EJCCA in SA: Welch, Matigimu lead challenge in U16

[foreignfield]

Also likes to nudge and noodle a bit too much behind square, he does it well though, ... Really good player of spin. Bats at his best when everyone is collapsing around him and he has to anchor.

Shades of Andy Flower there indeed.

[sloandog]

That would make Eddie potentially the premier batsman on the planet at some stage in his career. That's a big call. I've watched him a bit. He's got great technique and practices hard. He bats a bit slowly and doesn't hit the ball hard enough and runs poorly between the wickets and a bit flamboyant. He should have scored way more runs than he has though. There's a small glitch there somewhere that I can't quite put my finger on. I think it's a mental thing, but pretty sure he'll conquer it. Maybe not aggressive enough? He's got great hands, moves his feet well and can bat long (always a big big plus in my book). One of the few batters here that is aware of his faults and is prepared to work on them. I think he's got enormous potential. He needs a few innings in a row where he bats freely and stays in and then for sure he's up and running properly. Would like to see him get much stronger and play more compact, crisp shots as well. Also likes to nudge and noodle a bit too much behind square, he does it well though, but a crisp shot in front would often be a better option. Really good player of spin. Bats at his best when everyone is collapsing around him and he has to anchor. To be a top batter you need to be able to take the game away from the opposition. He needs to work on this. Absolutely no doubt in my mind that he has the potential to be world class. I think that within the next year or so we'll see how good he really is as he hasn't really filled out yet. Damn I'm good!!

I don't really care about power and crisp shots. The most exciting thing you just said there was the Byrom bats for long periods, and is a very good player of spin, just what we need

[Googly]

Yes he is very similar to Andy in many respects. My personal opinion is that the overall game has changed a lot, there are less Tests and more T20's. This is where the money is and ideally a player needs to be adaptable. I am not a great fan of 20 over cricket though, it can be good to watch but I'm more of a purist. What I do enjoy is 40 over cricket, it's a good blend of 20 over and 50 over where technically correct guys (often smaller and don't hit it as far) can shine. My point being that he needs to add another dimension to his game, especially if he wants to make some pocket money.

I am throwing the cat amongst the pigeons here but think it is very academic comparing players of yesteryear with modern day cricketers. I know there are the stats and they tell a story, but not the whole story. I think comparing Bradman to De Villiers (yes you can make the comparison!!) is like comparing Bjorn Borg to Nadal. The game has moved on. Their test averages do not compare but I know if u could have a magical time machine and match up players across the decades which of these two I'd have in my team. I'd like to see The Don facing Dale Steyn at one end and Warne or Narine at the other. You can scream abuse if u like but maybe he'd average high 40's, low 50's. Still great but there's no 99 average happening.

Modern day youngsters hit thousands of balls a month in the nets. They have top of the range bowling machines, all weather nets, top coaching, the fantastic side-arm aid, beautiful equipment (bats in particular), etc etc. The game really has reached new levels, even from 10 years ago.

[Jemisi]

You might argue for a reduction in the Don's average due to volume of matches, different formats, etc. But not by 40+ runs. The comparable players of his era wouldn't have average 5 or 6 against modern bowlers. Also think of all the batsman friendly rules changes that have been made since his time. No need for abuse, but I think you are way wide of reality.

Plus the Don wouldn't have had to face Warne.

[jaybro]

yeah short boundaries, covered pitches, bigger bats, flatter decks and many more things in favour of the modern day batsman but your right you cant compare different eras.

[ZIMDOGGY]

i would guesstimate that don would average 58/9/60 in todays game.

[cock]

That would make Eddie potentially the premier batsman on the planet at some stage in his career. That's a big call. I've watched him a bit. He's got great technique and practices hard. He bats a bit slowly and doesn't hit the ball hard enough and runs poorly between the wickets and a bit flamboyant. He should have scored way more runs than he has though. There's a small glitch there somewhere that I can't quite put my finger on. I think it's a mental thing, but pretty sure he'll conquer it. Maybe not aggressive enough? He's got great hands, moves his feet well and can bat long (always a big big plus in my book). One of the few batters here that is aware of his faults and is prepared to work on them. I think he's got enormous potential. He needs a few innings in a row where he bats freely and stays in and then for sure he's up and running properly. Would like to see him get much stronger and play more compact, crisp shots as well. Also likes to nudge and noodle a bit too much behind square, he does it well though, but a crisp shot in front would often be a better option. Really good player of spin. Bats at his best when everyone is collapsing around him and he has to anchor. To be a top batter you need to be able to take the game away from the opposition. He needs to work on this. Absolutely no doubt in my mind that he has the potential to be world class. I think that within the next year or so we'll see how good he really is as he hasn't really filled out yet. Damn I'm good!!

I don't really care about power and crisp shots. The most exciting thing you just said there was the Byrom bats for long periods, and is a very good player of spin, just what we need

I have watched him play many times against his counterparts at St George's and virtually every time he has been dismissed by the same spinner so I disagree that is is good against spin

[CrimsonAvenger]

I have watched him play many times against his counterparts at St George's and virtually every time he has been dismissed by the same spinner so I disagree that is is good against spin

Who is that spinner? He might be worth investing on as well . If he can take the wicket of Eddie, who is quite decent batter in general, the spinner must be good too...

[Googly]

So me old Cock, do u rate him? Who do u think from George's should have made the recent tour? Don't know them so well. I've noticed Bruce, he can play and got proper DF. Really don't know the others so well. Hard to ignore the John's 4. They can all play a bit. There are a few others I would have omitted before them.