Aug 05, 2006 08:04 PM
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(Updated Aug 05, 2006 08:39 PM)
Batting is one of the most exiciting part of cricket for cricket fans. A good batsman is one who can protect his wicket and at the same time score runs. The bigger the shot-selection, the better the batsman.
In todays crficketing world there are numerous batsman competing for the much acclaimed numero uno spot.
And thus below I have compiled the list of such greats who gfrace the batting scene at present.
1) Ricky Ponting
There is no end to this man's talents. Not content with captaining Australia, he relishes on scoring fruns against every opposition. A natural stroke-player and a gamblerf, he is natural when it comes to Tests, although he did have setbacks against probing seam attacks and high-class spin, which he seems to have mastered to near perfrection today.
Maintaining a healthy average of 58.86 he is no doubt the best batsman in today's cricketing scene.
2) Rahul Dravid
The most watertight batsman ever. This man is continously striving to get better in both forms of the game. In the recent matches against the Windies, with the series on the line, on a dodgy trak against outstanding bowling, Dravid pitched a tent and showed the whole world what a masterclass he is. He has been stereotyped as the technically correct player.against best attacks
With 23 hundreds and 46 fifties, expect this guy to rfise and shine come what may.
3) Jacques Kallis
There are many who would argue he is past his very best, but stats prove that he is still as consistent as ever. A strong man with powerful shoulders and a deep chest, he has the capacity to play a wide array of attacking strokes. He also consists of the defensive techniques second to no other.
Although one must say that his batting is not for the romantic, because dogged down by probing attacks, at most times it seems to be a soulless affair..
Although his average has taken a toll, it still remains at a healthy 42.83.
4) Mohammed Yousuf
Ever since his conversion to Islam, from the infamous Yousuf Youhana to Mohammed Yousuf, he has almost doubled his run scoring ability. A fantastic player of spin, he gathers his runs through composed strokeplay.
Although prone to get run-out most times (much like his captain Inzamam), he is very quick between the wickets, but it is judgement of these singles that he lacks.
Geoffrey Boycott stated recently that Youhana should be re-christened Mohammed Bradman, such is this man's form at present.
An average of 51.51 explains it all.
5) Matthew Hayden
Strength is the word that comes to mind when you recall the name. Well built and mentally suited to the game than any otherf batsman, Hayden has built his own little empirfe after years of training and perseverance.
He was known to have the weak point of playing around his front pad, which the English bowlers used to their advantage when he toured here in the Ashes, he has since been perfecting that little blip.
A fine fielder in the slips and gully, he is a welcome addition to any country batting strength.
Although stats state that he either scores big or doesn't score. (26 hundreds and 26 fifties). Has a fantastic average of 53.08.
Other players in the making comprise of Inzamam-Ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Kumara Sangakkara, Mike Hussey and Mahela Jayawardene.
