The only problem with Bird's team is the inclusion of Gibbs.Regarding the exclusion of Bradman, it might be because he simply ignored the players of that era, otherwise even players like Hammond would have been there. Regarding Sachin's not being in the team, there is nothing to get so excited about. He has been a great player, but not heads and shoulders above his contemporaries, so it is always a matter of debate and a subjective decision.
tendulkar will not even fit in the all time indian team leave alone world team....coz the all time indian team is.. sunil gavaskar sehwag dravid vishvanath laxman kapil dhoni (c/w) kumble srinath bedi prasanna
I don't know why so much complaint or criticism against Bird's XI.It is his opinion and he has every right to express that.I don't believe in statistics and performance according to situation deserves credit more than stats.Two things make Gavaskar the best.His best performance was against the best ever bowling attck in the history of test cricket.WI of 70-80s.Another thing his great average in 4th innings chase.56 compare to sachin's 24.Viv Richards led his team to some unbelievable victories by his magical performance.Another inclusion was Barry Richards whom Bird believed was about to break many records if he played tests during the aparthied period.Both Bradman and Sachin were great no doubt but cannot be said as complete.Bradman was one dimensional (his SR believed to be 30 and rarely hit sixes) and played mostly in England and Australia conditions similar to him that also in timeless tests where there is no pressure of fast scoring.Tendulkar on the other hand was too nervous in tense chases and had a poor 4th innings record.But the exclusion of WI fastbowlers of 80s is surprising but may be because of their collective record more than individual performance like a Dennis Lilee or Shane Warne
Re: The greatest XI
by Sharat on Apr 20, 2013 04:29 PM
Very true ... when i had similar thoughts a couple of days back ...sachin worshippers found me ignorant of cricket !
