The London born all-rounder, Ravi Bopara who represented England in 120 ODI’s and 13 test matches picked 3 Indian batsmen in his All-Time XI, while he chose 2 Pakistanis.
The fiery opening batsman from Indian known for his aggressive style of batting, Virender Sehwag became his opening batsman. He was heard saying, “He was pleasing to the eye,”
He went with a right hand-left hand combination, choosing Australia’s David Warner. He said, “To bat alongside Virender Sehwag, I am going to go with someone I’ve actually had the opportunity to play with.”
“I think he’s good to have on your side,” he added.
He picked his Karachi Kings skipper Kumar Sangakkara as the wicket-keeper batsman. “I had the opportunity to play with him, watched him over the years. Unbelievable player. One of the best I’ve seen,” he said while talking about the Sri Lankan legend.
The god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar was his automatic choice for the No.4 spot. ““Without any doubt, (he is the) best player of all time in my eyes. (I) haven’t had the opportunity to play with him, but I have had the opportunity to play against him. But he was my cricketing hero (while) growing up,” he said about the master blaster.
Current Indian skipper and arguably the best batsman in the world right now, Virat Kohli also featured in his All-time XI.
Jacques Kallis was selected as the lone all-rounder in his team for the number six position. “(He’s) best all round cricket, I think, ever to grace a cricket field,” he was heard saying about the South African maestro.
Though in an unusual position, the best left-handed batsman ever to play the game of cricket, Brian Lara was picked for the number seven spot. Talking about the unusual batting position, Bopara said, “Imagine you get a team five down and Brian Lara walks out to bat, (when) bowlers are a little bit tired, maybe into their third spells. Good luck bowling to Brian Lara.”
The King of Swing, Wasim Akram was chosen as the captain of the team,” I think Wasim Akram comes across as a good leader. He’s a good presence as well and I think he’ll lead by example, with the bat and ball.” Bopara explained.
Muttiah Muralitharan was chosen as the lone spinner in the team. While clarifying his selection, he said, “I think he’s the best spinner ever. He can turn it both ways. Absolute nightmare to play against.”
James Anderson and Shoaib Akhtar was chosen as the two spearhead of the pace bowling. Justifying the Englishmen’s selection, Bopara said that he is the best swing bowler he had the opportunity to play with, and no matter what he will you give you wickets with the new ball. The Rawalpindi Express, as Akhtar is known was chosen for his fast bowling and toe-crushing yorkers.
Team: Virender Sehwag (INDIA), David Warner (AUSTRALIA), Kumar Sangakkara (SRI LANKA), Sachin Tendulkar (INDIA), Virat Kohli (INDIA), Jacques Kallis (SOUTH AFRICA), Brian Lara (WEST INDIES), Wasim Akram (PAKISTAN), Muttiah Muralitharan (SRI LANKA), James Anderson (ENGLAND), Shoaib Akhtar (PAKISTAN).
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