South Africa legend Hashim Amla reveals his best ever Test XI; no room for Virat Kohli and Joe Root
Ancient South Africa super hitter Hashim Amla revealed his all-time Test XI, and the selection sparked much debate among cricket fans. In a surprising decision, Amla chose not to include modern-day giants such as Virat Kohli, Joe Racine, Steve SmithOr Kane Williamson. Instead, he loaded his roster with legendary names from the late 1990s and 2000s, alongside some of his former teammates.
Hashim Amla picks his ultimate World Test XI of all time without Virat Kohli or Joe Root
Speaking on Beard before the wicket podcast, Amla’s first order begins with his former South African captain Graeme Smith And Australia central Matthew Hayden as openers. Smith, one of the most successful Test captains in history, has amassed 9,265 runs, including 9,030 as an opener. Hayden, feared for his aggressive batting, finished with 8,265 runs at an average of 50.73 from 103 Tests.
At No. 3, Amla opted for Indiait’s the “Wall”, Rahul Dravidwho completed 13,288 tests, including 10,524 at first drop with an average of 52.88. Ricky Pontingthe former Australian captain and third highest scorer in Test history with 13,378 runs, takes 4th place.
In a slight shake-up from their usual batting positions, Amla named his former Proteas teammate Jacques Kallis at No. 5. While Kallis often featured in the top four, his versatility and record of 13,289 runs, along with 292 wickets, made him a perfect middle-order option. Surprisingly, Sachin Tendulkar, Test cricket’s top scorer with 15,921 runs, was ranked No. 6, although he excelled at No. 4 throughout his career.
Wicketkeeping duties fall to another South African, AB de Villiersa destructive hitter with 8,765 tests. His ability to adapt to various situations and add balance to the team has earned him a nod over more traditional goalies.
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Balanced bowling attack led by legends
Amla’s bowling unit is as formidable as the batting order, with two all-time great spinners and two formidable bowlers. Muttiah Muralitharanthe leading wicket-taker in Test history with 800 scalps, joins hands with Shane Warnethe Australian spin wizard who took 708 wickets, giving the team phenomenal variety in the spin department.
The rapid attack is led by Australia Glenn McGrathwidely regarded as one of the most accurate quicks ever, taking 563 wickets at an average of 21.64. It is joined by South Africa Dale Steynwhose raw pace and swing earned him 439 wickets in just 93 Tests, making him one of the deadliest fast bowlers of his era.
Leaving aside dominant contemporary players like Kohli and Root, Amla has clearly leaned towards cricketers who, in his eyes, have left an indelible mark over a long period of time. The team combines power, technique and match-winning ability, creating what he considers to be the ultimate Test match combination.
Hashim Amla’s All-Time Test XI:
Graeme Smith, Matthew Hayden, Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Sachin TendulkarAB de Villiers (week), A Book of Stings, Dale of Stes, Muralitan Muralitan, Glenn McGrath
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