by sussexpob » Wed Nov 03, 2021 10:54 am
I think you can discredit Nick Knight on the sole basis his SR was not great for even the times. He debuted around the time SL openers revolutionised the game, and where guys like Gilchrist were obliterating conventions as to pinch hitting roles. Knight always felt like an anchor man batting for himself in an abjectly poor side; had England been competitive his SR would have been problematic.
I think Eoin Morgan is the most important LO player England have had. I think KPs record pre 2010 stands out in T20Is for England because he was so far ahead of the curve, and the 2010 WC he has unbelieveable.
Buttler is probably England's best LO overs bat overall, but I would take Bairstow over him in ODIs. Averaging over 10 runs more at SRs over 105 as an opener, and if Bairstow keeps it up a few more years I think there is a genuine case for him being considered the best ODI player ever.
But then the bar is insanely high. Give me either, Ill be happy. I just think opening the bat and setting the innings makes it easier for Buttler to have Bairstow. Would KP record be better if he wasnt the only player fighting the tide of nonsense negativity? Would Buttler be doing what he does in ODIs without a top order that often leaves an opposition in a smouldering wreck?
2010 French Open fantasy league guru 2010 Wimbledon fantasy league guru 2014 Masters golf fantasy guru 2015 Players Championship FL Guru 2016 Masters Golf Fantasy Guru
And a hat and bra to you too, my good sirs!