Do you think it is fair to compare cricketers from different eras?

Question

For example, Don is given respect because of his record, but do we really know if he would have had the same record had he be playing in another era? If not then how come we keep saying this guy is all time great, that guy is this and that etc.

Answer 1

Of course it's fair, do not think for a minute that Bradman wouldn't have coped with todays format of ODIs etc.

Answer 2

Of course it's not. Arthur Shrewsbury was England's greatest batsman of the 1880's. How does he compare to Graham Gooch? Who is better? Who knows?

That is why it is virtually impossible to pick a greatest ever eleven.

You can be the greatest of your time, but only of your time.

Answer 3

You're questioning whether the Don would be good in this era. Are you stupid? Of course he would have been good nowadays - in tests and possibly ODI's. However, he wasn't really a power hit player so I'm not sure if would have the same effect in T20. But even some players have shown you don't necessarily need power and six hits. 2 a ball gets 12 an over lets not forget with some 4's in there too.

Answer 4

No not realy.But we all do.

Well should we be saying the greatest from the 60's,greatest from the 70's and so on?..

Because it is true we have many great of the games from each era.

I would love to see Sir Don playing a One dayer-Just to see if he could handly a bowler like Harbajhan Singh or Shioab Akhtar.

Answer 5

I sort of don't think it's fair to compare cricketers from different eras because cricket is changing, and becoming  tougher.

But saying that Don Bradman's record and respect should not be questioned...it still stands and will still be entirely respected. And he still stands as an all time great. But no he shouldn't be compared to players of today.

Answer 6

I do not think that it will be fair to compare cricketersof different era considering the differences of types of pitches, playing conditions,  games schedules etc.prevailing during different eras.

Answer 7

Why not? Things were much tougher for the old guys then it is for todays pampered players.