I believe that this is the idea that led to the creation of this site. I wanted to share with everyone my favourite cricketing 11. Initially, I created an “International Cricket 11”, but I felt like dividing it into formats was perhaps the best course of action.
Bear in mind that many legendary cricketers have been excluded, either because they didn’t fit into the team dynamic, or because they played before I started following cricket. The list I am about to share was decided based on a lot of factors, and I know that there will be a lot of people who will disagree with my selection. Regardless, I will explain my choices as we move along.
Without any more delay, here is my favourite Test cricket 11…….
1) Rahul Dravid
The wall of Indian cricket. This man is perhaps the most patient, calm and collected cricketer to have played the game. His importance to the Indian test match side, in his era, cannot be overlooked. I realise that opening the batting isn’t his favoured position in the 11, but I feel like he can master it well, and wear out the opposition bowling with his solid defence. His achievements speak for themselves; in the 164 matches he has scored 13,288 runs at an astounding average of 52.31, having scored 36 hundreds and 63 fifties in the process. He has saved India on numerous occasions with his sheer grit and willpower, the best example of which is his exploits in the epochal Kolkata test in 2001. The record of taking the most catches as a non-wicketkeeper is just another feather in this glorious cap.
2) Sachin Tendulkar
“Sachin is a genius, I am a mere mortal“
“There is no shame in losing to such a player“
You have to be one hell of a player, to receive such complements from greats like Brian Lara and Steve Waugh. The God of Cricket. The highest run scorer in the history of the game. The only player to hit 50+ test match centuries. There is no Greatest Test 11 without this man. He single-handedly managed to unite a billion people while he was at the crease. His statistics speak for themselves. He has played 200 test matches, scoring 15921 runs at a staggering average of 53.78. What makes these statistics even more impressive is the fact that he played in an era filled with fearsome and skillful bowlers. He dominated bowlers like Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Shane Warne, Brett Lee and Dale Steyn, making it look like child’s play. His position in this 11 may not be his ideal batting position, but God is not restricted by position, is he?
3) Jacques Kallis
“The best, most classical and most durable all-rounder of his generation”
These are the words Wisden Almanack used to describe Jacques Kallis. He is, in my opinion, the most underrated cricketer the world has produced. Kallis is simply one of a kind. The third-highest run scorer in Test match cricket easily walks into the greatest test 11. Having carried South Africa’s batting for lot of his career, his career tally of 13,289 runs in 166 test matches signifies that he is a prolific run-getter, and an indispensable asset to any test team. Couple that with the 292 wickets he has taken, at a bowling average of 32.65, and we have an all-rounder who has proved himself to be a cut above the rest. As I was pondering over the side, Kallis was somebody I simply couldn’t ignore. He has also taken over 300 catches, usually at tough position of slip. He single-handedly added a tremendous amount of stability to the South African test side, owing to his ability to bowl as a pure bowler, field at slip, and then come out and bat at No.3. His mental and physical strength, as we can see, was just amazing. A true legend of the game!
4) Ricky Ponting (c)
Words are not enough to describe this man. He captained Australia at a time when they were unparalleled. The team was glittered with stars, most of whom have cemented their status as legends of the game. To emerge as the best batsman of that team, is a feat that only a generational player can achieve, and that’s exactly what Ricky Ponting is. In terms of runs scored, he is second only to the God, and that in itself is a praise for the ages. He has scored 13,378 runs in 168 test matches at an average of 51.85 and has captained Australia to a record 48 wins in 77 test matches, making him the captain of this side as well. Watching him play the pull and hook shots has often got me thinking that it is a perfectly easy thing to do. Hard-core fans can only imagine how hard it is to do that when the ball is coming at 150 kmph. His innings of 257 against India at MCG in 2005, and 156 against England at Old Trafford during The Ashes 2005 come to mind when I remember his greatness. I would trust nobody better with the pivotal No.4 position, and the leadership role.
5) Kumar Sangakkara
My favourite left-handed batsman, Kumar Sangakkara is, according to me, the best batsman from Sri Lanka. That is a huge complement, considering the fact that the list includes Mahela Jayawardene, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvin Atapattu. He is the leading run scorer for Sri Lanka in Tests, having scored 12,400 runs at an average of 57.40 in the 134 test matches he has played. His elegant cover drives and his match-winning innings are fondly remembered by all cricket fans. He also holds the record for the highest partnership score in Tests, a mammoth 624 runs, along with his partner-in-crime Mahela Jayawardene. His abilities as a wicket-keeper has also earned plaudits across the globe.
6) Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Before I say anything about this best of a player, I have to concede that this position caused me the most internal struggle. I was torn between 2 players, (the other will be mentioned in a while) and I couldn’t eliminate one of them. The lack of left-handers in the team, his record as the 7th highest run scorer in Test match cricket and his prolific record of gelling with the tail-enders meant that Chanderpaul couldn’t be ignored. Statistically, he is one of the best No.6 batsman the game has seen, batting in 49 innings and scoring 2528 runs at an exceptional average of 64.82. His brilliance for the Windies was somewhat overshadowed by Brian Lara, although bring second to Lara is no insult. The classy left-hander that he is, Chanderpaul gives the much needed boost in the lower middle order, and hence, he is my pick for the No.6 position.
7) Adam Gilchrist (wk)
A man who warrants a place in this team even if he is taken in as a wicket-keeper alone, Gilchrist has the 2nd most dismissals for any keeper in test cricket. Known as a “gentle bully”, he made the No.7 position, in a golden era Australian batting line-up, his own. He has amassed 3,948 runs in 100 innings (highest of all-time), playing in that role. He also has 416 dismissals (in 96 Tests, 2nd highest of all-time) as a wicket-keeper, making him a fantastic addition to the side. He has the ability to torment the opposition bowling, and stitch handy partnerships lower down the order. His wicket-keeping ability also means that he will be on glove duty for the side.
8) Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram is the greatest bowler to come out of Pakistan. To give you some perspective, here are his compatriots; Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Imran Khan, Abdul Qadir, Saqlain Mushtaq and Sarfraz Nawaz. His name in the playing 11 sent shivers down the spines of opposition batsmen. 414 wickets in 104 matches, striking at an average of 23.62 make for excellent readings. What is interesting to note is that he is a very handy batsman as well. His highest score of 257 remains a record for the highest score by a No.8 batsman. That is a higher score than Tendulkar’s career best! The funny thing is, Wasim Akram has never made it to the top of the ICC World Test ranking, but he has ripped through batting line-ups like he was born to do that. He is the best left-arm pacer to have graced the game.
9) Shane Warne
“He is to bowling what Sachin is to batting”
To earn such a comparison from the great Richie Benaud is no easy task, but somehow, Shane Warne makes it look like the obvious thing to say. The right-hand leg break bowler is Australia’s leading wicket-taker (overall 2nd) in Tests, having won his team many matches with his masterful bowling. He has taken 708 wickets in 145 test matches at an average of just 25.42, making it all seem so simple. His ability to spin a web around the opposition batting is a skill few have been able to perfect. His addition to any test side is a no-brainer. The amount of turn he generates is baffling no matter how many times I see it. Many magical moments, like the famous “ball of the century” come to mind when I remember the greatness of Shane Warne. His prowess with the bat has also helped his side in many situations. He remains a model to all aspiring leg spinners across the globe.
10) Glenn McGrath
At No.10 we have the man who was the spearhead of the Australian attack during it’s glory days. The burst of pace and bounce he used to generate, and his ability with the new ball was a constant source of tremor for all opposing batsman. Glenn McGrath was a force to be reckoned with. He is a mainstay in most people “Greatest Test 11” list, to nobody’s surprise. His consistency as a match-winner sets him apart from his peers. He has taken 563 wickets in his career, striking at a career average of 21.64. His career summary in Tests shows he had to work his hardest for wickets against South Africa, but even against them his average was only 27.33. Similarly, in Pakistan and Sri Lanka his average crept up to around 30, but everywhere else he was outstanding; in every continent he averaged less than 24; his home and away stats were almost identical; he was equally good in the first innings and the second; and only in two calendar years since 1995 did his average go beyond 24. Such a bowler is nothing short of a gem for this glorious sport. Nothing more to say. Just marvel at the wonder that is Glenn McGrath.
11) Muttiah Muralitharan
Man, myth, legend. I do not have anything else to describe how spectacular of a player he was. He was named the Best Test Bowler Ever by Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack in 2002. He has taken a world record 800 test wickets, at a scintillating average of 22.72, in the 133 tests he has played. Muttiah Muralitharan is quite simply, the greatest bowler yet. Everyone aspires to take his mantle, and so far, nobody had managed to eclipse this legend. As good a player as he was, controversies have followed him as well. The infamous Ross Emerson tussle comes to mind! His action was reported as “throwing” but was later cleared by the ICC. His action was unusual, but by no means does that mean that he doesn’t deserve the plaudits going his way. A gem of cricket, and a legend of the great game.
Honourable Mentions:-
Brian Lara
It feels almost criminal to leave him out of my 11, but Ricky Ponting’s stats and his prowess as a captain, and Kallis’ all-round ability meant that I had to exclude him. Anyone in my position would consider giving Lara the position I gave Kumar Sangakkara, but I concede personal bias. I personally love Sangakkara too much not to put him in there. But by no means can we forget how good Brian Lara is. He was the heart of the West Indies batting line-up batting at the every important No.4 postion, and scoring 11.953 runs in 131 Tests, at an average of 52.88, which make for excellent readings. He is often hailed as one of the best batsmen of all time, and deservedly so.
Steve Smith
Perhaps the only player on this list who is currently active, Steve Smith has established himself as a premier batsman, and is on code to becoming the best batsman to play the game. His collosal average of 62.84, scoring 7,227 runs, is only surpassed by the Don, but being 2nd to him is no insult. His consistency in making the opposition bowlers look helpless (in Tests) is something I haven’t seen anyone do better (off-late!). He currently sits at the top of the ICC rankings for Best Batsman. His closest rivals, Virat Kohli and Mahela Jayawardene, and were also considered, but Smith is a stupendous test batsman, and has earned his place on this list.
AB de Villiers
He might not be very close to being included in the bracket of “greatest ever”, but Abraham Benjamin de Villiers is my favourite player ever to grace the game. His pure style and near-perfect execution of his shots has gotten me to fall in love with his batting. He is more praised for his exploits in the shorter formats of he game, but he is a good Test player as well. I had the most turmoil not including him in the No.6 position. His stats certainly say that he has the ability to thrive in that position, but Chanderpaul was just too good not to be included in the 11. He was one of South Africa’s finest players, having scored 8,765 runs at a healthy average of 50.66, with a highest score of 278*. Hence, de Villiers has all my respect and love, and a spot in this list
Anil Kumble
The best Test Bowler from India, Anil Kumble was a force to be reckoned with. The fact that he wasn’t picked in this 11 only goes to show how good Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan are. He is the 3rd highest wicket-taker in Test matches, having taken 619 wickets at an average of 29.65. His crowning glory comes with his best individual performance. He is one of the very few bowlers who have picked up all 10 wickets in one innings of a Test match. He was the driving force of India’s bowling in his prime, and he has served his country as a very faithful servant. His consistency and prowess makes him one of the best cricketer of his time.
Dale Steyn
Someone older than I am, would have picked Courtney Walsh instead, but I have not seen him in his prime (although, going by what everyone his saying, he was a mighty fine bowler). But I have seen Steyn bowl in his prime, and I have gotten shivers sitting in front of a TV screen. Imagine what the batsmen must be feeling! Fearsome as he is, Steyn has picked up 439 wickets at an excellent average of 22.95, putting him at No.8 in the all-time list. Modern-day bowlers like Stuart Broad and James Anderson have superior overall records, but their away record doesn’t even come close to that of Steyn. For that very reason, Dale Steyn is the final entry to this list.
Cricket Unlimited 