Sunday, February 10, 2002 The column in which our database director answers your queries, large or small, about the history of the game
Has anyone scored more centuries against West Indies than Sunil Gavaskar, and how many has Sachin Tendulkar made against them? asks Ravi Janghiani Sunil Gavaskar had an amazing record against West Indies, who were at their awesome best almost throughout his career. Thirteen of his Test-record 34 centuries were made against West Indies, and in all he made 2749 runs in 27 Tests against them, at an average of 65.45. In all Tests he made 10,122 runs at 51.12. Gavaskar's tally of centuries is more than twice as many as anyone else has managed against West Indies - the next-best is six, by Colin Cowdrey, Allan Lamb, Dilip Vengsarkar, Doug Walters and Steve Waugh. Sachin Tendulkar has so far made only one century in eight Tests against West Indies, although he does average a very healthy 62.81 against them. For how long was Bobby Simpson in charge of Australia? asks Steven Baker Bobby Simpson has two stints as Australia's captain - and then coached the national team as well. He took over as captain when Richie Benaud retired in 1963-64, and stood down himself in 1967-68, after deciding to retire and miss the forthcoming tour of England (when Bill Lawry took charge). Simpson retained the Ashes in 1964 and 1965-66. He made a sensational return to Test cricket in 1977-78, after most of Australia's top players had been signed by Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket. Simpson, who was almost 40 by then, captained in a thrilling series against India, which Australia won 3-2 (Simpson himself made two centuries, including a vital 176 at Perth). He also went to West Indies, where his young side went down 3-1. Simpson then retired again, after the Australian Board refused to guarantee him selection for the forthcoming Ashes series in 1978-79. In all he led Australia in 39 Tests, winning 12 and losing 12, and drawing 15. As a coach, he was in charge for ten years from 1985-86, during which time Australia were transformed from a poor side to a great one. They also won one World Cup final (in 1987) and lost another (in 1996). He also had spells in England, coaching Leicestershire and Lancashire. What is the highest first innings lead ever achieved in a first-class match? asks Michael Jones The biggest disparity between first innings is 886, at Melbourne in 1926-27, when Victoria answered New South Wales's 221 with 1107, the highest total in first-class history. The top four made centuries, with Bill Ponsford going on to amass 352 and Jack Ryder 295. Victoria then bowled out NSW for 230, to win by an innings and 656 runs. The record almost went in 1964-65, when Dera Ismail Khan were bowled out for 32 by Railways, who had already scored 910 for 6. That's a lead of 878, which proved just enough when DIK succumbed for 27 second time around. Who were the players in Wisden's and Bradman's XI? asks Sai Kumar I think you may be referring to Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, who were unveiled in Wisden's Millennium Almanack in 2000. A panel of 100 judges from around the world was asked to nominate their five players. The poll-winners were Don Bradman (who received a vote from each of the 100 judges), Garry Sobers (90 votes), Jack Hobbs (30), Shane Warne (27) and Viv Richards (25). Bradman's XI is probably the one released in a book after The Don's death early last year. His "best-ever" team received criticism for being heavy on Australians (there were seven, including Bradman) and light on batting (Don Tallon, a wicketkeeper with a Test batting average of 17, was chosen at No. 6). For the record, Bradman's team was: 1 Arthur Morris, 2 Barry Richards, 3 Bradman, 4 Sachin Tendulkar, 5 Garry Sobers, 6 Tallon (wk), 7 Ray Lindwall, 8 Dennis Lillee, 9 Alec Bedser, 10 Bill O'Reilly, 11 Clarrie Grimmett. The Don chose Wally Hammond as his 12th man. In which Lord's Test were two players out for 99 - and who were they? asks David Cosham This happened in 1993, and the two unfortunate batsmen were Mark Waugh and Mike Atherton. Waugh was bowled when a leg-side delivery from Phil Tufnell hit his pads and cannoned into the stumps. It spoiled a perfect scorecard (for Australia, that is) - the first three batsmen had all made centuries as the Aussies romped to 632 for 4 declared. Atherton was even unluckier - he was run out for 99 after he slipped. He had gone off the cut part of the pitch and lost his footing on the greener grass of the main square, and was beaten by Merv Hughes's return to Ian Healy. Atherton never did make a Test century at Lord's - his 99 remained his highest score there in 15 Test appearances. But Mark Waugh did manage to reach three figures in the Lord's Test of 2001. Is it true that Dickie Bird was once attacked by a bird? asks Roy Strang Apparently it is. He was attacked by a cockatoo - not on the field after a close lbw decision, but at an exhibition in Birmingham in 1994. It scratched his face and gave him a nosebleed. If you have a question, e-mail it to steven.lynch@wisden.com. We can't normally enter into individual correspondence, but a selection of questions and answers will be published here each week. More Ask Steven columns February 3, 2002 January 2002 November 2001 October 2001 © Wisden CricInfo Ltd
Sunil Gavaskar had an amazing record against West Indies, who were at their awesome best almost throughout his career. Thirteen of his Test-record 34 centuries were made against West Indies, and in all he made 2749 runs in 27 Tests against them, at an average of 65.45. In all Tests he made 10,122 runs at 51.12. Gavaskar's tally of centuries is more than twice as many as anyone else has managed against West Indies - the next-best is six, by Colin Cowdrey, Allan Lamb, Dilip Vengsarkar, Doug Walters and Steve Waugh. Sachin Tendulkar has so far made only one century in eight Tests against West Indies, although he does average a very healthy 62.81 against them. For how long was Bobby Simpson in charge of Australia? asks Steven Baker Bobby Simpson has two stints as Australia's captain - and then coached the national team as well. He took over as captain when Richie Benaud retired in 1963-64, and stood down himself in 1967-68, after deciding to retire and miss the forthcoming tour of England (when Bill Lawry took charge). Simpson retained the Ashes in 1964 and 1965-66. He made a sensational return to Test cricket in 1977-78, after most of Australia's top players had been signed by Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket. Simpson, who was almost 40 by then, captained in a thrilling series against India, which Australia won 3-2 (Simpson himself made two centuries, including a vital 176 at Perth). He also went to West Indies, where his young side went down 3-1. Simpson then retired again, after the Australian Board refused to guarantee him selection for the forthcoming Ashes series in 1978-79. In all he led Australia in 39 Tests, winning 12 and losing 12, and drawing 15. As a coach, he was in charge for ten years from 1985-86, during which time Australia were transformed from a poor side to a great one. They also won one World Cup final (in 1987) and lost another (in 1996). He also had spells in England, coaching Leicestershire and Lancashire. What is the highest first innings lead ever achieved in a first-class match? asks Michael Jones The biggest disparity between first innings is 886, at Melbourne in 1926-27, when Victoria answered New South Wales's 221 with 1107, the highest total in first-class history. The top four made centuries, with Bill Ponsford going on to amass 352 and Jack Ryder 295. Victoria then bowled out NSW for 230, to win by an innings and 656 runs. The record almost went in 1964-65, when Dera Ismail Khan were bowled out for 32 by Railways, who had already scored 910 for 6. That's a lead of 878, which proved just enough when DIK succumbed for 27 second time around. Who were the players in Wisden's and Bradman's XI? asks Sai Kumar I think you may be referring to Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, who were unveiled in Wisden's Millennium Almanack in 2000. A panel of 100 judges from around the world was asked to nominate their five players. The poll-winners were Don Bradman (who received a vote from each of the 100 judges), Garry Sobers (90 votes), Jack Hobbs (30), Shane Warne (27) and Viv Richards (25). Bradman's XI is probably the one released in a book after The Don's death early last year. His "best-ever" team received criticism for being heavy on Australians (there were seven, including Bradman) and light on batting (Don Tallon, a wicketkeeper with a Test batting average of 17, was chosen at No. 6). For the record, Bradman's team was: 1 Arthur Morris, 2 Barry Richards, 3 Bradman, 4 Sachin Tendulkar, 5 Garry Sobers, 6 Tallon (wk), 7 Ray Lindwall, 8 Dennis Lillee, 9 Alec Bedser, 10 Bill O'Reilly, 11 Clarrie Grimmett. The Don chose Wally Hammond as his 12th man. In which Lord's Test were two players out for 99 - and who were they? asks David Cosham This happened in 1993, and the two unfortunate batsmen were Mark Waugh and Mike Atherton. Waugh was bowled when a leg-side delivery from Phil Tufnell hit his pads and cannoned into the stumps. It spoiled a perfect scorecard (for Australia, that is) - the first three batsmen had all made centuries as the Aussies romped to 632 for 4 declared. Atherton was even unluckier - he was run out for 99 after he slipped. He had gone off the cut part of the pitch and lost his footing on the greener grass of the main square, and was beaten by Merv Hughes's return to Ian Healy. Atherton never did make a Test century at Lord's - his 99 remained his highest score there in 15 Test appearances. But Mark Waugh did manage to reach three figures in the Lord's Test of 2001. Is it true that Dickie Bird was once attacked by a bird? asks Roy Strang Apparently it is. He was attacked by a cockatoo - not on the field after a close lbw decision, but at an exhibition in Birmingham in 1994. It scratched his face and gave him a nosebleed. If you have a question, e-mail it to steven.lynch@wisden.com. We can't normally enter into individual correspondence, but a selection of questions and answers will be published here each week. More Ask Steven columns February 3, 2002 January 2002 November 2001 October 2001 © Wisden CricInfo Ltd
For how long was Bobby Simpson in charge of Australia? asks Steven Baker Bobby Simpson has two stints as Australia's captain - and then coached the national team as well. He took over as captain when Richie Benaud retired in 1963-64, and stood down himself in 1967-68, after deciding to retire and miss the forthcoming tour of England (when Bill Lawry took charge). Simpson retained the Ashes in 1964 and 1965-66. He made a sensational return to Test cricket in 1977-78, after most of Australia's top players had been signed by Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket. Simpson, who was almost 40 by then, captained in a thrilling series against India, which Australia won 3-2 (Simpson himself made two centuries, including a vital 176 at Perth). He also went to West Indies, where his young side went down 3-1. Simpson then retired again, after the Australian Board refused to guarantee him selection for the forthcoming Ashes series in 1978-79. In all he led Australia in 39 Tests, winning 12 and losing 12, and drawing 15. As a coach, he was in charge for ten years from 1985-86, during which time Australia were transformed from a poor side to a great one. They also won one World Cup final (in 1987) and lost another (in 1996). He also had spells in England, coaching Leicestershire and Lancashire. What is the highest first innings lead ever achieved in a first-class match? asks Michael Jones The biggest disparity between first innings is 886, at Melbourne in 1926-27, when Victoria answered New South Wales's 221 with 1107, the highest total in first-class history. The top four made centuries, with Bill Ponsford going on to amass 352 and Jack Ryder 295. Victoria then bowled out NSW for 230, to win by an innings and 656 runs. The record almost went in 1964-65, when Dera Ismail Khan were bowled out for 32 by Railways, who had already scored 910 for 6. That's a lead of 878, which proved just enough when DIK succumbed for 27 second time around. Who were the players in Wisden's and Bradman's XI? asks Sai Kumar I think you may be referring to Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, who were unveiled in Wisden's Millennium Almanack in 2000. A panel of 100 judges from around the world was asked to nominate their five players. The poll-winners were Don Bradman (who received a vote from each of the 100 judges), Garry Sobers (90 votes), Jack Hobbs (30), Shane Warne (27) and Viv Richards (25). Bradman's XI is probably the one released in a book after The Don's death early last year. His "best-ever" team received criticism for being heavy on Australians (there were seven, including Bradman) and light on batting (Don Tallon, a wicketkeeper with a Test batting average of 17, was chosen at No. 6). For the record, Bradman's team was: 1 Arthur Morris, 2 Barry Richards, 3 Bradman, 4 Sachin Tendulkar, 5 Garry Sobers, 6 Tallon (wk), 7 Ray Lindwall, 8 Dennis Lillee, 9 Alec Bedser, 10 Bill O'Reilly, 11 Clarrie Grimmett. The Don chose Wally Hammond as his 12th man. In which Lord's Test were two players out for 99 - and who were they? asks David Cosham This happened in 1993, and the two unfortunate batsmen were Mark Waugh and Mike Atherton. Waugh was bowled when a leg-side delivery from Phil Tufnell hit his pads and cannoned into the stumps. It spoiled a perfect scorecard (for Australia, that is) - the first three batsmen had all made centuries as the Aussies romped to 632 for 4 declared. Atherton was even unluckier - he was run out for 99 after he slipped. He had gone off the cut part of the pitch and lost his footing on the greener grass of the main square, and was beaten by Merv Hughes's return to Ian Healy. Atherton never did make a Test century at Lord's - his 99 remained his highest score there in 15 Test appearances. But Mark Waugh did manage to reach three figures in the Lord's Test of 2001. Is it true that Dickie Bird was once attacked by a bird? asks Roy Strang Apparently it is. He was attacked by a cockatoo - not on the field after a close lbw decision, but at an exhibition in Birmingham in 1994. It scratched his face and gave him a nosebleed. If you have a question, e-mail it to steven.lynch@wisden.com. We can't normally enter into individual correspondence, but a selection of questions and answers will be published here each week. More Ask Steven columns February 3, 2002 January 2002 November 2001 October 2001 © Wisden CricInfo Ltd
Bobby Simpson has two stints as Australia's captain - and then coached the national team as well. He took over as captain when Richie Benaud retired in 1963-64, and stood down himself in 1967-68, after deciding to retire and miss the forthcoming tour of England (when Bill Lawry took charge). Simpson retained the Ashes in 1964 and 1965-66. He made a sensational return to Test cricket in 1977-78, after most of Australia's top players had been signed by Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket. Simpson, who was almost 40 by then, captained in a thrilling series against India, which Australia won 3-2 (Simpson himself made two centuries, including a vital 176 at Perth). He also went to West Indies, where his young side went down 3-1. Simpson then retired again, after the Australian Board refused to guarantee him selection for the forthcoming Ashes series in 1978-79. In all he led Australia in 39 Tests, winning 12 and losing 12, and drawing 15. As a coach, he was in charge for ten years from 1985-86, during which time Australia were transformed from a poor side to a great one. They also won one World Cup final (in 1987) and lost another (in 1996). He also had spells in England, coaching Leicestershire and Lancashire.
What is the highest first innings lead ever achieved in a first-class match? asks Michael Jones The biggest disparity between first innings is 886, at Melbourne in 1926-27, when Victoria answered New South Wales's 221 with 1107, the highest total in first-class history. The top four made centuries, with Bill Ponsford going on to amass 352 and Jack Ryder 295. Victoria then bowled out NSW for 230, to win by an innings and 656 runs. The record almost went in 1964-65, when Dera Ismail Khan were bowled out for 32 by Railways, who had already scored 910 for 6. That's a lead of 878, which proved just enough when DIK succumbed for 27 second time around. Who were the players in Wisden's and Bradman's XI? asks Sai Kumar I think you may be referring to Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, who were unveiled in Wisden's Millennium Almanack in 2000. A panel of 100 judges from around the world was asked to nominate their five players. The poll-winners were Don Bradman (who received a vote from each of the 100 judges), Garry Sobers (90 votes), Jack Hobbs (30), Shane Warne (27) and Viv Richards (25). Bradman's XI is probably the one released in a book after The Don's death early last year. His "best-ever" team received criticism for being heavy on Australians (there were seven, including Bradman) and light on batting (Don Tallon, a wicketkeeper with a Test batting average of 17, was chosen at No. 6). For the record, Bradman's team was: 1 Arthur Morris, 2 Barry Richards, 3 Bradman, 4 Sachin Tendulkar, 5 Garry Sobers, 6 Tallon (wk), 7 Ray Lindwall, 8 Dennis Lillee, 9 Alec Bedser, 10 Bill O'Reilly, 11 Clarrie Grimmett. The Don chose Wally Hammond as his 12th man. In which Lord's Test were two players out for 99 - and who were they? asks David Cosham This happened in 1993, and the two unfortunate batsmen were Mark Waugh and Mike Atherton. Waugh was bowled when a leg-side delivery from Phil Tufnell hit his pads and cannoned into the stumps. It spoiled a perfect scorecard (for Australia, that is) - the first three batsmen had all made centuries as the Aussies romped to 632 for 4 declared. Atherton was even unluckier - he was run out for 99 after he slipped. He had gone off the cut part of the pitch and lost his footing on the greener grass of the main square, and was beaten by Merv Hughes's return to Ian Healy. Atherton never did make a Test century at Lord's - his 99 remained his highest score there in 15 Test appearances. But Mark Waugh did manage to reach three figures in the Lord's Test of 2001. Is it true that Dickie Bird was once attacked by a bird? asks Roy Strang Apparently it is. He was attacked by a cockatoo - not on the field after a close lbw decision, but at an exhibition in Birmingham in 1994. It scratched his face and gave him a nosebleed. If you have a question, e-mail it to steven.lynch@wisden.com. We can't normally enter into individual correspondence, but a selection of questions and answers will be published here each week. More Ask Steven columns February 3, 2002 January 2002 November 2001 October 2001 © Wisden CricInfo Ltd
The biggest disparity between first innings is 886, at Melbourne in 1926-27, when Victoria answered New South Wales's 221 with 1107, the highest total in first-class history. The top four made centuries, with Bill Ponsford going on to amass 352 and Jack Ryder 295. Victoria then bowled out NSW for 230, to win by an innings and 656 runs. The record almost went in 1964-65, when Dera Ismail Khan were bowled out for 32 by Railways, who had already scored 910 for 6. That's a lead of 878, which proved just enough when DIK succumbed for 27 second time around.
Who were the players in Wisden's and Bradman's XI? asks Sai Kumar I think you may be referring to Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, who were unveiled in Wisden's Millennium Almanack in 2000. A panel of 100 judges from around the world was asked to nominate their five players. The poll-winners were Don Bradman (who received a vote from each of the 100 judges), Garry Sobers (90 votes), Jack Hobbs (30), Shane Warne (27) and Viv Richards (25). Bradman's XI is probably the one released in a book after The Don's death early last year. His "best-ever" team received criticism for being heavy on Australians (there were seven, including Bradman) and light on batting (Don Tallon, a wicketkeeper with a Test batting average of 17, was chosen at No. 6). For the record, Bradman's team was: 1 Arthur Morris, 2 Barry Richards, 3 Bradman, 4 Sachin Tendulkar, 5 Garry Sobers, 6 Tallon (wk), 7 Ray Lindwall, 8 Dennis Lillee, 9 Alec Bedser, 10 Bill O'Reilly, 11 Clarrie Grimmett. The Don chose Wally Hammond as his 12th man. In which Lord's Test were two players out for 99 - and who were they? asks David Cosham This happened in 1993, and the two unfortunate batsmen were Mark Waugh and Mike Atherton. Waugh was bowled when a leg-side delivery from Phil Tufnell hit his pads and cannoned into the stumps. It spoiled a perfect scorecard (for Australia, that is) - the first three batsmen had all made centuries as the Aussies romped to 632 for 4 declared. Atherton was even unluckier - he was run out for 99 after he slipped. He had gone off the cut part of the pitch and lost his footing on the greener grass of the main square, and was beaten by Merv Hughes's return to Ian Healy. Atherton never did make a Test century at Lord's - his 99 remained his highest score there in 15 Test appearances. But Mark Waugh did manage to reach three figures in the Lord's Test of 2001. Is it true that Dickie Bird was once attacked by a bird? asks Roy Strang Apparently it is. He was attacked by a cockatoo - not on the field after a close lbw decision, but at an exhibition in Birmingham in 1994. It scratched his face and gave him a nosebleed. If you have a question, e-mail it to steven.lynch@wisden.com. We can't normally enter into individual correspondence, but a selection of questions and answers will be published here each week. More Ask Steven columns February 3, 2002 January 2002 November 2001 October 2001 © Wisden CricInfo Ltd
I think you may be referring to Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, who were unveiled in Wisden's Millennium Almanack in 2000. A panel of 100 judges from around the world was asked to nominate their five players. The poll-winners were Don Bradman (who received a vote from each of the 100 judges), Garry Sobers (90 votes), Jack Hobbs (30), Shane Warne (27) and Viv Richards (25). Bradman's XI is probably the one released in a book after The Don's death early last year. His "best-ever" team received criticism for being heavy on Australians (there were seven, including Bradman) and light on batting (Don Tallon, a wicketkeeper with a Test batting average of 17, was chosen at No. 6). For the record, Bradman's team was: 1 Arthur Morris, 2 Barry Richards, 3 Bradman, 4 Sachin Tendulkar, 5 Garry Sobers, 6 Tallon (wk), 7 Ray Lindwall, 8 Dennis Lillee, 9 Alec Bedser, 10 Bill O'Reilly, 11 Clarrie Grimmett. The Don chose Wally Hammond as his 12th man.
In which Lord's Test were two players out for 99 - and who were they? asks David Cosham This happened in 1993, and the two unfortunate batsmen were Mark Waugh and Mike Atherton. Waugh was bowled when a leg-side delivery from Phil Tufnell hit his pads and cannoned into the stumps. It spoiled a perfect scorecard (for Australia, that is) - the first three batsmen had all made centuries as the Aussies romped to 632 for 4 declared. Atherton was even unluckier - he was run out for 99 after he slipped. He had gone off the cut part of the pitch and lost his footing on the greener grass of the main square, and was beaten by Merv Hughes's return to Ian Healy. Atherton never did make a Test century at Lord's - his 99 remained his highest score there in 15 Test appearances. But Mark Waugh did manage to reach three figures in the Lord's Test of 2001. Is it true that Dickie Bird was once attacked by a bird? asks Roy Strang Apparently it is. He was attacked by a cockatoo - not on the field after a close lbw decision, but at an exhibition in Birmingham in 1994. It scratched his face and gave him a nosebleed. If you have a question, e-mail it to steven.lynch@wisden.com. We can't normally enter into individual correspondence, but a selection of questions and answers will be published here each week. More Ask Steven columns February 3, 2002 January 2002 November 2001 October 2001 © Wisden CricInfo Ltd
This happened in 1993, and the two unfortunate batsmen were Mark Waugh and Mike Atherton. Waugh was bowled when a leg-side delivery from Phil Tufnell hit his pads and cannoned into the stumps. It spoiled a perfect scorecard (for Australia, that is) - the first three batsmen had all made centuries as the Aussies romped to 632 for 4 declared. Atherton was even unluckier - he was run out for 99 after he slipped. He had gone off the cut part of the pitch and lost his footing on the greener grass of the main square, and was beaten by Merv Hughes's return to Ian Healy. Atherton never did make a Test century at Lord's - his 99 remained his highest score there in 15 Test appearances. But Mark Waugh did manage to reach three figures in the Lord's Test of 2001.
Is it true that Dickie Bird was once attacked by a bird? asks Roy Strang Apparently it is. He was attacked by a cockatoo - not on the field after a close lbw decision, but at an exhibition in Birmingham in 1994. It scratched his face and gave him a nosebleed. If you have a question, e-mail it to steven.lynch@wisden.com. We can't normally enter into individual correspondence, but a selection of questions and answers will be published here each week. More Ask Steven columns February 3, 2002 January 2002 November 2001 October 2001 © Wisden CricInfo Ltd
Apparently it is. He was attacked by a cockatoo - not on the field after a close lbw decision, but at an exhibition in Birmingham in 1994. It scratched his face and gave him a nosebleed.
More Ask Steven columns February 3, 2002 January 2002 November 2001 October 2001
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