MSD & Me.

[Making_Splinters]

I think the only hyperbole in here refers to one day cricket. Or the only extravagant claim refers to limited overs, I'm not sure that's hyperbole, because he's an ODI legend. I'm mixing the personal into my assessment. I think Dhoni's Test record takes him way beyond average, but I don't think I even make that claim. This wasn't intended to be a cold, analytical assessment of his place in the history of the game.

A batting average in 30s, barely over 30 away from home is average and if anyone thinks he was more than a middling gloveman then the art of wicketkeeping is lost.

As an ODI player he is among the very best, but as a test player he was distinctly average.

[Dr Cricket]

A batting average of high 30 is bloody good for keeper and for a person batting at number 7.
Apart from Gilly no keeper really average 40 with the bat.
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine ... pe=batting

this list show dhoni having the 9th highest average as a keeper bat.
Also he was pretty good keeper to spinners and subcontinental condition.

[Arthur Crabtree]

As a keeper/bat, an average of 38 is well towards the top end, statistically. Hs keeping was extremely variable, and keepers from Asia and outside often find it hard to adjust to the other conditions. He's not alone in that.

I suppose writing something at all about the end of his career could be considered hyperbolic. And I'm not going to suggest you wade through all that again, but I really don't think I make any excessive claims about his career. Maybe I do, but I can't see it. Personally, I think he was a good player for India. But I don't really go into his position in the game. Clearly I enjoyed watching him.

No big deal. I'm glad you read it.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I wonder how you rate Matt prior then.

Both average pretty well. These are averages for keepers with more than 2000 runs.

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

[meninblue]

Good thread Arthur regarding Dhoni. Batting average of 38 in tests + wicket keeper + captain. Served Indian cricket well.

[alfie]

A good read , Arthur. Not just a statistical summary ... enjoyed that.

[idlebrain]

Nice Read AC!!!

Its times like these that I feel jealous that English is not my first language!!!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cheers fellas.

[andy]

Good thread Arthur regarding Dhoni. Batting average of 38 in tests + wicket keeper + captain. Served Indian cricket well.

completely agree!!

[braveneutral]

Just read this AC, nice read. I was at the Oval in 07 and my memories of that innings were that we were seeing something different in Test Cricket. Also when he was dismissed no one really saw it as everyone was watching the big screen to see his second six of the over being replayed. I was third time unlucky in this instance.