 150 wickets and was probably the torch bearer for Indian spin through the dark days of the eighties. What’s interesting is that each of the top 6 has been captain of their country for a while…all used to the responsibility of standing up for their team.
Batting
35 centuries between my openers. Both captains of their county - solid and tested in all conditions. They’ll provide a clean base for the superstars coming in after them. At 3 is another man who doesn’t sell his wicket cheap - Nasser Hussain. Then comes the deluge…the ultimate matchwinner in Brian Lara – the man who always stands up when the chips are down. Steve Waugh – the one man who most people would trust to bat for their life. If by some chance there’s a collapse, I have the very sticky Shastri and Healy to stop the rot. It doesn’t stop there – both Vaas and Marshall are no mugs with the bat. Vaas has a century and 13 fifties. Marshall’s got 10 fifties and an average of 19 in a difficult era.
Bowling
"Crofty," a West Indian team-mate once said, "would bounce his grandmother if he thought there was a wicket in it. He’ll rattle them and then they’ll come up against who I regard as the greatest bowler of all time – Malcolm fecking Marshall – Average of 20, strike rate of bloody 47 and that over 81 tests. The second line of bowling is high quality – Vaas has 355 wickets and understands the subcontinent like few others. Patrick Patterson (Average of 31, strike rate of 52) whether you remember him or not was aggression personified for a relatively brief career. They’re backed up by Steve Waugh and Shastri – 250 wickets between them.
Tactics
Akash has a quality batting line-up but it’s heavily dependant on his opening partnership. Once Marshall makes that breakthrough, I’ve exposed the soft center of his batting and I don’t think he’ll be making big totals.
If he does, I have the batting to chase it down. No total is beyond a batting line-up that contains Lara and Steve Waugh. The bowling is solid but I have quality players of pace and Mushtaq isn’t top quality spinner enough to trouble a line-up that knows how to handle spin.
All in all, I think it’ll be close but I think my batting quality and the sheer characters in the team will tell.
1. Mark Taylor (c)
2. Marvan Atapattu
3. Nasser Hussain
4. Brian Lara
5. Steve Waugh
6. Ravi Shastri
7. Ian Healy
8. Chaminda Vaas
9. Malcolm Marshall
10. Colin Croft
11. Patrick Patterson
Perhaps by sheer co-incidence, I feel like I’ve landed up with the best batsman and bowler in the draft. As a consequence, I think I’ve put together a superb team. Perfectly balanced between batting and bowling. The one weakness is the lack of a top class spinner but I’ve made up for that with probably the best sub-continent quick after Kapil plus Ravi Shastri who has 150 wickets and was probably the torch bearer for Indian spin through the dark days of the eighties. What’s interesting is that each of the top 6 has been captain of their country for a while…all used to the responsibility of standing up for their team.
Batting
35 centuries between my openers. Both captains of their county - solid and tested in all conditions. They’ll provide a clean base for the superstars coming in after them. At 3 is another man who doesn’t sell his wicket cheap - Nasser Hussain. Then comes the deluge…the ultimate matchwinner in Brian Lara – the man who always stands up when the chips are down. Steve Waugh – the one man who most people would trust to bat for their life. If by some chance there’s a collapse, I have the very sticky Shastri and Healy to stop the rot. It doesn’t stop there – both Vaas and Marshall are no mugs with the bat. Vaas has a century and 13 fifties. Marshall’s got 10 fifties and an average of 19 in a difficult era.
Bowling
"Crofty," a West Indian team-mate once said, "would bounce his grandmother if he thought there was a wicket in it. He’ll rattle them and then they’ll come up against who I regard as the greatest bowler of all time – Malcolm fecking Marshall – Average of 20, strike rate of bloody 47 and that over 81 tests. The second line of bowling is high quality – Vaas has 355 wickets and understands the subcontinent like few others. Patrick Patterson (Average of 31, strike rate of 52) whether you remember him or not was aggression personified for a relatively brief career. They’re backed up by Steve Waugh and Shastri – 250 wickets between them.
Tactics
Akash has a quality batting line-up but it’s heavily dependant on his opening partnership. Once Marshall makes that breakthrough, I’ve exposed the soft center of his batting and I don’t think he’ll be making big totals.
If he does, I have the batting to chase it down. No total is beyond a batting line-up that contains Lara and Steve Waugh. The bowling is solid but I have quality players of pace and Mushtaq isn’t top quality spinner enough to trouble a line-up that knows how to handle spin.
All in all, I think it’ll be close but I think my batting quality and the sheer characters in the team will tell.