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[tim2000s]

Fascinating, and in many ways, a very sad article.

[Manormanic]

During the ragged decade of the 1990s and beyond, England stalled while these records piled up. It's only now, as the same achievements come into view for a generation of players to have benefited from central contracts, consistency of selection, rigour in coaching and financial investment that their scale is apparent.

Now this is the kind of blog post that is worth reading - weight of thought, understanding and research together with a light hearted style of prose.

Interesting point regarding 90s England - in the modern era of central contracts I reckon Atherton, Stewart, Hick, Ramprakash, Maynard, Smith, Irani, Croft, Fraser, Gough, Malcolm would have been a pretty strong force to be reckoned with.

[tim2000s]

Now this is the kind of blog post that is worth reading - weight of thought, understanding and research together with a light hearted style of prose.

Interesting point regarding 90s England - in the modern era of central contracts I reckon Atherton, Stewart, Hick, Ramprakash, Maynard, Smith, Irani, Croft, Fraser, Gough, Malcolm would have been a pretty strong force to be reckoned with.

I can't disagree with you. Some good players let down by a very poor system.

[Buzz]

plus cork, tufnell, Gower and others...

[Manormanic]

plus cork, tufnell, Gower and others...

Gower was a bit earlier but a valid point that he maybe lacked the application. Tufnell would have benefitted greatly, as would Cork - I;d also add Dean Headley, Paul Jarvis and Chris Lewis, all of whom would have benefitted from the fitness regimen.

[Old boy]

I think these comparisons often make more sense at the end if careers. Anderson is a more mature thinker than MJ, however, I think that MJ is still learning the mental side of his game & will prove himself, over time, a better player than Anderson (whom I will add is one if my favourite players).

[PedalsMcgrew]

He'll have to hurry up! By the end of this season Mitch will be 32!

[Old boy]

He'll have to hurry up! By the end of this season Mitch will be 32!

Yeah, the clock is ticking for him. He should be a player that perform into his late 30's. He is one of those more athlete than cricketer.

[tushar sehgal]

I am hoping Mitch continues his form, he bowling as well as I can remember in a long time. There is nothing better than a good fast bowler on song no matter what country he represents.

[Old boy]

I am hoping Mitch continues his form, he bowling as well as I can remember in a long time. There is nothing better than a good fast bowler on song no matter what country he represents.

Sure do agree with you on that.

[Aussie]

Anderson has the consistant line and length combo plus pace and the ablity to swing the ball. He is also great in the field. But can't bat.
Johnson doesn't have the consistancy but when he's bowling well, there's few better in the world. Like Andreson he is also excellent in the field. But unlike him, Johnson can bat and bat very well.
The argument about them being miles apart is in my opinion unfair. They are, when you think about it, quite close. Anderson has the consistancy, but Johnson has his batting. Both are top notch fielders, and both (When Johnson's on) are dynamic with the cherry.
Heart over head being an Aussie, I reckon Mitch just shades Anderson!

[vividgreen]

I'm an Aussie and i think your dreaming.... i would prefer to have Anderson in my lineup any day.
Consistency is the key and Johnson's consistency is frustrating, which can create a massive hole in your team when he is not on song. You can ill afford inconsistent cricketers when playing a test match because they become a liability for 5 days.

[sgcricket]

they are indeed miles apart. andersen is indeed the better bowler and anderson is a much better fielder (johnson has regressed in this department).

[Aussie]

I disagree mate. Johnson's fielding is sensational. Great hands, great arm from the deep and can throw the pegs down. And in regards to his bowling, I've watched him a bit of late and his consistancy is a lot better. And his pace is right up there. Hope he gets a run in the ASHES as I'm sure he will surprise many. Lion hearted cricketer who I rate highly. I rate Anderson too though!

[Johng]

Firstly, Anderson was mentally week before he met David Saker who sorted him out.

No comparison Anderson is miles ahead with the ball, but Johnson is a better fielder and batsman.