What's new

Australia all time Test XI

Buffet

Buffet

Senior Test Player
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
Runs
26,138
Post of the Week
2
I will start,

Simpson
Haydon
Bradman *
Smith
Greg Chappell
Miller
Gilchrist +
Cummins
Warne
Lillee
McGrath

Went with Simpson over others due to being a decent second spin option. Left - Right combination of openers here.
Bradman, Smith, Chappel pick themselves. I can't think of a better all rounder than Miller. Gilly takes the keeping spot. Warne and McGrath takes spot without hesitation. Put Lillee and Cummins to finish pacers spot.

I think 5-6 spots are kind of fixed and posters can chose different players.

Lets hear your all time Aus XI.
 
RexRex said:
Warner
Hayden
Ponting
Steve Smith
Greg Chappell
Border (c)
Gilchrist
Cummins
Warne
McGrath
Hazelwood
Click to expand...
I guess you are sticking with the last 40-45 years or so. Very good team.
 
Hayden
Trumper
Bradman
S Smith
G Chappell
Border(c)
Gilchrist (wk)
Cummins/Davidson
Warne
Lillee
McGrath
 
Buffet said:
I guess you are sticking with the last 40-45 years or so. Very good team.
Click to expand...

It makes no sense to put players from an amateur era into the professional scene post 1970. Bradman and his ilk had day jobs and played cricket after work.
 
RexRex said:
It makes no sense to put players from an amateur era into the professional scene post 1970. Bradman and his ilk had day jobs and played cricket after work.
Click to expand...
How about Khawaja instead of Warner? He is not sitting ducks in so many venues. Warner means, this XI will be one down in no time in many places and in Aus this XI will do fine no matter who is opening.
 
Warner won’t make it to 2000s Australian test XI either.
RexRex said:
It makes no sense to put players from an amateur era into the professional scene post 1970. Bradman and his ilk had day jobs and played cricket after work.
Click to expand...
 
I will try to add atg and past 50 years

Atg

Arthur Morris
Hayden
Don
Ponting
Neil Harvey
Greg chappel
Gilly
Warne
Mcgrath
Cummins
Thompson

Depends on Conditions
Benaud
Lillie
Terry Alderman


Last 50 years
Hayden
Waugh
Ponting
Steve Waugh
Greg
Smith
Gilly
Warne
Cummins
Mcgrath
Starc/Lee (one express pacer)


Felt bad to leave out both Hussey and
Symmonds
 
  1. Mathew Hayden
  2. Justine Langer/Arthur Morris/Dave Warner/Bob Simpson
  3. Ricky Ponting (captain)
  4. Don Bradman
  5. Steve Smith
  6. Keith Miller
  7. Adam Gilchrist (wk)
  8. Alan Davidson
  9. Shane Warne
  10. Dennis Lillee
  11. Glenn McGrath
 
2ND XI

  1. Mark Taylor (capt)
  2. Dave Warner
  3. Greig Chappell
  4. Allan Border
  5. Michael Clarke
  6. Steve Waugh
  7. Ian Healy (wk)
  8. Ray Lindwall
  9. Mitchell Johnson
  10. Pat Cummins
  11. Clarrie Grimmett
 
Mark Taylor
Hayden
Bradman
Ponting
Steve Smith
Steve Waugh (c)
Gilchrist (wk)
Warne
Starc
Lee
McGrath.
 
Haydos
Tubby
Punter
Smudge
Tugga
AB
Gilly
Pidge
DK
Cummins
Warne

Tbh, this is OZ we are taking about.

Replace Taylor with Langer, Ponting with Bradman, Smith with Greg Chappell, one of Waugh/Border with Pup, two of those quicks with Lindwall/Davidson , Warne with Grimmett, anyone with Richie Benaud and you still have a greater ATG side than any other ATG side.
 
Buffet said:
I will start,

Simpson
Haydon
Bradman *
Smith
Greg Chappell
Miller
Gilchrist +
Cummins
Warne
Lillee
McGrath

Went with Simpson over others due to being a decent second spin option. Left - Right combination of openers here.
Bradman, Smith, Chappel pick themselves. I can't think of a better all rounder than Miller. Gilly takes the keeping spot. Warne and McGrath takes spot without hesitation. Put Lillee and Cummins to finish pacers spot.

I think 5-6 spots are kind of fixed and posters can chose different players.

Lets hear your all time Aus XI.
Click to expand...
Davidson over Cummins, better batsman and provides left arm bowling option.

Rest of the lineup looks perfect.
 
Buffet said:
I will start,

Simpson
Haydon
Bradman *
Smith
Greg Chappell
Miller
Gilchrist +
Cummins
Warne
Lillee
McGrath

Went with Simpson over others due to being a decent second spin option. Left - Right combination of openers here.
Bradman, Smith, Chappel pick themselves. I can't think of a better all rounder than Miller. Gilly takes the keeping spot. Warne and McGrath takes spot without hesitation. Put Lillee and Cummins to finish pacers spot.

I think 5-6 spots are kind of fixed and posters can chose different players.

Lets hear your all time Aus XI.
Click to expand...
Pretty much perfect tbh
 
I agree
Alan Davidson needs to be in the lineup
Remove lillee and get cummins in
 
Vikram1989 said:
I will try to add atg and past 50 years

Atg

Arthur Morris
Hayden
Don
Ponting
Neil Harvey
Greg chappel
Gilly
Warne
Mcgrath
Cummins
Thompson

Depends on Conditions
Benaud
Lillie
Terry Alderman


Last 50 years
Hayden
Waugh
Ponting
Steve Waugh
Greg
Smith
Gilly
Warne
Cummins
Mcgrath
Starc/Lee (one express pacer)


Felt bad to leave out both Hussey and
Symmonds
Click to expand...
Interesting choice for ATG.
 
Unbiased-Fan said:
  1. Mathew Hayden
  2. Justine Langer/Arthur Morris/Dave Warner/Bob Simpson
  3. Ricky Ponting (captain)
  4. Don Bradman
  5. Steve Smith
  6. Keith Miller
  7. Adam Gilchrist (wk)
  8. Alan Davidson
  9. Shane Warne
  10. Dennis Lillee
  11. Glenn McGrath
Click to expand...
You should nail down one opener out of 4 for the first XI. Whover you think will be best in all conditions.
 
Hellion said:
Haydos
Tubby
Punter
Smudge
Tugga
AB
Gilly
Pidge
DK
Cummins
Warne

Tbh, this is OZ we are taking about.

Replace Taylor with Langer, Ponting with Bradman, Smith with Greg Chappell, one of Waugh/Border with Pup, two of those quicks with Lindwall/Davidson , Warne with Grimmett, anyone with Richie Benaud and you still have a greater ATG side than any other ATG side.
Click to expand...
Yes, substitutes are very good as well for Aus in your case.
 
jeeteshssaxena said:
Davidson over Cummins, better batsman and provides left arm bowling option.

Rest of the lineup looks perfect.
Click to expand...
Yah, a decent case for that combination. Not sure, but case can be made to keep Cummins over Lillee. I guess, by the time Cummins retires, he may become a clear stronger choice.
 
batandballbattle said:
Hayden
Langer
Bradman
Ponting
Border
S. Waugh (c)
Gilchrist (wk)
Lee
Warne
Lillee
McGrath
Click to expand...
Don't you think Cummins have done enough to displace Lee? I can see the point if you want an express pace for variety.
 
sweep_shot said:
Mark Taylor
Hayden
Bradman
Ponting
Steve Smith
Steve Waugh (c)
Gilchrist (wk)
Warne
Starc
Lee
McGrath.
Click to expand...

It's harder to compare players from different era, but strange choice with Starc when he has been playing with Cummins at same time. XI is still very strong.
 
Buffet said:
It's harder to compare players from different era, but strange choice with Starc when he has been playing with Cummins at same time. XI is still very strong.
Click to expand...

Australia have had so many great pacers. Hard to pick one. Only McGrath is probably the fixed one.
 
thelandofthebravepeople said:
Australia first 11 and second 11 will definetly beat Pakistan all time 11. Maybe even the third 11 could beat pakistan all time 11.
Click to expand...
May not be true in Asian conditions. Aus pacers collectively have less proven track records of running through batting line ups in Asia.
 
Buffet said:
Don't you think Cummins have done enough to displace Lee? I can see the point if you want an express pace for variety.
Click to expand...
Express pace was the winner for me yes, though Cummins is a great captain and one of the best players around atm
 
Buffet said:
Interesting choice for ATG.
Click to expand...
I can't bear smith in atg.so went for Neil harvey who is a great batsmen and off spin bowler suitable for asia.I heard often about Morris batting and left hand
unorthodox bowling in scg tours, so went for him.I am fan of express pace. As it's atg,there should be one express pacer to intimidate opposition. As Ian chappel said, it's very tough to score off benaud ,I went with him especiallyfor Asia.Again Terry used to run through the sides in seaming conditions.
 
Vikram1989 said:
I can't bear smith in atg.so went for Neil harvey who is a great batsmen and off spin bowler suitable for asia.I heard often about Morris batting and left hand
unorthodox bowling in scg tours, so went for him.I am fan of express pace. As it's atg,there should be one express pacer to intimidate opposition. As Ian chappel said, it's very tough to score off benaud ,I went with him especiallyfor Asia.Again Terry used to run through the sides in seaming conditions.
Click to expand...
Over all a good team with some unconventional choices. You had good reasoning for your choices.
 
Aussie all time test 11 beats the crap baskets out of any test team in history. Wrecking of the highest order
 
Headley
Kanhaii
Richards
Lara
Worrel(c)
Sobers
Dujon
Marshall
Roberts
Ambrose
Holding.

This team will beat aussie all time 11 in australia
 
From 1876, only for like 5/6 years... Australia was not among top 2 cricket nations in world - of those 5/6, half was due to the self exiles of top 10-12 cricketers (for Packer cricket), and another one was due to rebel tour of South Africa. Point is, it's almost impossible to select top 11/12 cricketers for Australia - every generation, they had an XII with contemporary top cricketers.

Still, here are my 12 (with 12th man) - more than stats, players are chosen for their dominance/reputation during contemporary era

1. Vic Trumper - yes, someone with a Test average just under 40. But, Vic Trumer was like what Viv Richards of 1970s during the first golden era of cricket (1900-1914). Brilliant stroke maker, a tough nut to crack and a tremendous fighter - many of his runs came when chips were down and like Viv, he used to target top opponent bowlers. Won't go to his technical ability understandably (as Jack Hobbs was the standard for batting technique of that era & I have seen some footage), but guy averaged around 40 in an era when 35+ was rare for anyone playing more than 10 Tests.
2. Hayden - we have seen him. What makes him stand out against other possible candidates (Taylor, RB Simpson, Lawry, Morris, Woodfull, Ponsford, Warner, Slatter) is his spin playing capacity for an Aussie. Besides, it's a nice left-right opening combo.
3. DG Bradman - Average 99.94 for 6,996 runs .... :(
4. GS Chappell - Greg is often under-rated as a batsman because his career cut path with someone Viv Richards, besides he was reluctant to travel outside (never toured India, WI, only once), and often used to take off (hence ended up playing only 87 Tests in 15+ years). But, main reason is - we never recognized the best of Greg Chappell. Between 1977-79, he played about 20-25 Packer Tests against most of the best bowlers of the world and scored over 2K runs at 65+ average - may not be officially qualified, but for me those runs were more valuable than most of the Test runs in that era. An equally brilliant spin player (Ask PAK spinners of that era) and among the ATG slip fielders - he'll always be my No. 4 for Baggy Greens.
5. Allen Border - this one was the toughest, because this is the last specialist batting position and I had at least 6 others to consider - Neil Harvey, S Smith, R Ponting, Stan McCabe, S Waugh, Clem Hill. I went for the lefti and the only Aussie batsman who had to fight against the odd - for that his career encompassed those 5/6 years I mentioned and he averaged like 60 in that era, fighting almost alone. Besides, he adds a special feature in Australian cricket - a Slow left-arm orthodox spinner, hardly any found there.
6. Keith Miller - the greatest fast bowling all-rounder ever, before someone Imran Khan came. Probably the best ever Captain that Australia never got (because of his differences with some DG Bradman, a great but mean character, who always had something against KR Miller, apparently because Miller was more popular among team mates!!!!). Miller was good enough to make any contemporary Test team simply as batsman .... and then guy averaged below 23 for his fast medium bowling.
7. Gilchrist - not the best WK (I believe Hilley, Marsh, Tallon, Grout were better gloveman), but the impact that he created batting from No. 7, actually had changed the landscape of cricket. I always say, that frightening Aussies were almost unbeatable, not because of Warne, McGrath or Ponting, rather because of this guy. He was a master of batting with tail and he scored quick - countless time he had taken Aussies from a 50/50 position of say 203/5 to match winning 353, in no time - those extra 75-100 runs for last 5 wickets were killer against that team.
8. R Benaud - yes, I'll play two leggis. With Miller in the team, 4 pacers is a bit luxury unless the wicket is one-sided (Apart from WACA, every other AUS tracks, I'll always play two spinners). Apart from being a brilliant, brilliant leg-spinner, Benaud was quite a decent bat, his stats won't justify that, because guy didn't enjoy batting. He was more focused on bowling and how to get wicket (even when he wasn't captain), but no one in history counted his runs more than this guy - I had checked scored cards of his entire career of 63 Tests, that guys was made for scoring invaluable runs from No. 8/9. He retired at his prime, because he was too proud not to make the team as Captain first (though, he was only 33 when the played last Test - could have been among contenders of MoS in his last Series). And yes, he'll be my Captain - undoubtedly the greatest cricket mind that I have ever read or heard from. What little I know about cricket, lots of credit goes to this guy for his time in Channel 9, ABC commentary box and his books.
9. Warne - simply because he was Shane Warne
10. DK Lillee - may not be the greatest fast bowler that I have seen live or archived, but no one was more complete that great DK. The mentality, the fighting spirit, the commitment that he brought to the team is unparalleled - probably the toughest opponent on the cricket field along with Imran. Like Greg, his best two years were lost for WSC, where he took close to 100 wickets at around 23. His career stats were tarnished for one horror series in Pakistan, but you don't dream of a better man than DK Lille to lead your attack.
11. McGrath - The perfect, all wicket bowler - the greatest metronome. If anyone ever can be ATG in cricket filed without looking that impressive or spectacular, it has to be pigeon. I still wonder how this guy took so many wickets, bowling like a bowling machine, but I am sure the top batsmen of his era can say better. He indeed was monotonous, but I haven't seen anyone doing a repetitive task so perfectly.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12th man - this one is the toughest job - I have to choose one from about 20 cricketers (all of whom are great to ATG) to carry drinks!!!! I'll take out batsmen from this list because with Miller, Gilchrist, Benaud & Warne from 6 to 9, I'll never play 6 batsmen for Aussie XI.
I can go for all-rounders - people probably don't know much about George Giffen, Monty Noble or Jack Gregory, but they were Kallis, Kapil, Imran of their era - trust me. Then comes Davidson, for a short period Gilmore as well (before wasting himself to booze), but this team doesn't need any all-rounder - two of the greatest are already there and Warne was a border line bowling all-rounder.
I can go for a back-up spinner - Grimmet, Tiger O'reilley, Ranji Horden, McGill, Ironmonger, Miley, Trumble, Vic Saunders or Lyon... but I have already 2 in XI + Border has a Test 10 for.............

So, it has to be a fast bowler. I have about a dozen to consider from 140+ years of glorious history - from "Demon" Spofforth, Charles "Terror" Turner to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazzlewood and in between Thompson, M Johnson, Alderman, Lee, Gillespee, Mackenzie, CJ Mcdermott .... and I am sure I have missed few.

But, the two fast bowlers that really is contesting for this last spot are the current Captain - Cummins. At 18 years of age that kid debuted in SAF and I was impressed.... not for his bowling (Though he did take a 6 for), rather for his fighting spirit and boldness with bat - chasing 310, he came at 292/8 with Styen & Phillander just removed 2 batsmen with a 2/3 overs old 2nd ball, kid back drove Styen for 1st (or 2nd) ball, and then took a single of the last ball to face Phillander!!!!... did end up hitting the winning shot. I knew, that kid will lead Australia one day - though they hardly ever made fast bowlers Captain - not even DK or Mac

The other one was Raymond Russell Lindwall - to most Aussies, before some DK Lillee came on to seen, this guy was the greatest fast bowler for them .... and then guy has two Test hundreds!!!!

I'm divided between the two, but I'll go for Cummins, just because we need a representative from 21st Century. And, he'll be my Deputy - simple reason is, if I play 4 pacers, Benaud is the guy to be dropped for Cummins. And, that team has 5 other great, great Captains - Trumper, Bradman, Greg, Border & even Gilly .... I just don't want any of them to be deputy.

So, my team has 1 from pre WW I era, 1 from in between 2 WW era, 2 from 50s-60s, 3 from 70-80s, 4 from 90s-10s & 1 from 2010 or later.

To be honest, I don't like Aussie cricketers, hate might be a very harsh word, rather disgust is probably more appropriate for that they'll keep you honest in a cricket field till last drop of blood - but that doesn't stop me respecting the greatest cricket nation in world - they have produced the most number of wonderful cricketers that you might not love but must admire.
 
Everyone has made good selections.

But I find it funny some people are putting Warner at opening even though their was a massive chinta from @Devadwal 🫠
 
anikrc1 said:
In whose place? Marshall and Roberts were complete bowlers who lead the attacks, holding for the fear factor and Ambrose was similar to Garner but more likely to run through a line up
Click to expand...
Maybe in place of Holding?
 
MMHS said:
From 1876, only for like 5/6 years... Australia was not among top 2 cricket nations in world - of those 5/6, half was due to the self exiles of top 10-12 cricketers (for Packer cricket), and another one was due to rebel tour of South Africa. Point is, it's almost impossible to select top 11/12 cricketers for Australia - every generation, they had an XII with contemporary top cricketers.

Still, here are my 12 (with 12th man) - more than stats, players are chosen for their dominance/reputation during contppemporary era

1. Vic Trumper - yes, someone with a Test average just under 40. But, Vic Trumer was like what Viv Richards of 1970s during the first golden era of cricket (1900-1914). Brilliant stroke maker, a tough nut to crack and a tremendous fighter - many of his runs came when chips were down and like Viv, he used to target top opponent bowlers. Won't go to his technical ability understandably (as Jack Hobbs was the standard for batting technique of that era & I have seen some footage), but guy averaged around 40 in an era when 35+ was rare for anyone playing more than 10 Tests.
2. Hayden - we have seen him. What makes him stand out against other possible candidates (Taylor, RB Simpson, Lawry, Morris, Woodfull, Ponsford, Warner, Slatter) is his spin playing capacity for an Aussie. Besides, it's a nice left-right opening combo.
3. DG Bradman - Average 99.94 for 6,996 runs .... :(
4. GS Chappell - Greg is often under-rated as a batsman because his career cut path with someone Viv Richards, besides he was reluctant to travel outside (never toured India, WI, only once), and often used to take off (hence ended up playing only 87 Tests in 15+ years). But, main reason is - we never recognized the best of Greg Chappell. Between 1977-79, he played about 20-25 Packer Tests against most of the best bowlers of the world and scored over 2K runs at 65+ average - may not be officially qualified, but for me those runs were more valuable than most of the Test runs in that era. An equally brilliant spin player (Ask PAK spinners of that era) and among the ATG slip fielders - he'll always be my No. 4 for Baggy Greens.
5. Allen Border - this one was the toughest, because this is the last specialist batting position and I had at least 6 others to consider - Neil Harvey, S Smith, R Ponting, Stan McCabe, S Waugh, Clem Hill. I went for the lefti and the only Aussie batsman who had to fight against the odd - for that his career encompassed those 5/6 years I mentioned and he averaged like 60 in that era, fighting almost alone. Besides, he adds a special feature in Australian cricket - a Slow left-arm orthodox spinner, hardly any found there.
6. Keith Miller - the greatest fast bowling all-rounder ever, before someone Imran Khan came. Probably the best ever Captain that Australia never got (because of his differences with some DG Bradman, a great but mean character, who always had something against KR Miller, apparently because Miller was more popular among team mates!!!!). Miller was good enough to make any contemporary Test team simply as batsman .... and then guy averaged below 23 for his fast medium bowling.
7. Gilchrist - not the best WK (I believe Hilley, Marsh, Tallon, Grout were better gloveman), but the impact that he created batting from No. 7, actually had changed the landscape of cricket. I always say, that frightening Aussies were almost unbeatable, not because of Warne, McGrath or Ponting, rather because of this guy. He was a master of batting with tail and he scored quick - countless time he had taken Aussies from a 50/50 position of say 203/5 to match winning 353, in no time - those extra 75-100 runs for last 5 wickets were killer against that team.
8. R Benaud - yes, I'll play two leggis. With Miller in the team, 4 pacers is a bit luxury unless the wicket is one-sided (Apart from WACA, every other AUS tracks, I'll always play two spinners). Apart from being a brilliant, brilliant leg-spinner, Benaud was quite a decent bat, his stats won't justify that, because guy didn't enjoy batting. He was more focused on bowling and how to get wicket (even when he wasn't captain), but no one in history counted his runs more than this guy - I had checked scored cards of his entire career of 63 Tests, that guys was made for scoring invaluable runs from No. 8/9. He retired at his prime, because he was too proud not to make the team as Captain first (though, he was only 33 when the played last Test - could have been among contenders of MoS in his last Series). And yes, he'll be my Captain - undoubtedly the greatest cricket mind that I have ever read or heard from. What little I know about cricket, lots of credit goes to this guy for his time in Channel 9, ABC commentary box and his books.
9. Warne - simply because he was Shane Warne
10. DK Lillee - may not be the greatest fast bowler that I have seen live or archived, but no one was more complete that great DK. The mentality, the fighting spirit, the commitment that he brought to the team is unparalleled - probably the toughest opponent on the cricket field along with Imran. Like Greg, his best two years were lost for WSC, where he took close to 100 wickets at around 23. His career stats were tarnished for one horror series in Pakistan, but you don't dream of a better man than DK Lille to lead your attack.
11. McGrath - The perfect, all wicket bowler - the greatest metronome. If anyone ever can be ATG in cricket filed without looking that impressive or spectacular, it has to be pigeon. I still wonder how this guy took so many wickets, bowling like a bowling machine, but I am sure the top batsmen of his era can say better. He indeed was monotonous, but I haven't seen anyone doing a repetitive task so perfectly.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12th man - this one is the toughest job - I have to choose one from about 20 cricketers (all of whom are great to ATG) to carry drinks!!!! I'll take out batsmen from this list because with Miller, Gilchrist, Benaud & Warne from 6 to 9, I'll never play 6 batsmen for Aussie XI.
I can go for all-rounders - people probably don't know much about George Giffen, Monty Noble or Jack Gregory, but they were Kallis, Kapil, Imran of their era - trust me. Then comes Davidson, for a short period Gilmore as well (before wasting himself to booze), but this team doesn't need any all-rounder - two of the greatest are already there and Warne was a border line bowling all-rounder.
I can go for a back-up spinner - Grimmet, Tiger O'reilley, Ranji Horden, McGill, Ironmonger, Miley, Trumble, Vic Saunders or Lyon... but I have already 2 in XI + Border has a Test 10 for.............

So, it has to be a fast bowler. I have about a dozen to consider from 140+ years of glorious history - from "Demon" Spofforth, Charles "Terror" Turner to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazzlewood and in between Thompson, M Johnson, Alderman, Lee, Gillespee, Mackenzie, CJ Mcdermott .... and I am sure I have missed few.

But, the two fast bowlers that really is contesting for this last spot are the current Captain - Cummins. At 18 years of age that kid debuted in SAF and I was impressed.... not for his bowling (Though he did take a 6 for), rather for his fighting spirit and boldness with bat - chasing 310, he came at 292/8 with Styen & Phillander just removed 2 batsmen with a 2/3 overs old 2nd ball, kid back drove Styen for 1st (or 2nd) ball, and then took a single of the last ball to face Phillander!!!!... did end up hitting the winning shot. I knew, that kid will lead Australia one day - though they hardly ever made fast bowlers Captain - not even DK or Mac

The other one was Raymond Russell Lindwall - to most Aussies, before some DK Lillee came on to seen, this guy was the greatest fast bowler for them .... and then guy has two Test hundreds!!!!

I'm divided between the two, but I'll go for Cummins, just because we need a representative from 21st Century. And, he'll be my Deputy - simple reason is, if I play 4 pacers, Benaud is the guy to be dropped for Cummins. And, that team has 5 other great, great Captains - Trumper, Bradman, Greg, Border & even Gilly .... I just don't want any of them to be deputy.

So, my team has 1 from pre WW I era, 1 from in between 2 WW era, 2 from 50s-60s, 3 from 70-80s, 4 from 90s-10s & 1 from 2010 or later.

To be honest, I don't like Aussie cricketers, hate might be a very harsh word, rather disgust is probably more appropriate for that they'll keep you honest in a cricket field till last drop of blood - but that doesn't stop me respecting the greatest cricket nation in world - they have produced the most number of wonderful cricketers that you might not love but must admire.
Click to expand...
If you are going by reputation during the players playing era, then surely Smith has to come either in place of Chappell or Border? As both of them were only contending for the second place in their era after Richards, while Smith is far and away the best Test batsman of his era.
 
MMHS said:
From 1876, only for like 5/6 years... Australia was not among top 2 cricket nations in world - of those 5/6, half was due to the self exiles of top 10-12 cricketers (for Packer cricket), and another one was due to rebel tour of South Africa. Point is, it's almost impossible to select top 11/12 cricketers for Australia - every generation, they had an XII with contemporary top cricketers.

Still, here are my 12 (with 12th man) - more than stats, players are chosen for their dominance/reputation during contemporary era

1. Vic Trumper - yes, someone with a Test average just under 40. But, Vic Trumer was like what Viv Richards of 1970s during the first golden era of cricket (1900-1914). Brilliant stroke maker, a tough nut to crack and a tremendous fighter - many of his runs came when chips were down and like Viv, he used to target top opponent bowlers. Won't go to his technical ability understandably (as Jack Hobbs was the standard for batting technique of that era & I have seen some footage), but guy averaged around 40 in an era when 35+ was rare for anyone playing more than 10 Tests.
2. Hayden - we have seen him. What makes him stand out against other possible candidates (Taylor, RB Simpson, Lawry, Morris, Woodfull, Ponsford, Warner, Slatter) is his spin playing capacity for an Aussie. Besides, it's a nice left-right opening combo.
3. DG Bradman - Average 99.94 for 6,996 runs .... :(
4. GS Chappell - Greg is often under-rated as a batsman because his career cut path with someone Viv Richards, besides he was reluctant to travel outside (never toured India, WI, only once), and often used to take off (hence ended up playing only 87 Tests in 15+ years). But, main reason is - we never recognized the best of Greg Chappell. Between 1977-79, he played about 20-25 Packer Tests against most of the best bowlers of the world and scored over 2K runs at 65+ average - may not be officially qualified, but for me those runs were more valuable than most of the Test runs in that era. An equally brilliant spin player (Ask PAK spinners of that era) and among the ATG slip fielders - he'll always be my No. 4 for Baggy Greens.
5. Allen Border - this one was the toughest, because this is the last specialist batting position and I had at least 6 others to consider - Neil Harvey, S Smith, R Ponting, Stan McCabe, S Waugh, Clem Hill. I went for the lefti and the only Aussie batsman who had to fight against the odd - for that his career encompassed those 5/6 years I mentioned and he averaged like 60 in that era, fighting almost alone. Besides, he adds a special feature in Australian cricket - a Slow left-arm orthodox spinner, hardly any found there.
6. Keith Miller - the greatest fast bowling all-rounder ever, before someone Imran Khan came. Probably the best ever Captain that Australia never got (because of his differences with some DG Bradman, a great but mean character, who always had something against KR Miller, apparently because Miller was more popular among team mates!!!!). Miller was good enough to make any contemporary Test team simply as batsman .... and then guy averaged below 23 for his fast medium bowling.
7. Gilchrist - not the best WK (I believe Hilley, Marsh, Tallon, Grout were better gloveman), but the impact that he created batting from No. 7, actually had changed the landscape of cricket. I always say, that frightening Aussies were almost unbeatable, not because of Warne, McGrath or Ponting, rather because of this guy. He was a master of batting with tail and he scored quick - countless time he had taken Aussies from a 50/50 position of say 203/5 to match winning 353, in no time - those extra 75-100 runs for last 5 wickets were killer against that team.
8. R Benaud - yes, I'll play two leggis. With Miller in the team, 4 pacers is a bit luxury unless the wicket is one-sided (Apart from WACA, every other AUS tracks, I'll always play two spinners). Apart from being a brilliant, brilliant leg-spinner, Benaud was quite a decent bat, his stats won't justify that, because guy didn't enjoy batting. He was more focused on bowling and how to get wicket (even when he wasn't captain), but no one in history counted his runs more than this guy - I had checked scored cards of his entire career of 63 Tests, that guys was made for scoring invaluable runs from No. 8/9. He retired at his prime, because he was too proud not to make the team as Captain first (though, he was only 33 when the played last Test - could have been among contenders of MoS in his last Series). And yes, he'll be my Captain - undoubtedly the greatest cricket mind that I have ever read or heard from. What little I know about cricket, lots of credit goes to this guy for his time in Channel 9, ABC commentary box and his books.
9. Warne - simply because he was Shane Warne
10. DK Lillee - may not be the greatest fast bowler that I have seen live or archived, but no one was more complete that great DK. The mentality, the fighting spirit, the commitment that he brought to the team is unparalleled - probably the toughest opponent on the cricket field along with Imran. Like Greg, his best two years were lost for WSC, where he took close to 100 wickets at around 23. His career stats were tarnished for one horror series in Pakistan, but you don't dream of a better man than DK Lille to lead your attack.
11. McGrath - The perfect, all wicket bowler - the greatest metronome. If anyone ever can be ATG in cricket filed without looking that impressive or spectacular, it has to be pigeon. I still wonder how this guy took so many wickets, bowling like a bowling machine, but I am sure the top batsmen of his era can say better. He indeed was monotonous, but I haven't seen anyone doing a repetitive task so perfectly.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12th man - this one is the toughest job - I have to choose one from about 20 cricketers (all of whom are great to ATG) to carry drinks!!!! I'll take out batsmen from this list because with Miller, Gilchrist, Benaud & Warne from 6 to 9, I'll never play 6 batsmen for Aussie XI.
I can go for all-rounders - people probably don't know much about George Giffen, Monty Noble or Jack Gregory, but they were Kallis, Kapil, Imran of their era - trust me. Then comes Davidson, for a short period Gilmore as well (before wasting himself to booze), but this team doesn't need any all-rounder - two of the greatest are already there and Warne was a border line bowling all-rounder.
I can go for a back-up spinner - Grimmet, Tiger O'reilley, Ranji Horden, McGill, Ironmonger, Miley, Trumble, Vic Saunders or Lyon... but I have already 2 in XI + Border has a Test 10 for.............

So, it has to be a fast bowler. I have about a dozen to consider from 140+ years of glorious history - from "Demon" Spofforth, Charles "Terror" Turner to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazzlewood and in between Thompson, M Johnson, Alderman, Lee, Gillespee, Mackenzie, CJ Mcdermott .... and I am sure I have missed few.

But, the two fast bowlers that really is contesting for this last spot are the current Captain - Cummins. At 18 years of age that kid debuted in SAF and I was impressed.... not for his bowling (Though he did take a 6 for), rather for his fighting spirit and boldness with bat - chasing 310, he came at 292/8 with Styen & Phillander just removed 2 batsmen with a 2/3 overs old 2nd ball, kid back drove Styen for 1st (or 2nd) ball, and then took a single of the last ball to face Phillander!!!!... did end up hitting the winning shot. I knew, that kid will lead Australia one day - though they hardly ever made fast bowlers Captain - not even DK or Mac

The other one was Raymond Russell Lindwall - to most Aussies, before some DK Lillee came on to seen, this guy was the greatest fast bowler for them .... and then guy has two Test hundreds!!!!

I'm divided between the two, but I'll go for Cummins, just because we need a representative from 21st Century. And, he'll be my Deputy - simple reason is, if I play 4 pacers, Benaud is the guy to be dropped for Cummins. And, that team has 5 other great, great Captains - Trumper, Bradman, Greg, Border & even Gilly .... I just don't want any of them to be deputy.

So, my team has 1 from pre WW I era, 1 from in between 2 WW era, 2 from 50s-60s, 3 from 70-80s, 4 from 90s-10s & 1 from 2010 or later.

To be honest, I don't like Aussie cricketers, hate might be a very harsh word, rather disgust is probably more appropriate for that they'll keep you honest in a cricket field till last drop of blood - but that doesn't stop me respecting the greatest cricket nation in world - they have produced the most number of wonderful cricketers that you might not love but must admire.
Click to expand...

Fantastic selections and description. I would say, standing out in your era is very important and you listed that as well. Some spot for Smith probably here, he is clearly best of his era. Anyway, very strong XI.

Your line up has,

Trumper
Hayden
Bradman
Chappell
Border
Miller
Gilchrist
Benaud
Warne
Lillee
Mcgrath
----
12th man - Cummin
 
Between Smith & Border, I still am not sure - Border scores more point for his bowling and being lefti, but he wasn't the best player in his era (not sure if he ever was No. 1 in ranking), where as Smith is almost certainly they best Test player (batsman) for 2010-20 decade for most.

I don't mind picking Smith over Border, but takes the bowling option & lefti of of middle order. Ideally, Smith could have found his way at 4, keeping AB at 5, but I'll keep Greg at 4 - probably the most complete right-hander ever for No. 4.
 
Haydon
Bradman
Ponting
Smith
Chappel
Border
Gilchrist
Cummings
Warne
Lille
Mcgrath
 
shamaan said:
Haydon
Bradman
Ponting
Smith
Chappel
Border
Gilchrist
Cummings
Warne
Lille
Mcgrath
Click to expand...
A very strong team, but I think Aus all time XI shouldn't be having a non-opener as an opener.
 
Australia 2000s test XI( performance wise):-

Hayden
Langer
Ponting
Smith
Clarke
Hussey
Gilchrist(wkt)
Cummins
Warne
Starc
McGrath
 
Ab Fan said:
Australia 2000s test XI( performance wise):-

Hayden
Langer
Ponting
Smith
Clarke
Hussey
Gilchrist(wkt)
Cummins
Warne
Starc
McGrath
Click to expand...
A very strong XI. It should be based on performance anyway.
 
Bobby Simpson
Arthur Morris
Don Bradman
Greg Chappel
Alan Border
Adam Gilchrist
Richie Benaud
Alan Davidson
Shane Warne
Glen McGrath
Dennis Lilee
 
NishanKonar said:
Bobby Simpson
Arthur Morris
Don Bradman
Greg Chappel
Alan Border
Adam Gilchrist
Richie Benaud
Alan Davidson
Shane Warne
Glen McGrath
Dennis Lilee
Click to expand...
Solid line up. May be add Miller somewhere to beef up pace unit?
 
Bob Simpson
Matthew Hayden
Ricky Ponting
Don Bradman
Greg Chapell
A. GilChrist
K. Miller
A. Davidson
Shane Warne
Lillie
Macgrath

This is My XI of Australia in Australian Conditions.
 
Aussies second greatest Atg lineup would be as good as their best starting 11.

Still won't beat West indies ATG team though.
 
kron said:
Aussies second greatest Atg lineup would be as good as their best starting 11.

Still won't beat West indies ATG team though.
Click to expand...
The presence of Bradman will ensure that Aussie will beat any ATG team, having Bradman is like having Veto rights.
 
Buffet said:
Solid line up. May be add Miller somewhere to beef up pace unit?
Click to expand...
Was caught up in 2 minds between Keith Miller & Alan Davidson. Think Davidson with his left arm pace & swing will bring better variation in the pace attack along side Lillee & McGrath

But on pitches like Perth , Gabba , Durban, Leeds - wont mind dropping Benaud for Keith Miller !
 
kron said:
Aussies second greatest Atg lineup would be as good as their best starting 11.

Still won't beat West indies ATG team though.
Click to expand...
It would be a fight of the century. Bradman is the one making the difference
 
kron said:
He would easily slide in.
Complete bowler. He would be amongst the best bowlers in any era.
Click to expand...
Naah. He was just a tidy support bowler who had good stats bcoz he bowled alongside Marshall / Roberts / Holding. Like Gillespie benefitted from bowling alongside McGrath & Warne

My pace attack for all time XI for West Indies - Marshall / Roberts / Ambrose / Holding
 
NishanKonar said:
Naah. He was just a tidy support bowler who had good stats bcoz he bowled alongside Marshall / Roberts / Holding. Like Gillespie benefitted from bowling alongside McGrath & Warne

My pace attack for all time XI for West Indies - Marshall / Roberts / Ambrose / Holding
Click to expand...
Lol he barely got hit. He would trouble any batsman. His strength his accuracy bounce and channel balls. He would easily be amongst the best bowlers in any era. But other 4 are just as good. So got no problem with that either.
 
kron said:
Lol he barely got hit. He would trouble any batsman. His strength his accuracy bounce and channel balls. He would easily be amongst the best bowlers in any era. But other 4 are just as good. So got no problem with that either.
Click to expand...
Garner was essentially support bowler - like Gillespie / Morkel / Hazelwood. Never a strike bowler
 
kron said:
Little midget bradman would get bamboozled by west indies quartet.
Click to expand...
Mate I already told you, he dealt with Larwood in an era with crap bats and crap equipment and horrible minefield pitches.

The only benefit of the doubt ill give is that at the end of the day these are all stories so they could just be folklore.

For example Larwood consistently bowling at 160KPH and crossing to 170 as written in books might just be folklore, it is impossible to tell how fast he with those horrible camera angles and rubbish footage.

Similarly bradman might just he bang average as quality of bowlers may just he truly rubbish in his era.

All bradman has is rubbish footage and statements.

But I do know one thing. If every single player in that era is claiming Larwood could bowl 160kph to 170kph both English and Aussies and if every player from that era is claiming bradman as the goat and just being 100x superior to anyone in said era

Then their has to he some validity even if we have no footage beyond rubbish 144 pixel angles.
 
Justcrazy said:
Bob Simpson
Matthew Hayden
Ricky Ponting
Don Bradman
Greg Chapell
A. GilChrist
K. Miller
A. Davidson
Shane Warne
Lillie
Macgrath

This is My XI of Australia in Australian Conditions.
Click to expand...
How about having it for all conditions? Making for just home condition is easier job I think for most countries.
 
NishanKonar said:
Garner was essentially support bowler - like Gillespie / Morkel / Hazelwood. Never a strike bowler
Click to expand...
He is so good that he can do that too. Complete bowler.

They also had croft and a few others I am missing. He'll Ambrose along with Marshall holding and Roberts or Garner is just as good.

Any of them 5 or 6 players would wreak havoc vs any team. They are the goat side.
 
NishanKonar said:
Was caught up in 2 minds between Keith Miller & Alan Davidson. Think Davidson with his left arm pace & swing will bring better variation in the pace attack along side Lillee & McGrath

But on pitches like Perth , Gabba , Durban, Leeds - wont mind dropping Benaud for Keith Miller !
Click to expand...
I was more thinking about letting one batsman go, put Davidson and Miller both, but it's a tough choice.
 
mominsaigol said:
Mate I already told you, he dealt with Larwood in an era with crap bats and crap equipment and horrible minefield pitches.

The only benefit of the doubt ill give is that at the end of the day these are all stories so they could just be folklore.

For example Larwood consistently bowling at 160KPH and crossing to 170 as written in books might just be folklore, it is impossible to tell how fast he with those horrible camera angles and rubbish footage.

Similarly bradman might just he bang average as quality of bowlers may just he truly rubbish in his era.

All bradman has is rubbish footage and statements.

But I do know one thing. If every single player in that era is claiming Larwood could bowl 160kph to 170kph both English and Aussies and if every player from that era is claiming bradman as the goat and just being 100x superior to anyone in said era

Then their has to he some validity even if we have no footage beyond rubbish 144 pixel angles.
Click to expand...
I an just mucking around. Who knows man. Bradman might be the best ever or not. But yea west indies qurarte is the goat bowling attack. They would destroy anyone. It's like have 4 mcgrath quality bowlers. 2 of them can bat too.
 
Buffet said:
I was more thinking about letting one batsman go, put Davidson and Miller both, but it's a tough choice.
Click to expand...
Alan Davidson has to be there. Underrated high quality player. Phenomenal bowler.
 
Buffet said:
What will be yours all time XI for Aus?
Click to expand...
Same as yours. It's perfect. I would just have bowling inclusive of Davidson cummins mcgrath

Drop lillee.

I want to know what tour indian batting unit would be for an atg team
 
kron said:
Same as yours. It's perfect. I would just have bowling inclusive of Davidson cummins mcgrath

Drop lillee.

I want to know what tour indian batting unit would be for an atg team
Click to expand...
Yah, Putting Davidson will work as well. McGrath, Cummins, Miller and Davidson will be a fine pace unit with variations. Davidson is probably the second best lefty pacer after Wasim.

For Indian batting line up for all conditions, I will start with outside Asia performance because in Asia India all time batting will be pretty strong anyway. There are not too many batsmen with 40 plus avg outside Asia with decent number of tons. SRT, Dravid, Gavaskar, VVS, Kohli and Amarnath. Pant will surely make it. In Asian conditions, you add Sehwag for sure, probably the best batsman in Asian conditions. Options are Gavaskar, Sehwag, Dravid, SRT, VVS, Kohli, Amarnath, Pant .. I am not sure who else can make the cut so options are not that many. If Jaiswal can go big outside Asia then he may replace Sehwag in future. Just quick thoughts on this.
 
Buffet said:
Yah, Putting Davidson will work as well. McGrath, Cummins, Miller and Davidson will be a fine pace unit with variations. Davidson is probably the second best lefty pacer after Wasim.

For Indian batting line up for all conditions, I will start with outside Asia performance because in Asia India all time batting will be pretty strong anyway. There are not too many batsmen with 40 plus avg outside Asia with decent number of tons. SRT, Dravid, Gavaskar, VVS, Kohli and Amarnath. Pant will surely make it. In Asian conditions, you add Sehwag for sure, probably the best batsman in Asian conditions. Options are Gavaskar, Sehwag, Dravid, SRT, VVS, Kohli, Amarnath, Pant .. I am not sure who else can make the cut so options are not that many. If Jaiswal can go big outside Asia then he may replace Sehwag in future. Just quick thoughts on this.
Click to expand...
Merchant
Hazare
Laxman
Should get a shout too.
 
mominsaigol said:
Mate I already told you, he dealt with Larwood in an era with crap bats and crap equipment and horrible minefield pitches.

The only benefit of the doubt ill give is that at the end of the day these are all stories so they could just be folklore.

For example Larwood consistently bowling at 160KPH and crossing to 170 as written in books might just be folklore, it is impossible to tell how fast he with those horrible camera angles and rubbish footage.

Similarly bradman might just he bang average as quality of bowlers may just he truly rubbish in his era.

All bradman has is rubbish footage and statements.

But I do know one thing. If every single player in that era is claiming Larwood could bowl 160kph to 170kph both English and Aussies and if every player from that era is claiming bradman as the goat and just being 100x superior to anyone in said era

Then their has to he some validity even if we have no footage beyond rubbish 144 pixel angles.
Click to expand...
Naah. Harold Larwood was a 135 kph

But again sport is relative. every sport has advanced in terms of power & pace. Example Jesse Owens won 4 golds at 1936 Olympics but his timings wud not even allow him to qualify for Paris Olympics

Does that mean Jesse Owens was an average athlete. No he was best of his era. pretty sure if Jesse Owens ws alive today & competing - he wud have been gold medal contender

This applies for all greats - Pele / Rod Laver / Ali / Babe Ruth / Garry Sobers
 
NishanKonar said:
Naah. Harold Larwood was a 135 kph

But again sport is relative. every sport has advanced in terms of power & pace. Example Jesse Owens won 4 golds at 1936 Olympics but his timings wud not even allow him to qualify for Paris Olympics

Does that mean Jesse Owens was an average athlete. No he was best of his era. pretty sure if Jesse Owens ws alive today & competing - he wud have been gold medal contender

This applies for all greats - Pele / Rod Laver / Ali / Babe Ruth / Garry Sobers
Click to expand...
How do you know Larwood was 135kph? Are you god?
 
mominsaigol said:
How do you know Larwood was 135kph? Are you god?
Click to expand...
Lol

I am mechanical engineer by training. U don't need to be god to watch a video of say Hardik Pandya or Hasan Ali to know what pace they bowl at. Surely not 150 kph

Same for Harold Larwood. There are enough videos of Larwood available. Anybody with decent knowledge of Newton's laws of mechanics can guesstimate his average pace from those videos. It should not be anything more than 135 kph

ps Don Bradman i an interview once said Larwood was scary bcoz they never faced anybody bowl at 85 mph before. Guess what 85 mph is - somewhere around 135 kph
 
NishanKonar said:
Lol

I am mechanical engineer by training. U don't need to be god to watch a video of say Hardik Pandya or Hasan Ali to know what pace they bowl at. Surely not 150 kph

Same for Harold Larwood. There are enough videos of Larwood available. Anybody with decent knowledge of Newton's laws of mechanics can guesstimate his average pace from those videos. It should not be anything more than 135 kph

ps Don Bradman i an interview once said Larwood was scary bcoz they never faced anybody bowl at 85 mph before. Guess what 85 mph is - somewhere around 135 kph
Click to expand...
Bradman never once said that. I read the book and even showcased clearly it was 95 to 100mph with it being debated to be faster.

What does mechanical engineering have anything to do with rubbish video quality?Only mechanical engineer I like is the horror movie villian jigsaw because every other mechanical engineer in fiction is portrayed to be cringe like bob the builder.

As for the videos, I've seen them myself, their rubbish quality. You can't determine anything. Literally nothing.
 
mominsaigol said:
Bradman never once said that. I read the book and even showcased clearly it was 95 to 100mph with it being debated to be faster.

What does mechanical engineering have anything to do with rubbish video quality?Only mechanical engineer I like is the horror movie villian jigsaw because every other mechanical engineer in fiction is portrayed to be cringe like bob the builder.

As for the videos, I've seen them myself, their rubbish quality. You can't determine anything. Literally nothing.
Click to expand...
Look if thats what u want to believe - thats fine

Anyways this topic has been discussed & debated in the past. U were probably not active then - so u missed out on those discussions. U can probably search those threads
 
Buffet said:
How about having it for all conditions? Making for just home condition is easier job I think for most countries.
Click to expand...

Not possible , for Sub continent you will have more spin options , also try and look for better players of spin.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Unbiased-Fan
Australia's 2nd All Time Test XI is better than most of team's regular All Time XI.
Replies
14
Views
978
Ab Fan
Ab Fan
MenInG
"If you want to beat Australia, just follow this plan..." : Greg Chappell
Replies
23
Views
1K
Shaheenthefalcon
S
Ab Fan
Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble or Ravindra Jadeja - Pick two names for an Indian all time Test XI
Replies
52
Views
1K
jnaveen1980
J
MenInG
Australia (575/8d) defeat South Africa (189 & 204) by an innings & 182 runs to win the 2nd Test
2 3
Replies
161
Views
7K
Gilly
G
MenInG
"History tells us that Pakistan over-promise and under-deliver": Greg Chappell
Replies
77
Views
2K
cricketAXEpert
C
Back
Top