World Test XI of the last 15 years

Being a South African who was very young when we got readmitted into international sport, anything before that is a big blur to me, and indeed the first year or two aren’t that clear in my memory either. So when I sit back and think of the world greats, I can only really talk with any form of authority on the last 15 years.

And that is where I start this article. It has always been a hobby of mine to sit back and imagine all the greats playing together in their prime. Lara and Tendulkar showing no mercy carving the attack all over the park. McGrath and Pollock limiting teams to 15/2 after the first 10 overs of a One Day game. But of course this is no fun when I am on my own. So I am writing this article, picking my team and giving my arguments for selections and omissions.

After a lot of rambling, my World Test XI of the last 15 years:

Firstly you have to look at the make up of the team. Keeper batsman goes without saying. Three dedicated bowlers, one of whom is a spinner. Two all rounders and 5 batsmen is the approach I have gone for.

Openers

Close but no cigar:

Martin Crowe – New Zealand opener was a fantastic player but never a “end the game as a contest on the first day” kind of player

Saneth Jayasuriya – Definitely can win a game but his style is better suited to the One Day version.

Selected:

1. Sachin Tendulkar – The Little Maestro is I think one of the few players who will make absolutely everyone’s team so his selection needs no explanation.

2. Matthew Hayden – The big Australian was for years the epitome of batting at the beginning of an innings. An absolute rock in difficult conditions, he also possesses the ability to score very quickly without looking in trouble. His solid approach is the perfect foil to Tendulkar.

Top Order

Close but no cigar:

Kumar Sangakkara – The Sri Lankan is a fantastic batsman who adds the benefit of getting the keeper/ batsman role in early, allowing an additional batsmen or all-rounder. But the class of players in this area of the team meant I couldn’t fit him in.

Shivnarene Chanderpaul – The little West Indian is a master but his slow strike rate was a major reason for me leaving him out.

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