CMS Test XI of last 50 Years- Number 3.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Obviously, this is going to be Don Brad... Oh no it isn't. Dating from 1965, these are the best averaging batters with 2000 runs at three, in order of average (though Sanga goes second to Viv if you take out the games where he kept wicket). Please vote for others in a post if you think there is an oversight. If Pujara had two more runs, he'd be in and Boon would be out.

Below are stats for batters at three since 65, against top eight sides.

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine ... pe=batting

If you've not voted for your opener, visit this thread.

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=20726

Thanks for your input.

[Arthur Crabtree]

If Viv isn't the best bat I've seen, he's one of the best two. Got to be Richards at three for me.

[Gingerfinch]

Will Viv be eligible for the 4th and 5th spot?

[Arthur Crabtree]

No. Only Lara will be in the poll for 4&5, also in this list.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Sanga will probably figure among the keepers, but I've not figured out how I'll work that yet.

[Gingerfinch]

Cheers. I've also gone for Viv, even though he was batting at four by the time I started watching Cricket. Punter and Sangakkara ran him very close though. Looking at the list, we've had some great number three's over the years.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Dravid stands out as well.

[Durhamfootman]

Lara is pretty much my favourite batsman of all time, so this one's a no brainer for me

[Durhamfootman]

If he hadn't have been, I'd have gone for David Boon on the grounds that Slater/Taylor/Boon would be my pick for best ever top order

[Aidan11]

Viv for me. Loved the way he just destroyed bowling attacks.

Never wore a helmet either.

[Aidan11]

Boon and Gower would have probably got on the podium.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Lara's my favourite non England player. But I'll have Lara in the 4&5 poll. Though that will be a tough contest. I see Lara as more of a four than a three.

Viv, Lara, The Wall, is my podium for this position.

[Arthur Crabtree]

But if Lara tops this, I'll leave him out of 4&5.

[Aidan11]

Lara was a great player but I never warmed to him. Always seemed to be a player who looked after himself before the team.

[Durhamfootman]

that's exactly my view of Tendulkar

(am I allowed to say that, without upsetting the pitchfork brigade?)