It's a debate for sure. But realistically, Symonds probably bowls offies in this side given Watson is there so I went with one going away from the right hander instead.
Sure, why not
Pre 1972:
Openers Middle-Order Wicket-Keepers Quicks Spinners R. Simpson D. Bradman WAS. Oldfield K. Miller B. O'Reilly W. Ponsford V. Trumper ATW. Grout R. Lindwall H. Trumble W. Lawry AL. Hassett A. Davidson C. Grimmett RN. Harvey C. Turner S. McCabe F. Spofforth
Opening pair were pretty clear picks, and for the third opener I've picked Lawry over Woodfull to provide a left-handed option. Morris also in the discussion.
Not too many issues picking the middle-order 5. I've left out Dougie Walters, who could have been picked just on his pre-72 form, but given it's really about "who I didn't see" then he misses out. Sure, I saw Simpson when he made his comeback, and I've picked him, but his comeback wasn't as an opener, so well, my rulesNorm O'Neill, Bob Cowper, Charlie Macartney worth consideration too.
Keepers were far more difficult to decide. Effectively comes down to 7 players that spanned the period from the start of test cricket in 1877 till 1966. Blackham, Kelly, Carter, Oldfield, Tallon, Langley and Grout. Towards the end of that period and up until my cutoff at 1972, there were also the likes of Jarman, Taber and a young Rod Marsh. No-one else in that 95 year period played 10 or more matches. Not one century amongst keepers over that period, and none that averaged over 25 with the bat (playing more than 5 matches - not counting Marsh). In the end I've plumped for Bert Oldfield, possibly the best batsman of the group of seven, and perhaps the best up to the stumps; and Wally Grout, who racked up nearly twice the amount of dismissals as any other candidate, and perhaps the best all-round keeper of the lot. But it's a hard one to judge.
Pretty happy with the selection of the quicks, don't really feel there's anyone unlucky to miss out on a spot here. On reflection, perhaps I should have considered Charlie Turner for a spot in my "all-time" list. His record is impeccable, albeit on uncovered pitches.
Again I've gone for three spinners (using up the x-factor slot). Grimmett was unlucky to miss the all-time list, and earns his spot here.
If I was to leave out a spinner and look for a pure X-factor player, perhaps Jack Ryder would earn a spot. He averaged over 50 with the bat, and was a handy bowler. By all accounts if WWI hadn't come along at the wrong time, he may well have played test cricket as a bowler. Perhaps second to only Miller as an all-rounder.
Until Bradman came along, every batsman was compared against Trumper - and even Bradman was labeled a "the next Victor Trumper".
No way Dave Warner would get in over Langer or Hayden
He has a terrible overseas record and never stands up under pressure
How many openers play 100 tests for an average of 50? Also played key roles for us in the subcontinent
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But Rogers had the advantage of 10 plus season of county cricket under his belt before he played tests there
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I am merely saying picking proven performers in those conditions is going to help the individual and the team succeed
I've made some great calls over the years. One of my best was before Hayden's first tour of India. My considered opinion was that he was a slogger that wouldn't score a run in India, or words to that effect.
Yeah well admittedly he wasn’t known as a good player of spin when he left for India
