Michael Roberts
A recent exploration via statistical criteria of the best cricketers in recent centuries*** has drawn the meaningful note that we may be wandering into terrain that compares incomparables!! Errol Fernando has inserted this useful set of thoughts.
“My first observation about Murali, Hadlee, Warne and McGrath is their longevity. They have played lots of Tests and taken lots of wickets. However, there may well be bowlers who have taken fewer Test wickets than the Big Four, but may have been ‘greater’ bowlers? You may come up with those names yourself – perhaps Malcolm Marshall, Curtley Ambrose, Michael Holding, Ray Lindwall, Dennis Lillee, the great Indian spinners, even Ramadin and Valentine, etc.
The greatest BATSMAN is very simple and straightforward: DON BRADMAN full stop !!
https://thelivemusicreport.zenutech.com/2008/February/CalypsoJourney_feb08.html
OKAY, Yes. But what about those who generated the greatest JOY?
The ANSWER is straightforward: the “Ramadhin & Valentine” sung aand strummed by Lord Superior! .. https://thelivemusicreport.zenutech.com/2008/February/CalypsoJourney_feb08.html
Don Bradman didn’t face the likes of the Whispering Death, Sultan of Swing nor the Magician.
To say The Don was best is misleading
Bradman has an average of around 100 before the bodyline series. He managed a more down to earth 56 against Larwood.
The only 8 innings of his career in which he faced bouncers.
Modern day batsman must cope with the tactic from day 1 to the finish of their careers.
Bradman was indeed been a great batsman. Except I do not know whether he was there during the time of Weekes & Worrell of West Indies, for comparison. I don’t think he faced Ramadine & Valentine of the West Indies nor Lindwall of England or Dennis Lillee of Australia.