The Alphabet XI’s – C

Posted on December 22, 2011 by James Knight in Opinion, Tests

With no room for the likes of Michael Carberry and David Capel, the C team must be busting with talent, right? The batting looks supremely strong, even if it might be gritty rather than free-flowing. With the ball there’s a lovely little combination of searing pace and mystery spin, ably supported by two excellent fast men. Choosing the wicket-keeper was absolutely not an Australian-esque case of picking names out of a hat.

Alastair Cook (England 2006-) 72 Tests, 5868 runs @ 49.72 After an incredible 18 months in which he has become perhaps the most consistent run scorer in the game, he looks almost certain to break every English batting record going.

Colin Cowdrey (England 1954-1975) 114 Tests, 7624 runs @ 44.06 Although not primarily an opener, the first man to reach a century of Test appearances opened the batting on 25 occasions. He made 5 of his 22 centuries at the top of the order.

Denis Compton (England 1937-1957) 78 Tests, 5807 runs @ 50.06 As well as being one of the great batsmen of his generation, he also played professional football for Arsenal. In a career interrupted by the War, he perhaps eclipses even Ian Botham as the man who has done most for English cricket’s popularity.

Greg Chappell (Australia 1970-1984) 87 matches, 7110 runs @ 53.86 An uncompromising figure, Chappell is often completely overlooked when ‘greatest ever’ teams are discussed. With the second highest Australian average of all time (behind the Don), he shouldn’t be.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies 1994-) 137 matches, 9709 runs @ 49.28 In isolation, his record is excellent. When you consider he has been carrying his country’s batting almost single-handedly for the best part of a decade, it is sensational.

Ian Chappell (Australia 1964-1980) 75 Tests, 5345 runs @ 42.42 Just as outspoken as his brother, and whilst not as great a batsman, his captaincy elevates him to a similar level. He never lost a series during his five years in charge, and during that time he averaged exactly 50.

Jock Cameron (South Africa 1927-1935) 26 matches, 1239 runs @ 30.21, 39 catches, 12 stumpings Described by another cricket website which is useful for researching teams like this as one of the greatest ‘keepers South Africa have ever produced. Tragically, he died of fever aged 31 upon returning home from a tour of England.

Chris Cairns (New Zealand 1989-2004) 62 Tests, 3320 runs @ 33.53, 218 wickets @ 29.40 Only the sixth man to reach a 3000 runs/200 wickets double, and were it not for injuries his record would be even better. One of the few genuinely top quality players New Zealand have produced.

Andy Caddick (England 1993-2003) 62 Tests, 234 wickets @ 29.91 Along with Darren Gough, Caddick was a major part in England’s revival at the turn of the millennium. He also possessed perhaps the biggest ears in English cricket.

Colin Croft (West Indies 1977-1982) 27 Tests, 125 wickets @ 23.30 In a short career which ended with his decision to join a rebel tour to South Africa, he was part of the most fearsome pace attack of all time. Given the quality of his team mates, his 125 wickets are an incredible haul.

BS Chandrasekhar (India 1964-1979) 58 Tests, 242 wickets @ 29.74 One of the first great mystery spinners, he bowled lightning fast leg breaks out of the back of his hand. Incredibly, he took more wickets against England than anybody else.

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