Kallis and Pollock..

[amolbhatia50k]

Often get overlooked when speaking about modern greats.

Kallis has batting averages of 55 and 43 respectively in tests and ODI's respectively. And bowling averages of 31 in both forms of the game.

Pollock on the other hand averages 31 and 24 with the bat in tets and ODIs. And 23 in both forms of the games with the ball.

Whichever way you look at it these are outstanding stats. How do you rate them?

 

[Plechazunga]

For some reason, I've never rated Kallis anywhere near as highly as his stats deserve

I'm just convinced he's not that good, and if his incredibly impressive averages can't change my mind, I can't see anything doing so

 

[Sultan]

Kallis has one of the best defensive techniques in cricket. With all his achievements he is not for the romantic - Kallis is a placid guy, Ruthlessly efficient though, always comes across as selfish cricketer more interested in his own performance over SA's position (aka Boycott).

Still by some distance one of the best all rounders in the world.

Pollock reminds me of Hadlee, although no way in the same class - he was also overshadowed by Donald in his prime. The only criticism of Pollock is that he should have performed better with the bat, was seen as more promising a batsman than bowler in his early days.

His reign as captain had a negative effect on his performances and reputation, which is a shame. Can't really deny both Kallis and Pollock's consistency and professionalism. You could say they have carried SA cricket over the last decade...

 

[Melbourne Red]

Pollock at his peak was one of the best bowlers I've seen during the last decade.

Kallis at his peak was a glorified Chris Tavare*

*although admittedly better in every way that it's possible for one player to be better than another

 

[Donaldo]

Ah Derek Randall, what a player.

 

[Spoony]

Kallis has one of the best defensive techniques in cricket. With all his achievements he is not for the romantic - Kallis is a placid guy, Ruthlessly efficient though, always comes across as selfish cricketer more interested in his own performance over SA's position (aka Boycott).

Still by some distance one of the best all rounders in the world.

Pollock reminds me of Hadlee, although no way in the same class - he was also overshadowed by Donald in his prime. The only criticism of Pollock is that he should have performed better with the bat, was seen as more promising a batsman than bowler in his early days.

His reign as captain had a negative effect on his performances and reputation, which is a shame. Can't really deny both Kallis and Pollock's consistency and professionalism. You could say they have carried SA cricket over the last decade...

Pollock's pretty similar to McGrath as well. Always thought McGrath was pretty similar to Hadlee and all. The only difference being the fact that Hadlee could swing the ball. But he had the same accuracy as those two. aAnd I agree with Kallis being overrated. . I think it's Plech who said something on those lines.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I havent followed their careers all that closely but Kallis to me appears to be a terrific batsman who doesnt quite win you matches. Its almost as if hes piled up this terrific record without anyone remembering him doing anything of note to bring glory to his country and team. As a bowler he was good and now is like a partnership breaker.

Pollock is quite like Mcgrath. Swings it more in the air than off the pitch. But ofcourse he bats bloody well as well. His performances usually go unnoticed because he never comes up with a true batsmans innings building it inch by inch, and neither does he seem to be able to come up with the big scores. But he always chips in with useful knocks lower down the order.

Honestly its just hard to argue against their records as the best all rounders of this generation by a mile. Maybe winning games and trophies, and performing on the big stage is something they've lacked? Maybe someone can prove me wrong because im still not sure why they've never seemed as players who would go down as proper greats.