Krejza v the Competition - Compare and Contrast.

One thing has remained constant in this campaign, and that is CT4K has got the facts, figures and figureheads to back up our message. But now its time to compare and contrast. Sure, Krejza is a fantastic spinner – but is he the best spinner in Australia? Could he be one of the best spinners of all time for Australia?

Let these figures decide…

First of all, lets compare and contrast the debuts of Australian spinners in the last 10-15 years…

Nathan ‘ Medium slows’ Hauritz 5/103 - Mumbai 2004
Hauritz could only manage 5 wickets on a wicket that was a raging Indian turner and bowlers paradise. Part time finger spinner Michael Clarke finished with match figures of 6/9 to rub some serious gourmet sea salt into the wounds.

Gavin ‘Who?’ Robertson 5/164 – Chennai 1998
From the result of Gavin’s disastrous second innings figures when the spinners needed to stand up, Australia capitulated from a handy first innings lead and lost convincingly.

Peter ‘Good at state level for a year’ McIntyre 2/87 – Adelaide v England 1995
Peter was completely outbowled and preferred by the captain in the second innings by part timer, Mark Waugh

Brad ‘Stick to the ODI’s’ Hogg 1/69 - Dehli 1996
Yes, he was brought into the match as a bowler.

Beau ‘Where are they now?’ Casson 3/129 - Barbados 2008
Another example where the part timer, Michael Clarke, cause more trouble than the specialist. Probably will be his only test.

Cameron ‘He bowls spin?’ White 1/88 - Bangalore 2008
And to think one Jason Krejza was sitting on the sidelines…

Dan ‘The South Australian First XI is difficult to crack’ Cullen 1/54 – Chittagong 2006
It was against Bangladesh. I mean honestly, I could get a wicket bowling my nudie ‘Hauritz’ offies.

Bryce ‘Infinity Average’ McGain 0/149 – Cape Town 2009
The less said the better.

Jason ‘Krazy’ Krejza 12/358 – Nagpur 2008
The fact is, Jason Krejza is leagues above his opposition. 7 more wickets than anyone else here on this list.

Secondly, lets have a look at some debuts of legendary spin bowlers over the years…

Shane Warne 1/150 – Sydney 1992

Muttiah Muralitharan 3/141 – Colombo 1992

Anil Kumble – 3/170 – Manchester 1990

Daniel Vettori – 2/98 – Wellington 1997

Saqlain Mushtaq – 4/107 – Peshawar 1995

John Emburey – 2/40 – Lords 1978

Jason Krejza – 12/358 – Nagpur 2008

The facts are there. Pick Jason Krejza. Celebrate the figures.