Joe Root, the new Test skipper of the England cricket team has announced he picks his All-Time Playing XI in a video with Lords Cricket Ground. The squad contains some big names of the modern era. The criteria for selection are players they have played with, against or have been influenced by.

The star batsman picked up three players from England, three from Australia, two South Africans, two Indians and one from Sri Lanka in his team.

The opening slot has been filled by one of his countryman Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan. He also made clear that Alastair Cook will captain his dream team. At No. 3 he picked the little master Sachin Tendulkar, one of the two Indians in his team. No.4 is occupied by probably the best all-rounder of cricket so far, Jacques Kallis.

At N.5 comes the batting superstar and skipper of India cricket team, Virat Kohli. He referred Virat Kohli as one of the best players in the world now. And the way he can construct an innings in all the formats is just outstanding. AB de Villiers, Kumar Sangakkara, and Andrew Flintoff are at No. 6, 7 and 8 respectively. Sanga will be his wicket-keeper.

Now comes the bowling department. First, he picked a spinner, the highest wicket-taker in Tests, Shane Warne. Then he included two pacers to complete his team. They are the Aussies, Mitchell Johnson, and Glenn McGrath.

He concluded by saying: “Mitchell Johnson who made life pretty uncomfortable when we played Australia down under a few years ago. And, of course, Glenn McGrath is going to bat number 11 for me, one of the best records as a seamer. That is my all-time XI.”

Joe Root’s Dream XI:

Michael Vaughan, Alastair Cook (C), Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Kumar Sangakkara (WK), Andrew Flintoff, Shane Warne, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn McGrath.