Reopening the debate on best chasers in ODIs

[Trichromatic]

ODI cricket has changed a lot in last 20 years. It can be said that it started gaining prominence from 1996 WC, increasing popularity of ODI specialists and then again transformed after 2007 WC when big hitters started becoming common. 

 

In subcontinent, middle overs was tough to bat with old ball becoming rough and spinners operating at both ends. It was difficult to hit those balls and batsmen had no option other than to wait for last 10 overs to try their luck. Even with big hitters, problem was the slowness and timing. 

 

WIth older balls, there was also reverse swing which would often bring collapse.

 

With new ball, there was swing on offer in other countries and openers had to tackle that more often than now.