This is going to be a really quick post. I created a benchmark to measure how batsmen in my Index are performing and called it the Bradman Benchmark. I am now looking to do the same for bowlers and it does not matter which era they played in or whether they are currently playing or retired. I am looking for a total of four bowlers. One spinner and fast bowler/ medium-pacer from County Cricket (Kolpaks and foreign players are excluded)and the same from International bowlers. My picks are Wilfred Rhodes and Derek Shackleton for the County players while I have chosen Muralitharan and Anderson for my International players. It was a close call between him and Mcgrath but I decided to go with Jimmy because he is still playing and will possibly take more wickets. This will only be for red-ball cricket.
The following criteria must be kept in mind
- Played a minimum of 50 matches.
- The number of wickets taken.
- The career average.
- The career strike rate.
- Batting and fielding are completely disregarded.
I am looking forward to reading your comments whether they are in this post or my tweet with reasons why. I am not expecting a consensus but a clearer picture may emerge.
The Cover Drive Analyst 