Who Am I?

[Milo]

Since Boycott retired, Gooch, Atherton and Stewart were the best openers we had. Gooch was clearly the best of the three. Personally, I think Stewart was a better opening batsman than Atherton. Atherton's innability to play some quality bowlers really seals his fate for me.

The reason I think Gooch is over-rated is that I have heard many trying to present an arguement to say he was a better opening batsman than Boycott. I think there is clear daylight between the two and the fact that Gooch was miles better than Broad, Athey, Robinson, Foxy Fowler and John Stephenson does not mean he was an all-tiime great. He was the best we had at the time and that is why he played so many tests.

I can't deny the number of runs he scored (opening the innings clearly helps aggregates), but Hick may well one day over take this. And we all know how good he is.

[Andy Mellon]

I haven't really seen enough of Boycott to comment on his ability vs Gooch. However, what I have seen usually shows that Boycott was not a team player either on or off the pitch whilst Gooch wasn't a team player to those who didn't fit his ethic. Whilst Boycott may arguably be the better batsman (cannot comment on this as I mentioned), to the overall team, the fact that Boycs played for himself too much must act as a bit of a leveller in their overall rating. This, I would argue, is why many people rate Gooch over Boycott.

I agree with you on the Gooch/Athers/Stewart thing though. I have to say I never really rated Athers or Stewart; but it was hard to see any challengers from elsewhere for the opening spot with Gooch - and its not as if people weren't tried - Morris, Lathwell, James. I have to say that I was really glad when Stewart didn't finish his career with more test runs than Gooch - Stewart was nowhere near Gooch in terms of batting ability. To think though, that Stewart would probably be England's #1 batsman if he hadn't kept wicket so often!!

[rineet]

Next Question...

CLUE 1: During my county days,I represented Gloucestershire.

CLUE 2: Right-handed batsman and Right-arm medium pace bowler.

CLUE 3: I will be retiring from cricket after this year`s Ashes.

CLUE 4: I do some funny things on the field at particular scores,during the game.

CLUE 5: I have greatly contributed to the game of cricket.

Who am I?

[Andy Mellon]

That's umpire David Shephard

[Paoli]

Originally Posted by Lemming

Geoff Marsh?

Yes, that is right. Probably gave a clue too many.

[Lemming]

It was a bit of a guess. I'm a little young to remember the early-90's but I have heard of him and so took a potshot at it!

So is it my go my go now? I have noticed there were two on the go with the David Sheppard one!

[rineet]

Next Question:

CLUE 1: I was born in Papua New Guinea.

CLUE 2: I am a comtemporary cricketer and a qualified pharmacy technician.

CLUE 3: I haven`t bowled in Tests or ODIs.

CLUE 4: A hard-hitting batsman,I sometimes open for my team in ODIs.

CLUE 5: There is stiff competition between me and a couple of players for the slot in the team.

Who am I?

[Andy Mellon]

That's gotta be GO GO 'Gadget' Jones - the well known Papua New Guinean with Welsh parents brought up in Australia but playing cricket for England.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by Andy Mellon

That's gotta be GO GO 'Gadget' Jones...

I didn't realise he was a qualified pharmacy technician, but all the other clues blatently point to GO Jones!

I reckon you are correct Andy.

[Teatime FatCat]

Hope he doesn't spill anyones pills!