Best All Time Test Cricket World XI

This would have to be the best World XI of all time.

1. Jack Hobbs

2  Herbert Suttcliffe

3. Don Bradman    (Captain)

4. Sachin Tendulkar

5. Garfield Sobers

6. Adam Gilchrist   (Wicket Keeper)

7. Keith Miller

8. Imran Khan

9. Shane Warne

10. Malcolm Marshall

11. S.F Barnes

12th Man.  Walter Hammond

The reason why I have chosen Hobbs and Suttcliffe opening the batting, is they are the most successful opening pair of all time, with an average opening stand of nearly 88!  Their opening average is by far ahead of any other opening partnership.

With an average of 88 runs on the board before number three is due in, why would you open with anyone else?  Also, because they batted together, they know and understand each others batting style and running abilities, therefore they would reduce the chances of them making a mistake running between wickets, etc. 

Also both Hobbs and Suttcliffe are in the top five most successful batsmen of all time.  Hobbs averaging 57, and Suttcliffe averaging 60, that has to be a pretty hard opening pair to conquer for any bowling attack.

Coming in at three of course, Sir Don Bradman, the best captain and batsman ever to play the game of cricket.  Leading the 1948 Australian Invincibles to a 4-0 win against England, and an average of 99.94, well need we say more!

At four Sachin Tendulkar, arguably the best batsman of the modern age.  Bradman once described him as having a very similar batting to style to Bradman himself, and also on the list as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, averaging 54.

Garfield Sobers would have to be at five, with his fantastic all-round ability with both bat and ball, he could bowl spin, and a medium/fast pace, on top of that he was a fantastic fielder, and averaging 57 with the bat, who else would replace him? 

With five other bowlers in the side, and if they are failing, you have a sixth bowler option, who just might take a crucial wicket!  With 6 five wicket bags!  Having Sobers in the side, more than half the team can bowl!  Also on the list as one of the greatest Batsmen of all time.

Adam Gilchrist at six, the best Wicket Keeper / Batsman of all time, both great with the gloves, yet his batting can devastate any a cricket team on any given day, with a batting average of 47, and a strike rate of 82, you won't find a better wicket keeper/batsman that can bat as well as he can, and still have a good standard or wicket-keeping.

At seven, Keith Miller, opening bowler with Ray Lindwall in the 48 Invincibles, well known for his pace and ability to bowl the bouncer, Leonard Hutton once said in the English dressing room, "Oh not that Miller again!"  With a bowling average of 22, and a batting average of 38, he's almost as good as Stephen Flemming with the bat, yet can bowl as good as any of the greatest bowlers. 

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