2 modern Test batsmen who would have wreaked havoc in yesteryears

Cricket fans have always enjoyed go
Cricket fans have always enjoyed good batsmen

It has been a favourite pastime for most cricket enthusiasts to compare the cricket players across the generations. The old-timers vouch for Vivian Richards and Sunil Gavaskar, and the newer generation thinks that they have watched the best batsmen during their times. This debate never ends. However, there are two modern-day batsmen who would have wreaked havoc in yesteryears.

I have discussed them below.


#2. Brian Lara

Brian Lara's Double Century
Brian Lara's Double Century

Brian Lara made his debut against Pakistan in 1990. They nicknamed him as "The Prince of Port of Spain." Being a left-handed batsman, he was delightful to watch with his extra back-lift and beautiful footwork. One could see a glimpse of David Gower and Garfield Sobers in him.

Lara believed in working hard and hence, toiled hard to get his runs against the best of the bowling attacks. The West Indies team were on a downslide when he started playing, but he did not give up. The Prince carried the burden of the entire batting and played as if there was no tomorrow. Lara dominated the greatest bowlers of his time which included Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Wasim Akram, Andrew Flintoff, and others.

He was known for his dogged perseverance. Like Clive Lloyd, he moulded his temperament; and emulated Vivian Richards when the conditions demanded him to be offensive. Lara scored 400 not out in 2004 against England in and it was one of the most superlative innings that any batsman ever played.

Lara played all the shots in the book and added his ‘Midas touch’ to them. He played the perfect square-cut and could pull almost any fast bowler to the boundary ropes.

Ian Chappell said, “He has the only score of 400 in test cricket, a triple century and seven double centuries. That's a remarkable feat, especially when you consider neither Tendulkar nor Ponting has a triple century.”

#1. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar in a Test match against South Africa
Sachin Tendulkar in a Test match against South Africa

They called him the ‘God of Cricket.’ He was technical, poised, and gifted with the best of the temperament. Sunil Gavaskar once said ‘Temperament separates men from boys.’ He meant one could be gifted with the best of technique and talent, but temperament was essential to survive in the long run. Tendulkar was an embodiment of all the necessary traits plus some extra virtues, to become a legend of the game.

Tendulkar made his debut at the age of 16 and never looked back. One could always see the hard work and effort put in by this little kid when he played against Pakistan in 1989 against the likes of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. With time, he matured and developed more shots and the necessary temperament to evolve into a complete batsman.

Tendulkar played against the likes of Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, Wasim Akram, Curtly Ambrose, Allan Donald, Glen McGrath, and other legendary bowlers. He was nothing short of brilliant against their deadly bowling. Like Sunil Gavaskar, he was steadfast; and like Vivian Richards, he was destructive.

He could bat cautiously when match conditions required him to do so. His innings against Australia in Sydney, where he made 241 not out, is a testament to his adaptability. Tendulkar could demolish any attack at will, and that was his greatness. His ability to control the outcome was matched by none other than Brian Lara, another great batsman of his time.

Vivian Richards said, “I think he is marvellous. I think he will fit in whatever category of cricket that has been played or will be played, from the first ball that has ever been bowled to the last ball that’s going to be. He can play in any era and at any level. I would say he’s 99.5% perfect.”

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Edited by Sagnik Mallick