Muttiah Muralitharan: Bunger?

[mattie]

No. If we were comparing all-rounders that might be the case. But as we're talking one tail-ender against another, I think it's like discussing the frame of a great painting.

I can't agree. Without wishing to sound like Duncan Fletcher (and turning back to the context of bowlers), all cricketers are required to field and bat. If a bowler is any good at it, and would be first choice for their bowling anyway, then they're of far greater utility to the team. Hasn't it been a constant criticism of England that the tail doesn't contribute enough to the run tally?

I must say you're beginning to sound a little cantankerous, first of all you argue that Warne isn't really 'infinitely' better a batsman than Murali (which I concede with the qualifier that Warne is significantly better) now you argue it's not important anyway.

 

[Donna Ferentes]

I must say you're beginning to sound a little cantankerous

While I have no problem with polysyllabism, the term "you are disagreeing with me" would be perfectly adequate.

 

[mattie]

While I have no problem with polysyllabism, the term "you are disagreeing with me" would be perfectly adequate.

If your argument is that something is irrelevant, arguing about how it is quantified is irrelevant in itself - to me it indicates a desire just to disagree, which is cantankerous.

 

[Donna Ferentes]

to me it indicates a desire just to disagree

Well if someone were disagreeing with you just in order to disagree, it would be pointless to debate with them, would it not?

 

[mattie]

Well if someone were disagreeing with you just in order to disagree, it would be pointless to debate with them, would it not?

As soon as it becomes clear that's their mindset, then indeed it would.

 

[Jazzz]

Aye, but Muli didn't have McGrath at the other end throughout nearly all of his career snaffling 563 wickets at an average of 21. Muli is an all time great, but i'd still rather have Warne.

Always thought that helped rather than hindered. Who are batmen going to give the charge, Warne or McGrath? Any half-sane batsman would just try to block out Murali and score off the others.

Not so: this is overcomplication and Barking_Mad's observation holds water.

The simple fact is that if your fellow bowlers are taking lots of wickets, there must be less for you. There is no other way this can be. As such, Murali has had a greater opportunity to collect scalps, being the undoubted star bowler of the side.

 

[Jazzz]

I am completely bemused by the discussion over the question of batting tail-end, not outs and averages.

The extra chance of a not-out makes no difference whatsoever.