Goodbye Champions.

[GoldenAsif]

Re: Goodbye Champions.

@counterpoint

Hats off to the Ozzies, they have taken cricket to a totally new level which other teams are finding hard to emulate. Warne has immortalized himself, while Mcgrath will be remembered as one of the most consistent bowlers. Langer and Martyn weree also good players and cud still play cricket for another five years, but chose not to. This shows character, confidence and respect of other players. So many strong points, can the Sub-Continent learn just a little bit from these greats? Let us pray..

You are overexaggerating a bit. Yes there is a lesson or two there for guys like SRT and Inzi but Langer 37 could not have gone on till 42. He had a relatively poor series by his high standards. Yes McGrath 36 (turns 37 on 9 February) and Warne 37 could probably still play for another 12-15 months. As for Martyn 35, Australia have found a more than capable replacement in Hussey.
Most test batsmen retire at 38 or 39. Gooch is a modern day exception. He was 41 when he played his last test. Fast bowlers usu. retire at 36 or 37 and good spinners can probably go on till 38 or 39. Imran Khan retired in 1992 at the age of 39 but his bowling was finished by 1989-90 and he could merely justify his place in the team as a batsman cum captain.