[quote author=dillinger10 link=topic=105702.msg708724#msg708724 date=1470856798]
Johnson and Brathwaite already putting on more runs for the first wicket than
opening partnership over the last 2 years.
[/quote]
Over the last 2 years, the only higher opening partnerships are:
Brathwaite/Johnson 143 v Bangladesh
Brathwaite/Gayle 116 v Bangladesh
Brathwaite/Johnson 76 v Bangladesh
Brathwaite/Smith 72 v South Africa
Brathwaite/Smith 55 v South Africa
Brathwaite and Johnson have 3 out of the top 6 highest opening wicket partnerships over the last 2 years.
[quote author=dillinger10 link=topic=105702.msg708728#msg708728 date=1470857654]
Brathwaite/Smith 72 v South Africa
Brathwaite/Smith 55 v South Africa
[/quote]
Yes. Leon batted 3 and then never seen from again. Until now. He is deserving of an extended run in the side. This is a very solid foundation. Something that has been lacking over the last 2 years.
Quote:Since Holder made his Test debut, his strike-rate (104.2) is fourth worst (min 120 overs).
You can't measure Holder to other bowlers though. You need to measure him to Kallis.
After 16 matches, Holder has more runs and wickets than Kallis had at the same point in his career. Kallis then moved from batting at 7 to bat at 3...and the rest is history.
Of course Kallis started at about 21 years old and averaged 50 with the bat domestically.
Holder is 24 and has no real reputation as a batsman.
But that's how you make a containment bowler like Holder (Kallis' test strike rate with the ball is 70, compared to Holder's 100) earn his keep. You make him shoulder the weight of batting, or you kick him off the team.
