The Early Whistle presents probably the best cricket team in the world
It’s always been a dream of mine to pick a fantasy cricket XI, but with Wisden still yet to bang on the door, I thought it was high-time I took matters into my own hands – if you want a job doing, let the Early Whistle sort it for you, as they say.
Now, I should point out a couple of things before we begin. Firstly, although it’s the T20 World Cup coming up, I’m not picking a side according to prowess solely in that format; nor am I getting too hung up about red ball and white ball.
This is just a simple, straightforward selection process from those who’ve rocked my cricketing world, man and boy. Secondly, I’ll only be picking players that I’ve been of an age to remember. Anyone can say Don Bradman’s one of the best, but he’s way before my time. Heck, my mum was still in a pram when he emerged from the pavilion for the last time (sorry mum).
And so, a drumroll please…
1. Graham Gooch – A top player across three different decades, and who could forget that 333?
2. Sachin Tendulkar – The most naturally-gifted post-war batsman, as well as the most famous Indian since Gandhi.
3. Brian Lara – Broke records for fun, as England and Durham fans know only too well.
4. Viv Richards – Surpassed only by Sachin for sheer flair.
5. Steve Waugh – Captain for the majority of the great Australian dynasty, plus a maestro with the bat – who wouldn’t want him to skipper their XI?
6. Ian Botham – As far as cricket’s concerned, they don’t come much more legendary, both as a player and character.
7. Ian Healey – Another Ian, this one’s a sorely underrated ‘keeper/batsman, whose telepathy with bowlers was vital to the Aussies’ success in the 90s.
8. Wasim Akram – A world cup winner and master of both inswing and clearing boundaries.
9. Shane Warne – Virtually reinvented the art of leg spin.
10. Glenn McGrath – Even the guy at no. 9 couldn’t overshadow his prowess as a seamer.
11. Jimmy Anderson – England’s greatest-ever bowler – need we say more?
So what do you think of that little lot? Aghast there’s no Gilchrist? Clammering for Kohli? Let us know your thoughts – or even a dream XI of your own – below.
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