London: Dennis Amiss, a great with over 100 first-class centuries to his credit, spoke to The Telegraph almost exclusively on his (five) top batsmen of the present times.
Amiss is now 74.
Excerpts...
His role model...
Denis Compton... I was so nervous the first time I batted with him that I couldn't take a run and give him the strike. I remember he came to me and said 'young man, give me the strike'... I said 'that's what I'm trying to do Mr Compton, but failing'! I was so nervous that day, when we were playing a Rothmans Cavalier's 40 overs match.
Top five batsmen (alphabetically) at this point in time...
• VIRAT KOHLI: Kohli's a great batsman, though it's to be seen if he reaches the heights Sachin Tendulkar did. People are already speculating, but Kohli will have to play a lot more to come close to Sachin... He's very special in all three formats and, as I've said, the world's No.1. Like the other greats, Kohli has plenty of time and likes to occupy the crease. Fans come to watch him and I came for the Champions Trophy semi-final to see him bat. The Kohlis make batting look so easy, please the eye.
• JOE ROOT: Some have been wondering if the Test captaincy could affect Root's batting... Well, I'd be very disappointed if he wasn't a success both as captain and as batsman during the time he's captain. He's got all the shots and you can't keep him quiet, whatever the format... Root reads the game well and is always involved, something one can make out by watching him. He worked closely with (predecessor) Alastair Cook and has been advising Eoin Morgan in the shorter formats. Top batsmen have a good mind and Root has one.
• STEVE SMITH: Enormously successful across formats... Smith moves around all over the place, at the crease, but gets the runs... He's so successful... Moves to the off-side a lot and actually gets the bowlers to bowl to his strength, for he's so good off his legs... Clearly, Smith's a very special batsman.
• AB de VILLIERS: It's a pity AB isn't playing Tests as that format would be richer by his presence. He probably wants a longer run in limited-overs cricket which, for me, is sad. Outstanding in any format, even good bowling doesn't make much of an impression on AB.
• KANE WILLIAMSON: Another world-class batsman in all three formats... Williamson has the shots and lots of time to play them. He's not affected by the conditions... Technique, temperament... Williamson scores very highly on both counts.
Criteria for greatness...
Those who have the hunger for big runs, the ones who love batting... Greats put a heavy price on their wicket. They want to be the best, want to prove it each time they go out to bat.
What went into making him the batsman he was...
Just what I've said... Hunger for runs, I didn't want to get away from the crease. If you're not playing well it's hard work. If you are, then it's not hard work.
Finally... Impact of T20 on batsmen...
The newest format has been brilliant for batsmen, increased their range of shots. The scoops, more reverse sweeps... So much more wrist is going into the shots... I wish I had played the T20 format. It gives batsmen the licence to go for their shots and they won't be ticked off if they fail. Of course, I feel sorry for the bowlers, but they're adapting.
