Best Non Asia Test XI to travel to Asia since 2000

[Unbiased-Fan]

Previously i made similar thread where i compile best possible team from Asia to travel SENAW.
Now, i'm presenting the best non asian test side to travel Asia (including UAE) since 2000.
Like my previous threads, main factor of selection is stats and impact.



TEAM

Alastair Cook
2710 runs @ 53.13, 9 Hundreds, HS 263
Cook has scored most runs and centuries in Asia since 2000. He was instrumental in his side's famous series victory over India in 2012 with 3 superb 100s. He was equally impressive in UAE and Sri Lanka. He is captain of this side.


Mathew Hayden
1663 runs @ 50.39, 4 Hundreds, HS 203
Attacking Hayden will make perfect opening combo with accumulator Cook. His game against spin was treat to watch. Hayden was Australia's key man on spinning tracks of Asia.


Joe Root
1992 runs @ 52.42, 5 Hundreds, HS 228
On basis of his superb foot work and great sweep shot, Joe Root has scored 2 back to back centuries in Asia. With age on his side, he can make even more impact on upcoming Asian tours.


Brian Lara
1136 runs @ 103.27, 5 Hundreds, HS 221
Surprisingly, Lara has played only 6 tests in Asia since 2000 but scored 5 centuries. Lara has scored his runs at Bradmanesque average. He is a must have selection in any XI.


Jacques Kallis
1997 runs @ 55.47, 8 Hundreds, HS 173
25 Wickets @ 41.16, BB 5/30
Legendary Kallis was at his best playing in Asia. He has scored second most runs and centuries after Cook. He was tremendous in Pakistan and India. A reliable 3rd seamer, Kallis has taken 1 five wicket haul in Asia.


Kevin Pietersen
1573 runs @ 40.33, 4 Hundreds, HS 186
An average of 40 doesn't really show Pietersen's impact in Asia. His knock off 186 in Mumbai against is probably the best knock by any non asian player in Asia. Though he had horrid time in UAE in 2012, he scored centuries in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.


AB de Villiers
1746 runs @ 54.56, 3 hundreds, HS 278*
No. 7 is probably too low for ABD. He is wicketkeeper of the side. He has scored his highest score on Asian soil against Pakistan in UAE. His famous innings of 43 off 247 on rank turner against Ashwin and Jadeja deserves some very high praise.


Graeme Swann
73 wickets @ 25.97, 5 Fifers, 2 Ten fers, BBI 6/82, BBM 10/181
Swann despite playing in Asia for only four years, created a huge impact. He took 10 fers in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and had outstanding performance in series victory in India.


Shane Warne
88 wickets @ 23.73, 8 Fifers, 3 Ten fers, BBI 7/94, BBM 11/188
Despite being a failure in India, Warne was brilliant in all over Asia. He took most numbers of 5 fers and 10 fers since 2000 and gave memorable performances in victories for Australia.


Dale Steyn
92 wickets @ 24.11, 5 fifers, 1 Ten fer, BBI 7/51, BBM 10/108
Steyn was absolute monster on flat asian pitches.He has taken most wickets by a pacer in Asia since 2000. His performance on flat Nagpur pitch against famous Indian batting lineup was nothing short of legendary.


Glenn McGrath
45 wickets @ 17.08, zero fifers, BBI 4/18, BBM 7/59
Surprising McGrath has not taken a single fifer in Asia, but still took impressive tally of 45 wickets in just 10 games. McGrath has best average by any bowler in Asia since 2000.


RESERVES

Shiv Chanderpaul
1682 runs @ 54.25, 4 Hundreds, HS 203*

Andy Flower
865 runs @ 66.53, 3 Hundreds, HS 232*

Daniel Vettori
69 Wickets @ 27.89, 5 Fifers, 2 Tenfers, BBI 6/82, BBM 12/170
736 runs @ 38.73, 1 Hundred, HS 140

Nathan Lyon
95 Wickets @ 31.24, 7 Fifers, 1 Tenfer, BBI 8/50, BBM 13/154

Jason Gillespie
54 Wickets @ 22.96, 1 Fifer, BBI 5/56, BBM 9/80



Several great players like Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Steven Smith, Stephen Fleming, Michael Hussey, Shaun Pollock, James Anderson were unlucky to miss out.
Many other greats like Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Ben Stokes, Ross Taylor, Stuart Broad, Kagiso Rabada, Mitchell Johnson, David Warner were simply not upto their standards in Asia and struggled big time on tough pitches of Asia.



TEAM
1.Alastair Cook (Captain)
2.Mathew Hayden
3.Joe Root
4.Brian Lara
5.Kevin Pietersen
6.Jacques Kallis
7.AB de Villiers (WK)
8.Graeme Swann
9.Shane Warne
10.Dale Steyn
11.Glenn McGrath



Please discuss and contribute..

 

[mastimasti]

Well researched, although I'd disagree with a few of the names but those are all terrific performers in Asia.

McGrath is just an all time great pretty much everywhere, Warne is the best non Asian spinner regardless, Cook had that great series to get victory in India and some very good performances v Pakistan, Root is obviously in the form of his life but I'm not sure if I'd have him in the team, as too few of his performances have resulted in a win for his side, as opposed to say a number 3 like Ponting who averages close to 50 in wins in Aisa (not great in India but India isn't the only team).

And I'll get a team together too, should be interesting.

 

[Ab Fan]

Previously i made similar thread where i compile best possible team from Asia to travel SENAW.
Now, i'm presenting the best non asian test side to travel Asia (including UAE) since 2000.
Like my previous threads, main factor of selection is stats and impact.



TEAM

Alastair Cook
2710 runs @ 53.13, 9 Hundreds, HS 263
Cook has scored most runs and centuries in Asia since 2000. He was instrumental in his side's famous series victory over India in 2012 with 3 superb 100s. He was equally impressive in UAE and Sri Lanka. He is captain of this side.


Mathew Hayden
1663 runs @ 50.39, 4 Hundreds, HS 203
Attacking Hayden will make perfect opening combo with accumulator Cook. His game against spin was treat to watch. Hayden was Australia's key man on spinning tracks of Asia.


Joe Root
1992 runs @ 52.42, 5 Hundreds, HS 228
On basis of his superb foot work and great sweep shot, Joe Root has scored 2 back to back centuries in Asia. With age on his side, he can make even more impact on upcoming Asian tours.


Brian Lara
1136 runs @ 103.27, 5 Hundreds, HS 221
Surprisingly, Lara has played only 6 tests in Asia since 2000 but scored 5 centuries. Lara has scored his runs at Bradmanesque average. He is a must have selection in any XI.


Jacques Kallis
1997 runs @ 55.47, 8 Hundreds, HS 173
25 Wickets @ 41.16, BB 5/30
Legendary Kallis was at his best playing in Asia. He has scored second most runs and centuries after Cook. He was tremendous in Pakistan and India. A reliable 3rd seamer, Kallis has taken 1 five wicket haul in Asia.


Kevin Pietersen
1573 runs @ 40.33, 4 Hundreds, HS 186
An average of 40 doesn't really show Pietersen's impact in Asia. His knock off 186 in Mumbai against is probably the best knock by any non asian player in Asia. Though he had horrid time in UAE in 2012, he scored centuries in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.


AB de Villiers
1746 runs @ 54.56, 3 hundreds, HS 278*
No. 7 is probably too low for ABD. He is wicketkeeper of the side. He has scored his highest score on Asian soil against Pakistan in UAE. His famous innings of 43 off 247 on rank turner against Ashwin and Jadeja deserves some very high praise.


Graeme Swann
73 wickets @ 25.97, 5 Fifers, 2 Ten fers, BBI 6/82, BBM 10/181
Swann despite playing in Asia for only four years, created a huge impact. He took 10 fers in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and had outstanding performance in series victory in India.


Shane Warne
88 wickets @ 23.73, 8 Fifers, 3 Ten fers, BBI 7/94, BBM 11/188
Despite being a failure in India, Warne was brilliant in all over Asia. He took most numbers of 5 fers and 10 fers since 2000 and gave memorable performances in victories for Australia.


Dale Steyn
92 wickets @ 24.11, 5 fifers, 1 Ten fer, BBI 7/51, BBM 10/108
Steyn was absolute monster on flat asian pitches.He has taken most wickets by a pacer in Asia since 2000. His performance on flat Nagpur pitch against famous Indian batting lineup was nothing short of legendary.


Glenn McGrath
45 wickets @ 17.08, zero fifers, BBI 4/18, BBM 7/59
Surprising McGrath has not taken a single fifer in Asia, but still took impressive tally of 45 wickets in just 10 games. McGrath has best average by any bowler in Asia since 2000.


RESERVES

Shiv Chanderpaul
1682 runs @ 54.25, 4 Hundreds, HS 203*

Andy Flower
865 runs @ 66.53, 3 Hundreds, HS 232*

Daniel Vettori
69 Wickets @ 27.89, 5 Fifers, 2 Tenfers, BBI 6/82, BBM 12/170
736 runs @ 38.73, 1 Hundred, HS 140

Nathan Lyon
95 Wickets @ 31.24, 7 Fifers, 1 Tenfer, BBI 8/50, BBM 13/154

Jason Gillespie
54 Wickets @ 22.96, 1 Fifer, BBI 5/56, BBM 9/80



Several great players like Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Steven Smith, Stephen Fleming, Michael Hussey, Shaun Pollock, James Anderson were unlucky to miss out.
Many other greats like Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Ben Stokes, Ross Taylor, Stuart Broad, Kagiso Rabada, Mitchell Johnson, David Warner were simply not upto their standards in Asia and struggled big time on tough pitches of Asia.



TEAM
1.Alastair Cook (Captain)
2.Mathew Hayden
3.Joe Root
4.Brian Lara
5.Kevin Pietersen
6.Jacques Kallis
7.AB de Villiers (WK)
8.Graeme Swann
9.Shane Warne
10.Dale Steyn
11.Glenn McGrath



Please discuss and contribute..

Steve Smith should be there instead of KP.

Against KP, you just bring some left arm spinner and he will be bamboozled.

 

[mastimasti]

Steve Smith should be there instead of KP.

Against KP, you just bring some left arm spinner and he will be bamboozled.

How true is this?

The left armer to dismiss KP the most in Asian tests was Ojha, and KP averaged almost 70 against him. If you're making that much and being dismissed, that's certainly not bad.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

With all due respect, I think Steve Smith needs to replace Joe Root -

Cook
Hayden
Lara
Smith
KP
Kallis
ABD
Swann
Warner
Steyn
McGrath

 

[jeetu]

Player	Span	Mat	Runs	Ave	SR	100	50
BC Lara (WI)	2001-2006	6	1136	103.27	59.69	5	2
SP Fleming (NZ)	2002-2004	7	714	79.33	51.29	2	2
A Flower (ZIM)	2000-2002	9	865	66.53	51.27	3	3
MEK Hussey (AUS)	2006-2011	11	1198	63.05	53.45	4	5
JH Kallis (SA)	2000-2013	24	1997	55.47	44.23	8	7
AB de Villiers (SA)	2006-2015	21	1746	54.56	55.28	3	8
DM Bravo (WI)	2010-2016	17	1577	54.37	49.28	5	7
S Chanderpaul (WI)	2002-2013	23	1682	54.25	48.5	4	7
AN Cook (ENG)	2006-2016	28	2710	53.13	44.77	9	11
JE Root (ENG)	2012-2021	20	1992	52.42	56.31	5	9
ML Hayden (AUS)	2001-2008	19	1663	50.39	59.62	4	8
GC Smith (SA)	2003-2013	21	1728	49.37	57.08	4	7
SPD Smith (AUS)	2013-2017	13	1200	48	47.22	4	5
GP Thorpe (ENG)	2000-2003	12	957	47.85	39.8	2	7
HM Amla (SA)	2004-2018	25	1859	47.66	43.14	7	5
DR Martyn (AUS)	2002-2006	11	909	45.45	46.9	4	3
KS Williamson (NZ)	2010-2021	20	1587	45.34	47.41	5	7
BB McCullum (NZ)	2004-2014	18	1292	44.55	64.6	3	3
PD Collingwood (ENG)	2003-2010	14	991	43.08	44.59	3	3
SM Katich (AUS)	2004-2010	11	835	41.75	45.65	1	5
ND McKenzie (SA)	2000-2008	12	735	40.83	46.08	2	1
ME Trescothick (ENG)	2000-2005	17	1306	40.81	48.96	3	7
RT Ponting (AUS)	2001-2011	20	1385	40.73	55.51	4	6
KP Pietersen (ENG)	2005-2012	22	1573	40.33	62.66	4	6
TWM Latham (NZ)	2014-2021	13	967	40.29	43.61	3	6
MJ Prior (ENG)	2007-2012	16	789	39.45	48.05	0	7
DL Vettori (NZ)	2002-2014	15	736	38.73	53.68	1	5
MP Vaughan (ENG)	2001-2007	13	866	37.65	44.7	1	7
BJ Watling (NZ)	2010-2019	14	749	37.45	40.05	2	4
IJL Trott (ENG)	2010-2012	11	784	37.33	41.76	2	4
AC Gilchrist (AUS)	2001-2006	15	821	37.31	73.5	4	1
MJ Clarke (AUS)	2004-2014	20	1294	36.97	51.67	4	5
IR Bell (ENG)	2005-2015	24	1479	36.07	43.23	3	9
CH Gayle (WI)	2001-2013	20	1215	35.73	60.14	1	5
DA Warner (AUS)	2013-2017	15	1041	34.7	65.84	3	5
AJ Strauss (ENG)	2005-2012	12	797	34.65	42.48	3	2
JL Langer (AUS)	2001-2004	13	768	33.39	50.72	1	4
MN Samuels (WI)	2001-2016	20	1123	33.02	52.28	2	6
JM Bairstow (ENG)	2012-2021	16	913	32.6	48.07	1	4
LRPL Taylor (NZ)	2008-2021	26	1401	30.45	56.37	3	8
MV Boucher (SA)	2000-2010	23	956	29.87	48.6	0	8
D Elgar (SA)	2013-2021	16	764	29.38	45.18	2	1
KC Brathwaite (WI)	2011-2021	19	1043	28.97	38.83	1	7
BA Stokes (ENG)	2015-2021	17	951	28.81	51.34	1	7

Player	Span	Mat	Wkts	Ave	SR	5W	10W
GD McGrath (AUS)	2001-2004	10	45	17.08	47	0	0
JJC Lawson (WI)	2002-2005	6	26	22.15	42.7	1	0
JN Gillespie (AUS)	2001-2006	13	54	22.96	49.7	1	0
SM Pollock (SA)	2000-2006	14	50	23.18	58.2	1	0
SK Warne (AUS)	2001-2006	14	88	23.73	45.7	8	3
DW Steyn (SA)	2006-2018	22	92	24.11	42.9	5	1
RRS Cornwall (WI)	2019-2021	4	26	24.84	50.2	2	1
TG Southee (NZ)	2010-2021	13	48	25.47	57.2	3	0
AY Patel (NZ)	2018-2021	7	39	25.69	52.5	3	1
GP Swann (ENG)	2008-2012	13	73	25.97	54.8	5	2
BA Stokes (ENG)	2015-2021	17	34	27.08	52.5	1	0
MJ Leach (ENG)	2018-2021	9	46	27.32	54	2	0
JM Anderson (ENG)	2003-2021	26	74	27.67	64.8	2	0
DL Vettori (NZ)	2002-2014	15	69	27.89	67.1	6	1
MA Starc (AUS)	2013-2018	10	37	27.94	49.2	3	1
MJ Hoggard (ENG)	2001-2007	14	50	28.22	59.2	1	0
JA Warrican (WI)	2015-2021	9	36	28.66	60.7	0	0
SJ Harmison (ENG)	2003-2008	9	33	29.27	62.3	1	0
Imran Tahir (SA)	2013-2015	7	26	29.42	56.7	2	0
A Flintoff (ENG)	2001-2008	14	46	29.58	67.5	0	0
SNJ O'Keefe (AUS)	2014-2017	7	28	30.82	66	2	1
M Morkel (SA)	2008-2015	18	48	30.85	62.3	2	0
NM Lyon (AUS)	2011-2018	19	95	31.24	58.9	7	1
TA Boult (NZ)	2012-2019	17	50	31.7	67	0	0
M Dillon (WI)	2001-2002	8	30	32	70.4	0	0
PR Adams (SA)	2000-2003	7	26	32.57	53.1	3	1
M Ntini (SA)	2000-2008	18	48	34.52	66.8	0	0
AF Giles (ENG)	2000-2005	15	52	34.9	83.4	3	0
MM Ali (ENG)	2015-2021	14	56	35.82	59.5	1	0
MS Panesar (ENG)	2006-2012	14	52	36.13	81.1	4	1
D Bishoo (WI)	2011-2018	14	52	36.26	63.4	2	1
PL Harris (SA)	2007-2010	9	32	36.96	88.5	1	0
ST Gabriel (WI)	2013-2021	11	29	37.2	58.9	1	0
N Boje (SA)	2000-2006	9	32	37.65	75.9	3	0
KA Maharaj (SA)	2018-2021	6	32	37.93	67.9	1	1
SCJ Broad (ENG)	2007-2021	21	44	38.09	83.1	0	0
AU Rashid (ENG)	2015-2018	13	50	39.28	62.7	2	0
MG Johnson (AUS)	2008-2014	12	33	40.36	80	1	0
JH Kallis (SA)	2000-2013	24	25	41.16	93	1	0
JS Patel (NZ)	2008-2016	11	32	45.09	79.2	0	0

 

[Ab Fan]

How true is this?

The left armer to dismiss KP the most in Asian tests was Ojha, and KP averaged almost 70 against him. If you're making that much and being dismissed, that's certainly not bad.

Read this. He has worse stats vs left arm spin everywhere.

https://www.espn.in/cricket/story/_/id/22438308/pietersen-battles-left-arm-spin

 

[Amjid Javed]

Nice thread but one additional thing to consider is the impact a player in this conditions. In some cases some of players named in final X1 may have got big runs but had little impact on match or series results in Asia.

As soon as the title said 2000 onward the 1st batsmen that comes to my mind is Graham Thorpe. He was the Main reason england won in pakistan and Sri lanka. just remember in 1999 england were bottom of test rankings. He also help massively england beat bangladesh aswell. back then for england to do well was a huge achievement. He negated both Saqlain and murali excellently.

id have him over any of the middle 4 batsmen picked as his batting impact lead to at least 2 huge series wins.

 

[Ab Fan]

My team :-

1. Alastair Cook
2. Matthew Hayden
3. Steve Smith
4. Brian Lara
5. Jacques Kallis
6. Joe Root( Defo better and more consistent than KP)
7. AB de Villiers/Gilchrist (wkt)
8. Graeme Swann
9. Shane Warne
10. Dale Steyn
11. Glenn McGrath

Smith and Root from this era and Lara and Kallis from previous era.

 

[Amjid Javed]

People raving on about Steven smith in Asia based on what? Yes hes done well vs India, but hes done nothing of real note vs SL, pakistan or bangladesh.

Lost against pakistan, thrashed by SL and drew in bangladesh. where was smith in these series?

people simply selecting players on "stats" rather then actually watching any cricket.

 

[Mamoon]

People raving on about Steven smith in Asia based on what? Yes hes done well vs India, but hes done nothing of real note vs SL, pakistan or bangladesh.

Lost against pakistan, thrashed by SL and drew in bangladesh. where was smith in these series?

people simply selecting players on "stats" rather then actually watching any cricket.

India is the only venue that matters in Asia. If you perform in India and fail in Pakistan, UAE, SL, BD, know one cares. You will be viewed as a success in Asia.

If you fail in India but score mountains of runs in the other Asian venues mentioned above, you will not be considered a success.

Same goes for teams as well - if you win in India but lose elsewhere, the series win in India will define your legacy.

Teams like Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa would happily get whitewashed in Pakistan, UAE, SL, BD if it means winning in India.

The 2012-13 England team won in India but were whitewashed by Pakistan in the UAE. However, everyone (except Pakistan fans) remember that English team for winning the Ashes in Australia and for conquering India.

No one is bothered or cares about the fact that they got blanked in the UAE by Pakistan.

On the contrary, had England beaten Pakistan in the UAE and lost in India, that loss in India would have defined the legacy of that English team in Asia.

How you are viewed as a player and as a team in Asia is determined by how your perform in India. I understand that this will hurt the pride and ego of our fans but this is how it is.

 

[LaLoco]

India is the only venue that matters in Asia. If you perform in India and fail in Pakistan, UAE, SL, BD, know one cares. You will be viewed as a success in Asia.

If you fail in India but score mountains of runs in the other Asian venues mentioned above, you will not be considered a success.

Same goes for teams as well - if you win in India but lose elsewhere, the series win in India will define your legacy.

Teams like Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa would happily get whitewashed in Pakistan, UAE, SL, BD if it means winning in India.

The 2012-13 England team won in India but were whitewashed by Pakistan in the UAE. However, everyone (except Pakistan fans) remember that English team for winning the Ashes in Australia and for conquering India.

No one is bothered or cares about the fact that they got blanked in the UAE by Pakistan.

On the contrary, had England beaten Pakistan in the UAE and lost in India, that loss in India would have defined the legacy of that English team in Asia.

How you are viewed as a player and as a team in Asia is determined by how your perform in India. I understand that this will hurt the pride and ego of our fans but this is how it is.

It is Okay, as a Pakistani, that is all it matter, Pakistani beating other teams. It does not bother Pakistanis but I am sure you get bothered at Pakistani remembering it or reminding you of it. lol

 

[Mamoon]

It is Okay, as a Pakistani, that is all it matter, Pakistani beating other teams. It does not bother Pakistanis but I am sure you get bothered at Pakistani remembering it or reminding you of it. lol

What Pakistanis think does not matter in the grand scheme of things and it does not influence the general cricket opinions.

Pakistanis have been calling Babar the best batsman in the world across formats for a while, even though he averages early 40s and has only 1 century outside Asia.

It doesn’t mean anything because it just the fantasy of Pakistani fans, just like other myths such as Pakistan has the most talent in the world, it is the most exciting and entertaining team etc.

Pakistani fans can put a lot of stock in performances in UAE and Pakistan, but the cricket world in general doesn’t.

 

[LaLoco]

What Pakistanis think does not matter in the grand scheme of things and it does not influence the general cricket opinions.

Pakistanis have been calling Babar the best batsman in the world across formats for a while, even though he averages early 40s and has only 1 century outside Asia.

It doesn’t mean anything because it just the fantasy of Pakistani fans, just like other myths such as Pakistan has the most talent in the world, it is the most exciting and entertaining team etc.

Pakistani fans can put a lot of stock in performances in UAE and Pakistan, but the cricket world in general doesn’t.

Again, as a Pakistani, as long as Pakistan team is performing, fighting until the last ball is bowled, and winning at big event, then that is all matter.

What other remember or do not acknowledge has no impact on me as a Pakistani.

Fact of Pakistani winning a series against a particular team will remain a fact and will be presented by Pakistanis when it matter.

Worrying about who remember and who does not remember is an argument of a rich aunty who wants to show off by organizing a big 'shaddi' for his son so the other can talk about it. lol

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

India is the only venue that matters in Asia. If you perform in India and fail in Pakistan, UAE, SL, BD, know one cares. You will be viewed as a success in Asia.

If you fail in India but score mountains of runs in the other Asian venues mentioned above, you will not be considered a success.

Same goes for teams as well - if you win in India but lose elsewhere, the series win in India will define your legacy.

Teams like Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa would happily get whitewashed in Pakistan, UAE, SL, BD if it means winning in India.

The 2012-13 England team won in India but were whitewashed by Pakistan in the UAE. However, everyone (except Pakistan fans) remember that English team for winning the Ashes in Australia and for conquering India.

No one is bothered or cares about the fact that they got blanked in the UAE by Pakistan.

On the contrary, had England beaten Pakistan in the UAE and lost in India, that loss in India would have defined the legacy of that English team in Asia.

How you are viewed as a player and as a team in Asia is determined by how your perform in India. I understand that this will hurt the pride and ego of our fans but this is how it is.

Has to agree with each and every word you written.
Same thing with winning in Australia. A series win in Australia is still a huge huge achievement for any team. India and Australia have reputation of being the most ruthless hosts in recent history of cricket.

 

[street cricketer]

I understand it's an unpopular opinion, but Joe Root is a better player of spin than Steve Smith.

He's actually the batsman who I've seen playing the Indian spinners the best among current batsmen in world cricket. Dude uses his bat like a broom.

 

[Swashbuckler]

People raving on about Steven smith in Asia based on what? Yes hes done well vs India, but hes done nothing of real note vs SL, pakistan or bangladesh.

Lost against pakistan, thrashed by SL and drew in bangladesh. where was smith in these series?

people simply selecting players on "stats" rather then actually watching any cricket.

This, Asia isn't just India. For most of 2000s and 2010s Pakistan has been a formidable side at home/UAE with brilliant players like Younis, Inzi, MoYo, Akhtar, Asif, Yasir, Kaneria. There were stretches of periods, even in first half of 2010s when Pak was the best side in these conditions. Not as ruthless as India but very very tough to beat especially for SENA sides.

Sri Lanka too is underestimated, they had probably the GOAT cricketer on Asian pitches in Murali for most of this time period. And most of the all time SL squad members will be from 2000-20: Sanath, Dilshan, Sanga, Mahela, Angelo, Malinga, Murali, Herath. Samaraweera is often overlooked but he was one of the greatest ever against spin bowling.

You are spot on about Smith, did well in one series in India but couldn't help his side avoid 0-3 in Sri Lanka, failed in Bangladesh where Aussies were held to a 1-1 draw. Don't remember him doing anything special in UAE. Applying the same argument Sehwag was a hero overseas because of his stellar record in Aus and WI. Root>Smith in Asia.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Cook, also my captain
Hayden
Root
Kallis
Villiers
Chanderpaul
Flower
Swann
Warne
Steyn
McGrath

Narrowly miss out: Amla, Martyn, Lara, KP, McCullum, Vettori, Pollock, Gillespie, Southee

Smith and Lyon can make a case next year when Aus is scheduled to play 9 tests in SC, 3 in Pak, 2 in SL, 4 in Ind. As good as Cummins is, tough to surpass the 2 ATG quicks, Steyn and McGrath.

 

[Amjid Javed]

This, Asia isn't just India. For most of 2000s and 2010s Pakistan has been a formidable side at home/UAE with brilliant players like Younis, Inzi, MoYo, Akhtar, Asif, Yasir, Kaneria. There were stretches of periods, even in first half of 2010s when Pak was the best side in these conditions. Not as ruthless as India but very very tough to beat especially for SENA sides.

Sri Lanka too is underestimated, they had probably the GOAT cricketer on Asian pitches in Murali for most of this time period. And most of the all time SL squad members will be from 2000-20: Sanath, Dilshan, Sanga, Mahela, Angelo, Malinga, Murali, Herath. Samaraweera is often overlooked but he was one of the greatest ever against spin bowling.

You are spot on about Smith, did well in one series in India but couldn't help his side avoid 0-3 in Sri Lanka, failed in Bangladesh where Aussies were held to a 1-1 draw. Don't remember him doing anything special in UAE. Applying the same argument Sehwag was a hero overseas because of his stellar record in Aus and WI. Root>Smith in Asia.

Glad you agree on my points made, still shocked you make no mention of Graham Thorpe at all. To win test series in pakistan and Sri lanka and be reason for those series and get no mention is shocking. For all the runs Root has got in Asia i dont see what overall huge impact hes had?

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

Glad you agree on my points made, still shocked you make no mention of Graham Thorpe at all. To win test series in pakistan and Sri lanka and be reason for those series and get no mention is shocking. For all the runs Root has got in Asia i dont see what overall huge impact hes had?

Because people follow stats,
Martyn will the first name to bat in number four.
He was the reason Australia won series in Sri Lanka and India.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

Martyn and Andy flower in, while Root and KP out
Viv Richards should play ahead of AbD as he can bowl also spin, Flower can keep
Malcom Marshall in place of Swann.
With Viv and Kallis team don't need second spinner apart from rank turners

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

It is about being playing best player, good batsman will play Swann easily.
And Swann failed against Yuvi ( who don't like playing off spinnners) of all people in fourth inning.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

I know it is after 2000 but still Viv and Marshall will be Awsome

 

[Amjid Javed]

Slightly differently i think Andy flowers performance in india in early 2000, even though it was just 2 tests, come to mind as one of the most skillful displays of batting seen in india over the last 20 years or so.

 

[Ab Fan]

Root has to be there. Remember his debut test in India, he played a very good knock there. Then he was excellent in UAE too. Got multiple 80s. Hundreds are just milestones, not a measure for success. And this year, he scored three consecutive 180+ scores in subcontinent. Also, took a fi-fer in Ahmedabad.

I will have him in my team for sure and so would be S Smith. He has also done well in all three countries in SC and magnificent in India.

No mention of Ponting from anywhere which I agree. I find him quite overrated tbh. He only comes into discussion when it is for Aus or SA conditions.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Root has to be there. Remember his debut test in India, he played a very good knock there. Then he was excellent in UAE too. Got multiple 80s. Hundreds are just milestones, not a measure for success. And this year, he scored three consecutive 180+ scores in subcontinent. Also, took a fi-fer in Ahmedabad.

I will have him in my team for sure and so would be S Smith. He has also done well in all three countries in SC and magnificent in India.

No mention of Ponting from anywhere which I agree. I find him quite overrated tbh. He only comes into discussion when it is for Aus or SA conditions.

Yeah smith was execellent in UAE vs pakistan in 2 series losses and 3-0 loss in SL and 1-1 draw in bangladesh. Did you watch all those series on the radio?

 

[Swashbuckler]

Glad you agree on my points made, still shocked you make no mention of Graham Thorpe at all. To win test series in pakistan and Sri lanka and be reason for those series and get no mention is shocking. For all the runs Root has got in Asia i dont see what overall huge impact hes had?

Yeah I missed Thorpe in my initial post and couldn't edit it because of 2 minutes rule, later forgot about it. He will be in my squad for sure.

I picked Root in my XI because he has always looked very comfortable against spin in SC. Thorpe was a gritty player who could hold things together, so had a lot of value in that mediocre English side. But since this side already has so many great players, I thought Root would be a better pick because he is someone who can dominate the bowling. Marginal call but in a side which already has grafters like Cook, Kallis, Chanderpaul I felt I needed a more attacking option. Also there are already 4 LHBs in my top 7.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Tough to miss out so many big guns in my first XI. So I'll make a second XI

Graeme Smith (captain)
Katich (can't think of a remarkable opener, at least he can bowl a few overs)
Amla
Lara
Martyn
Thorpe
McCullum
Vettori
Pollock
Gillespie
Lyon

KP, Southee still miss out.

 

[Ab Fan]

Yeah smith was execellent in UAE vs pakistan in 2 series losses and 3-0 loss in SL and 1-1 draw in bangladesh. Did you watch all those series on the radio?

Did he failed in SL and Pak? No.

He averages 40+ in both countries and in India which was the biggest task because of two genuine world class spinners and ATG batting at home, he was magnificent as he hit three hundreds there. That's more than enough.

Now, if you want him to average 100+ vs Pakistan, 150+ vs Sri Lanka and 250 vs Bangladesh also, then you would struggle to complete the batting lineup as there is just no one else who has done it in all three countries.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Did he failed in SL and Pak? No.

He averages 40+ in both countries and in India which was the biggest task because of two genuine world class spinners and ATG batting at home, he was magnificent as he hit three hundreds there. That's more than enough.

Now, if you want him to average 100+ vs Pakistan, 150+ vs Sri Lanka and 250 vs Bangladesh also, then you would struggle to complete the batting lineup as there is just no one else who has done it in all three countries.

Yes he did fail in sri lanka - you simply look at his 40 average and says thats a sucsess?

He 240 runs of which 119 came in 1 inns, he didnt score any other major runs in series and herath made him look like a novice 90% of that series. But im sure many other people who have commentated in this thread and watch cricket on radio and live off stats.

So what exactly did smith do in that 3-0 series thrashing? )

 

[Ab Fan]

Yes he did fail in sri lanka - you simply look at his 40 average and says thats a sucsess?

He 240 runs of which 119 came in 1 inns, he didnt score any other major runs in series and herath made him look like a novice 90% of that series. But im sure many other people who have commentated in this thread and watch cricket on radio and live off stats.

So what exactly did smith do in that 3-0 series thrashing?

So, he hit a century there and knowing that, you are asking what he did? This is a guy who hit three hundreds in India and won them a test in India. Over last 9 years, only two players have won them a test match in India( Smith and Root). This is a guy who averages 40+ in all three countries( one of them it is probably 60).

As I said, he did a very decent to good job in Pakistan and Sri Lanka both but more importantly clicked big in India and won them a test match and drawn one too. That's more than enough. He doesn't have to hit 6-7 centuries in 11-12 matches he plays in Asia. 4 centuries in 11 tests is more than enough.

 

[Ab Fan]

^ and a 97 odd too..

 

[Amjid Javed]

So, he hit a century there and knowing that, you are asking what he did? This is a guy who hit three hundreds in India and won them a test in India. Over last 9 years, only two players have won them a test match in India( Smith and Root). This is a guy who averages 40+ in all three countries( one of them it is probably 60).

As I said, he did a very decent to good job in Pakistan and Sri Lanka both but more importantly clicked big in India and won them a test match and drawn one too. That's more than enough. He doesn't have to hit 6-7 centuries in 11-12 matches he plays in Asia. 4 centuries in 11 tests is more than enough.

so drawing 1 test and winning 1 in india abd getting smashed in the rest of Asia is enough - the title thread was in relation to players performing in Asia not just india.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Lara is top of that stats list and scored 5 hundreds in 6 tests across his only 2 series in Asia after 2000.

The series vs SL it was pretty much lara vs Sri lanka.

probably the single best batting performance seen in Asia, against a gun bowling attack in SL aswell and they way he played murali was sublime. yet sone people want to pick root or smith ahead of him )

 

[Amjid Javed]

India is the only venue that matters in Asia. If you perform in India and fail in Pakistan, UAE, SL, BD, know one cares. You will be viewed as a success in Asia.

If you fail in India but score mountains of runs in the other Asian venues mentioned above, you will not be considered a success.

Same goes for teams as well - if you win in India but lose elsewhere, the series win in India will define your legacy.

Teams like Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa would happily get whitewashed in Pakistan, UAE, SL, BD if it means winning in India.

The 2012-13 England team won in India but were whitewashed by Pakistan in the UAE. However, everyone (except Pakistan fans) remember that English team for winning the Ashes in Australia and for conquering India.

No one is bothered or cares about the fact that they got blanked in the UAE by Pakistan.

On the contrary, had England beaten Pakistan in the UAE and lost in India, that loss in India would have defined the legacy of that English team in Asia.

How you are viewed as a player and as a team in Asia is determined by how your perform in India. I understand that this will hurt the pride and ego of our fans but this is how it is.

As per usual you rave on how india is the centre of the world and pakistan is irrelevant.

As far as england goes in the history of the game on tours to pakistan or the UAE they have won just 2 tests. They have won more in india in history of the game. so this legacy that england players find from performing well in india and they dont care about pakistan is laughable. im sure ul tip england to win in pakistan next year to and be left wiv eng on your face. For SENAW teams most of Asia is a challenge to win in.

 

[cricketjoshila]

What about an asian11 to take on this world 11?

Sehwag
Sanga
Dravid
Tendulkar
Kohli/YK
MSD
Ashwin
Akhtar
Shami


Sanga is makeshift opener. Since he left keeping in tests he is not considered for that position and MSD takes that place.

https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/e...0;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting


Selecting two pacers was the toughest job as pacers haven't done well in Asia in last 2 decades.



https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/e...6;team=7;team=8;template=results;type=bowling

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

What about an asian11 to take on this world 11?

Sehwag
Sanga
Dravid
Tendulkar
Kohli/YK
MSD
Ashwin
Akhtar
Shami


Sanga is makeshift opener. Since he left keeping in tests he is not considered for that position and MSD takes that place.

https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/e...0;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting


Selecting two pacers was the toughest job as pacers haven't done well in Asia in last 2 decades.



https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/e...6;team=7;team=8;template=results;type=bowling

Playing with just 9 players is not a good idea

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Lara is top of that stats list and scored 5 hundreds in 6 tests across his only 2 series in Asia after 2000.

The series vs SL it was pretty much lara vs Sri lanka.

probably the single best batting performance seen in Asia, against a gun bowling attack in SL aswell and they way he played murali was sublime. yet sone people want to pick root or smith ahead of him )

Root is better in Asia than Steven Smith. Root is better player of spin, has better stats and has more match winning knocks than Smith.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Playing with just 9 players is not a good idea

Missed out Kumble nand Murali.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Slightly differently i think Andy flowers performance in india in early 2000, even though it was just 2 tests, come to mind as one of the most skillful displays of batting seen in india over the last 20 years or so.

Andy Flower is extremely underrated cricketer. He was a gun player of spin bowling and always performed against India.

 

[cricketjoshila]

What about an asian11 to take on this world 11?

Sehwag
Sanga
Dravid
Tendulkar
Kohli/YK
MSD
Ashwin
Akhtar
Shami
Kumble
Murali

Sanga is makeshift opener. Since he left keeping in tests he is not considered for that position and MSD takes that place.

https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/e...0;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting


Selecting two pacers was the toughest job as pacers haven't done well in Asia in last 2 decades.



https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/e...6;team=7;team=8;template=results;type=bowling

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Missed out Kumble nand Murali.

Who is captain of your side?

 

[Ab Fan]

so drawing 1 test and winning 1 in india abd getting smashed in the rest of Asia is enough - the title thread was in relation to players performing in Asia not just india. But yet another fan boy who thinks performing in a couple of tests in india is proven greatness )

Getting smashed? Lol, so now a 42 average is getting smashed )

If you look at my team, I have Lara, Kallis, Smith and Root, all well deserved there. You were arguing that Smith didn't do anything in Asia

the overall consensus is that runs in India matter far more than Pakistan because they simply had <B> far better</B> attack than Pakistan has, especially at home.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Lara is top of that stats list and scored 5 hundreds in 6 tests across his only 2 series in Asia after 2000.

The series vs SL it was pretty much lara vs Sri lanka.

probably the single best batting performance seen in Asia, against a gun bowling attack in SL aswell and they way he played murali was sublime. yet sone people want to pick root or smith ahead of him )

I remember watching the Lara vs SL series as a kid. Those were some of the flattest tracks ever laid out in the island nation. Even the series where he manhandled Kaneria in Pakistan, again flat beds which didn't really offer demons against good batsmen. Scoreboard pressure was a bigger challenge than bowlers/pitches in those two series.

Lara is a great player against spin but I'd argue that he didn't play on the tougher pitches in SC. Not his fault, not captured by stats either. I can give you an example from India, Dravid scored some 700 runs in Australia in 2003-04, Sachin was man of the series in 1999-00 tour to Australia, Pujara scored 500+ in 2018-19 series there. Even though statistically Dravid comes out on top, I can't say for sure his quality of batsmanship down under was better than Sachin's, obviously Pujara's batting was the highest level out of these 3.

 

[James]

Keep it civil please gents.

It’s just cricket.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

I think Aus 2004 hands down. They beat a strong Indian side at home. Credit to England for 2012 win but India was weak at that time - Gambhir, Sehwag were out of form. IIRC it was the first test series after Dravid and Laxman retired too? So that's why Aus of 2004 will always be up there. To beat a side with prime Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Bhajji-Kumble combo. Damn!