Who do you think is the most underated batsmen

Although maybe Shivnarine Chanderpaul would be close, I think the most underrated batsman currently in world cricket is Marcus Trescothick. 'Done over' twice by the Aussies earlier on in his career, his technique was picked at by cricket critics. Since the last Ashes series on Australian soil in 2002-03, with the exception of two tours (Sri Lanka, 2003 (167 runs @ 27.83) and West Indies 2004 (166 @ 23.71)) he has averaged over 40 in every series in which he has played. In each of the years 2003, 2004 and 2005, Trescothick has scored over 1,000 calendar test runs, a record not to be scoffed at. On top of this, I believe (although I can't find where I read it) that he hits more boundaries than anybody in world test cricket currently. He has also averaged 40+ in each of the last five calendar years, for an opener, that is an eye-catcher.

His record currently stands at 5,502 runs at 45.47 and he has only just reached 30 on Christmas Day last year. I would put money on him breaking the English test runs scoring record, maybe even getting up to the 10,000 mark (alot of luck required, I know).

Statistics also show how the team rely upon him. For example, he averages 51.47 in matches won and 92.14 in matches won by an innings. In all games England have lost, with Trescothick in the team, he has scored only three of his thirteen hundreds and doesn't average over 40. This implies that when Trescothick does well, England do well.

He's not the best batsman in the world, but he does a great job for England. He really gets them off the mark rolling and can score quicky, imposing himself on attacks. All this is done, it seems to me, without anybody really taking much notice of him. But you can guarantee that after the next series in which he fails, his head will be once again on the chopping board, quite wrongly in my opinion. A brilliant player, one who's plain statistics will go down in English test and ODI cricket history, whether he's widely appreciated, rated, or neither.

*Applause*

I agree with all of that Lemming, that is a fantastic post. A few more stats:

Top scores of 2005: 194 (259 balls) vs Bangladesh at Lords, 193 (305 balls) vs Pakistan at Multan, and 151 (from 148 balls) vs Bangladesh at Chester-le-Street - a performance I had the pleasure of witnessing. The next highest score against Bangladesh was 168 (179 balls) by Tillekeratne Dilshan.

Runs in 2005: 1323 at an average of 55.13, with four hundreds and four fifties, the third highest scoring batsman after Ricky Ponting (1544) and Matthew Hayden (1380).

Boundaries: 11 sixes (8th highest batsman), 180 fours (number 1 batsman). Total boundaries 191 (number 1 batsman).

I'd also add that I think Michael Vaughan is being underrated at the moment - he hasn't had the time to practice or play long enough in county cricket to keep his form steady, and has suffered as a result, whilst he has been captain. You don't average 63 in an Ashes series down under if you haven't got class.

not much said about Andrew Strauss...

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Do you feel he is underrated Holden? I don't think he is. After coming into test cricket and making 7 hundreds and 5 fifties in double-quick time (21 matches played to date), still averaging 46 even after a poor Pakistan tour and a couple of failures against Aus (of course, his two hundreds showed what a quick learner he is!), and putting together many a massive opening stand with Trescothick, I think he has been given the recognition he deserves. Let me know what you think.

I totally agree with Tresco, I'm not sure he will do too poorly in the next ashes series though. I know this is kinda off topic, but taking into consideration of what Colly said. Could this be another reason for Vaughan to stop playing ODI's, get Vaughny out of the side to allow him to work on his batting and get his standards back up? Just for the home series against Sri Lanka maybe so he can have a pro-longed period of time batting for Yorkshire?

Dravid is the most under-rated batsman and he is still seen as a star batsman, thats how good he is.

Excellent post Lemming. On the list i would say Chanderpaul but if i could choose i would choose Trescothic. He is an extremely important part of the England team and one of the most consistant batsmen in the world. Even though he didn't score a century in the ashes he was the second leading run scorer, showing consistancy. I thought i saw or read somewhere that in the past few years or last two years , something like that he averages over 60 which is very impressive, correct me if im wrong, i have looked at the stats shown in this thread but i am sure i read it somewhere and it was realible source.

How about David Hussey i think he is the best batsmen to not currently be playing for Australia.

Firstly, welcome Joe!

I think David Hussey's performed better for us than he has for Victoria, Joe. If you saw only his performces for Notts you'd take him above Michael Clarke and Simon Katich but I believe he's just had a very inconsistent summer for Victoria. He does better in one-day mode for them, which is the reverse of his performances at Trent Bridge.