Título: Norm O'Neill
Seção: Style
Background: Norman Clifford Louis O'Neill OAM (19 February 1937 - 3 March 2008) was a cricketer who played for New South Wales and Australia. A right-handed batsman known for his back foot strokeplay, O'Neill made his state debut aged 18, before progressing to Test selection aged 21 in late 1958. Early in his career, O'Neill was one of the foremost batsmen in the Australian team, scoring three Test centuries and topping the run scoring aggregates on a 1959-60 tour of the Indian subcontinent which helped Australia win its last Test and series on Pakistani soil for 39 years, as well as another series in India. His career peaked in 1960-61 when he scored 181 in the Tied Test against the West Indies, and at the end of the series, had a career average of 58.25.

Conteúdo: Standing six feet tall, O'Neill was compared to Don Bradman upon his entry into Test cricket. At his best, he was a dynamic stroke maker who was a crowd favourite because of his ability to score at a high pace, in particular with his power off the back foot. He was noted for his nimble footwork, which he used to negate spin bowling; however this slowed in his later career as he put on weight. O'Neill particularly liked to sweep the slower bowlers. He often put too much emphasis on his right hand, allowing a large space between his hands on the bat handle, and then turning his right shoulder too square towards the bowler. The renowned English batsman and captain Wally Hammond said that O'Neill was the best all-round batsman he had seen since World War II. O'Neill's tall build, strength and good looks also drew comparison to his boyhood idol Keith Miller. Despite the comparisons to Bradman, O'Neill was much taller and broader, and was often impetuous whereas Bradman was known for his patience and lack of rashness. O'Neill was also criticised for hitting across the line early in his innings.  O'Neill was highly regarded for his style and entertainment values. Teammate Alan Davidson said "once set he was the most exhilarating player you'd ever want to see--he was dynamite. He'd play attacking shots off balls other people would only think of defending. He had wonderful skill and technique. His shots off the back foot down the ground off fast bowlers--you can't really describe how 

user: Was his style of play similar to someone else?

assistant: Bradman,

user: What was his style of play?

assistant: He'd play attacking shots off balls other people would only think of defending.

user: What was he noted for?

assistant: regarded as an excellent fieldsman at cover, with a powerful and accurate throw,

user: What did other players say about his style?

assistant: one of the greatest entertainers we've had in Australian cricket".

user: Who said he was one of the greatest entertainers?

assistant: Richie Benaud

user: Did any of his teammates comment about his play style?

assistant: Teammate Alan Davidson said "once set he was the most exhilarating player you'd ever want to see--he was dynamite.

user: Why did Alan Davidson say that he was exhilarating to see?

assistant: He'd play attacking shots off balls other people would only think of defending. He had wonderful skill and technique.

user: Did his style change when he became older?

assistant: Later in his career, O'Neill became a nervous and superstitious batsman, particular at the start of an innings.