To break Rhodes' 4,187 career first class wickets record, a bowler would have to take 50 wickets per season for 83+ seasons; or one hundred per season for nearly 42 seasons! In my opinion, it is probably the most difficult major first class career record to break, with the exception of Don Bradman's career 95.14 first class batting average and 99.94 career Test match average.
Given the "bore draw" tracks they are preparing these days in the Test match arena, I wouldn't be surprised if someone (Pietersen?) didn't break Sutcliffe's England Test record average of 60.73. But 99.94? Not on this earth.
One thing is certain the man who could break 100 for a career Test average hasn't played yet. Rick Ponting, who I believe has the highest current Test average at 56+ would have to average more than 150 per innings for the rest of his career and play another 130 Tests to approach a career Test average of 100.
was truly a great allrounder. i often wish i had seen the great old timers, i have seen grainy black and white film of old test matches but i would love to have seen rhodes and some of the others.