It is commonly accepted on this board that the Bird Bird was one of the best (if not the best) limited overs bowler in history. His record is amazing for both Somerset and the West Indies. At test level, it is a pity that he was deprived of the new ball for so long. Andy Roberts never gave up the new ball (as the senior bowler) even when he had seriously lost his power (something Marshall moaned about in his autobiography). Having four opening bowlers in a team can be difficult because we never get to see the best of the player who is not given the role they truly want. When Garner got the new ball as an older man (33) in 1984-87 his bowling was the best of his career - and was every bit a match for Marshall.