Ninjaman, I think the doubts arise when people appraise him based on his average; his high average flatters him, and overstates his status amongst opening batsmen in an historical context. He is not necessarily over-rated, but certainly not the 'all-time great' his average suggests he might be. He is, as you say, a good batsman who made the most of his stregths, and like most other good batsmen, has some weaknesses.

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A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes
Mark Twain