Langer was a good one-dayer player though. He just really never got a good enough opportunity.You will notice that it took Dravid quite a bit to adjust to ODI cricket. And Dravid is a pretty good international cricketer--better than most. I think it is unfair on your part to expect any good test cricketer to be able to adjust into a good ODI cricketer and then label them a 'not good international cricketer' if they fail in the process.
Are Hoggard and Harmison not good international cricketers? How about Vaughan? And Langer?
I think you miss the mark here, because the Windies were able to defeat England without maintaining a consistently high run rate. In fact at the 40 over mark in both their wins, they were barely over 4 runs an over. They won because they kept wickets in hand and only risked them in the last ten overs, where they were rewarded with more than 100 runs and still had wickets in hand. I felt Runako Morton's innings of 82 n.o. was proof any old stickler can move up into top gear with the backing of a good start and lots of spare wickets to give him confidence. Morton isn't a perfect anything and yet he had his day in the sun.I agree with sohum here. Believe it or not there is a considerable difference in the application and mentality needed for test and one day cricket. In test cricket, patience is the key and usually the more "talented" players succeed in this form of the game. But the one day game doesnt give you as much time to think and choose. You need to be in pace with the game.
West Indies would do well to score between 250-300 in a 50 over game but struggle to make totals above 500 if they were asked to play on. England on the other hand would take their time and get to a high total, but at the same time arent able to maintain a good enough run rate, which is needed in one day internationals.
The West Indies have a lot of these perfect one day players, especially in Bravo and Smith. They might not be the most talented players but are able to do the small things needed in their bowling spells and are get quick runs with the bat, irrespective of how they get them.
You will notice that it took Dravid quite a bit to adjust to ODI cricket. And Dravid is a pretty good international cricketer--better than most. I think it is unfair on your part to expect any good test cricketer to be able to adjust into a good ODI cricketer and then label them a 'not good international cricketer' if they fail in the process.
Are Hoggard and Harmison not good international cricketers? How about Vaughan? And Langer?