Published: Jul 18, 2017, 08:53 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 18, 2017, 08:53 AM (IST)
Former England skipper Alastair Cook is the only cricketer in vicinity to overhaul Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 15,921 Test runs. Cook, 32, continues to be a prolific scorer and has already amassed 11,174 runs from 142 Tests, which makes him England’s highest run-getter in Tests. In a recent video posted in Lord’s Twitter account, Cook revealed his all-time XI and surprised all with the omission of Tendulkar. In fact, Cook’s side features no Indian cricketer. The parameters of selection were players he has played with or against. ALSO READ: Ricky Ponting to captain Sourav Ganguly’s All-Time XI
Cook’s side has 4 Australians, 2 Englishmen, 2 South Africans, 2 Sri Lankans and a West Indian. The batting order starts with England run-machine Graham Gooch, who also leads the side. Cook and Gooch belong to the same county — Essex. Gooch’s opening partner is the Australian southpaw Matthew Hayden. He is uncertain about the numbers assigned to the middle-order and believes the players themselves can decide on where they want to bat. The formidable middle-order consists of Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, AB de Villiers and Kumar Sangakkara. Wait. It does not end there. Jacques Kallis is the all-rounder. De Villiers and Sangakkara will share the wicketkeeping roles.
Former @englandcricket captain Alastair Cook picks his All Time XI!
Who makes the final cut? #LoveLords pic.twitter.com/JSoEgx6Rez
— Lord’s Ground (@HomeOfCricket) July 17, 2017
According to Cook, the two spinners were easy picks and we cannot agree on the same. Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne pick themselves. As for the lead pacers, he has gone with his countryman and England’s most successful bowler James Anderson, someone he recalls “a pleasure to captain and play with”. The last slot is reserved for Glenn McGrath.
Alastair Cook’s All-Time XI: Graham Gooch (c), Matthew Hayden, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, AB de Villiers, Kumar Sangakkara, Jacques Kallis, Shane Warne, James Anderson, Muttiah Muralitharan, Glenn McGrath
He believes this side will be quite tough to beat and apologises to some of the great players who missed out. Tendulkar is definitely one. Not sure if Indian fans will be too happy with this.
