Originally posted by AussieG
Yes, it IS difficult to compare eras. Stats do say a bit.. but not everything.
Here are some reasons why it's difficult to compare: (in no particular oder)
1. Pitches were uncovered some time ago.
2. Players play much more cricket these days
3. Players/countries are much more professional these days.. sponsorship, money.. etc. So it becomes a full tim ...[text shortened]... ree the game is different now. Therefore, when you compare eras, you need to tread carefully.
All valid reasons there.
Now, here are some others you didn't mention:
- All players are fitter, stronger and faster.
- Players are better drilled and prepared.
- Bowlers have better information about batsmen and can use all these resources to better prepare against their opponents before walking onto the field. Video analysis especially is useful in working out a batsman's flaws.
- The fielding overall is much better, meaning batsmen don't get away with too many bad shots and have to work harder to get boundaries. Runs don't come as easily and you can't loiter around the pitch, because you will get run out.
- 3rd umpire decisions means more batsmen are run out, where in the past the umpire would've given them the benefit of the doubt and his average would just keep climbing.
Your number 3 is actually a point I like to bring up too. The professional era has brought with it much more pressure on players meaning they MUST perform, which is why I believe the contest itself is played at a much higher skill level than it was 20+ years ago.
So, now that I've put my cards on the table, you can see there are many arguments showing how different the game is.
In some aspects it was more difficult to play 'in the old days', but the game nowadays is just as difficult, for the reasons stated above - hence, all we can do is look at the stats that give us a type of peer review/ranking system.
This all means that Jacques Kallis is right up there with Sobers and will put daylight between the 2 of them in short order.
Thank you for your time.