best west indian player ever

[Lemming]

Colourful Chaddi, I'm not too sure that Richards had to deal with Marshall, Holding and Garner too often in test matches.

In my opinion Brian Lara is the greatest West Indian batsman ever. Lara is second only to Bradman in compiling huge scores and the shear fact that he has a first-class 300, 400 and 500 (including 390 runs in one day) speak volumes. I remember Geoff Boycott making the point that every batsman has faced poor attacks on flat pitches, it's just that few have scored as heavily for such long periods of time.

I think Lara also has something like eight test match double centuries to boot - and all in a weak team by West Indian standards.

Richards was a fantastic batsman. But I believe had Lara been in the teams Viv Ricahrds played in, he would not have been overshadowed.

[Speedboy Salesman]

Lara/Richards... I think Richards has the "legendary" status...Lara hasn't retired yet so we'll see when he retires... I must admit watch Lara batting when's on the money is an absolute joy to watch, I've never seen Richards bat so I can't judge..

Sir Garfield Sobers is the greatest player without a shadow of a doubt, I've never heard a bad word against him. He could bowl many times of delivery, seam or spin, and his batting well, six sixes in a over. Enough said.

Bowler wise, there are many to choose from, mostly from the fearsome attack of yesteryear... Marshall I think is my pick, after watching him on ESPN Classics, batsman really feared him the most, and his aura was unbelievable.

[tim93au]

if u had to ask this question for all the other countries, WI would be the toughest. You'd have to toss it between Lara, Richards and Sober. Even Headley

[acker]

1st Viv Richards

2nd daylight

3rd Andy Roberts / Joel Garner tied

[mikesiva]

Best batsmen, from different eras, and therefore difficult to compare:

George headley
Viv Richards
Brian Lara

Best pace bowlers:

Malcolm Marshall
Michael Holding
Andy Roberts
Wes Hall
Courtney Walsh
Curtly Ambrose

Best spinners:
Lance gibbs
Sonny Ramadhin

But of course, the best player of all, for all the reasons mentioned above, is Gary Sobers.

[Jebjab]

It would have to be Clive Lloyd..Batsman superb..fielder superb....Leader superlatives surpass...Imagine having to lead such a team of champions and keep them a champion team...superb

[Nostromo]

The best overall West Indian player has to be Gary Sobers for his all-round abilities.

The best West Indian specialist batsman was unquestionably George Headley. He played at a time when the WI were a very weak team and faced some of the strongest opposition around the world and virtually supported the entire team.

The best WI bowler is harder to choose, but Lance Gibbs should be in with a shout, probably just ahead of Courtnay Walsh.

[Ninjaman]

Best West Indies player = Sir Garry
Best West Indies batsman = Brian Lara
Best West Indies bowler = Malcolm Marshall

[Occasional Fan]

Can't argue with that, Ninj: that trio gets my vote.

[Django]

Best West Indies player = Sir Gary Sobers, without doubt - the only serious contender may be Sir Learie Constantine.

Best West Indies batsman = Viv Richards - he played when the bolwing standard world-wide was still good as compared to when Lara played.

Best West Indies bowler = A lot of contenders, but my vote will go for Malcolm Marshall, simply because he was threatening under all conditions.