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Botham, Flintoff, Stokes.

Do it on a 3-2-1, three being the strongest.

Batting: Stokes 3, Botham 2, Flintoff 1

Bowling: Botham 3, Flintoff 2, Stokes 1

Fielding: Stokes 3, Botham 2, Flintoff 1

Totals, Botham and Stokes both 7, Flintoff 4. Think that's a fair reflection tbh.
 

The Breen Machine said:
Won't be a popular view but I am of the view that Flintoff shouldn't even be in the discussion.

Fantastic 2005 series and was a top class all-rounder for 12 months leading up to that, but his career before and after that was largely forgettable.

After about 70 tests, Botham averaged nigh on 40 with the bat and 21 with the ball. His career tailed off badly in the late 80's but had the England team been stronger, he probably wouldn't have been getting picked by then.

Stokes is the better bat, Botham the better bowler and fielding probably on par. Botham was the biggest sports star in the country at his peak and front page news. I edge with him overall.
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^^^ This
 
Anybody knows the latest with Freddie’s crash?

But to add to the opinion section Botham’s figures pre back injury in 1980 were quite phenomenal. Swung it at will out and in and at high pace. And had a golden arm. And a brilliant swashbuckling batsman to boot. His career was finished by 1985 except for one great knock at Brisbane in late 1986.

Flint off had the ability to produce some great spells and was a lovely hitter of the ball but not as good as Ian in his pomp.

Stokes is the poorest bowler of the three but I have been really impressed with how much he has improved as a batsman over the years, he now has the knowledge of how to build an innings according to the conditions of the pitch and the match. And he looks like a really good captain too. The players obviously love him and want to play for him which they didn’t for Botham and Fred.

All in all, they’re all heroes for me.
 
IMO as always …

Botham at his peak before he did his back was the only one who was unambiguously test class at one discipline. That as a bowler. After that he was glorious fun but never quite either on its own.

Stokes could be that as a bat. For parts of his career he has been when he bats properly. I’d argue he just about is now.

Fred, not quite in the same bracket. But an Ashes winner. Ben can’t say that yet
Hope he can soon.
 
Fleagle said:
IMO as always …

Botham at his peak before he did his back was the only one who was unambiguously test class at one discipline. That as a bowler. After that he was glorious fun but never quite either on its own.

Stokes could be that as a bat. For parts of his career he has been when he bats properly. I’d argue he just about is now.

Fred, not quite in the same bracket. But an Ashes winner. Ben can’t say that yet
Hope he can soon.
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Stokes a two-time world cup winner and played a major role in both finals. If I had to pick between him and Botham that's why I'd come down on his side.
 
Anthly said:
Best Batsman : Sir Ian… just over Ben
Best Bowler : Sir Ian with Freddie 2nd
Best Overall Fielder : Stokes , all 3 superb slip fielders
Best Captain : Stokes

Just my opinion of course.
Anyone else…

Roll on Friday… although I’m not very confident.
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Botham.
Botham.
Botham.

None of them.

Fees and Stokes poor immigrations and the New Botham etc etc.

Couldnt lick his boots.
 
It's a good job it's only your opinion.
Stokes is still playing he could go on to better than them both.
 
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