IMO, they are equally talented as batsmen, but Jayasuriya is more reliable and probably less likely to get out due to momentary loss of concentration like Gayle so often does (yesterday's dismissal against Zimbabwe was a classic example). While both are useful bowlers, Gayle is probably the more consistent on different kinds of wickets with his high and accurate deliveries; Jayasuriya can bowl very well on responsive pitches but not if they are not taking much spin.

Nostromo you sum it up pretty well but i disagree that Flintoff would struggle to make it into the England side as a bowler alone.As an England fan if i had to choose between Harmison or Flintoff to complete my attack i would go for Freddie every time and that has nothing to do with his batting.

Kallis seems to have found a little spark again in his bowling which means he comes back into the reckoning as when England toured South Africa a couple of years ago he looked like an ordinary trundler who lacked inspiration.As a batsman he is one of the best in the world but like Boycott he gets labelled as being selfish instead of being a team player which always counts against him.

I guess on form over the last year to 18 months you have to go for Kallis with Flintoff behind and Symonds bringing up the rear but this world cup competition may change all that.

Yesterday Polllock came in with 9 runs needed. Kemp kept him off strike and then clubbed a six to ensure Pollock never faced a ball: his "innings played" went up by one... but as he was not out this match had NO effect on his average.

Had Pollock had the chance to face 2-3 deliveries he might have got out (as all players are particularly vulnerable when new at the crease)... and his average would have declined.

Even when he does get the chance to play a longer innings, Pollock frequently finds himself playing at the death.. where he's expected to risk his wicket in search of every available run: unlike openers and middle order batsmen who routinely bat entire innings on the understanding that they must value their wicket... Pollock routinely plays in situations where dodgy singles are worth a gamble and where two sixes and out slogging would be considered excellent!