So my views have also evolved somewhat as well over the years.
First of all, I think that there are 2 types of ATG XI. An honorary one, and a practical one, where we can go back in time and select a team that we would choose a team to represent up vs the Martians. And even that team may vary a bit in different conditions, Murali in for a pacer if playing in India for example.
The 1st such XI varies little from person to person.
Sir Jack Hobbs
Sir Leonard Hutton
Sir Donald Bradman
Sir I.V.A. Richards
Sachin Tendulkar
Sir Garfield Sobers
Adam Gilchrist
Imran Khan
Malcolm Marshall
Shane Warne
Glenn McGrath
You have the 5 Wisden cricketers of the century, Gilly changed the standard of expectations for his position, and kept to 2 members of the attack with distinction. The sheer weight of numbers for McGrath and Tendulkar are just too much to ignore. Marshall for me was just the best, had it all, could do it all, and did it every where and against everyone. Hutton was just amazing on both sides of the war and had so much to overcome and he did it with perfect technique and determination.
A team i would choose to take on the Martians, that's when it would become a bit more contentious and subjective.
Barry Richards
Len Hutton
Don Bradman
Garry Sobers
Adam Gilchrist
Malcolm Marshall
Shane Warne
Glenn McGrath
The other slots, even in my mind requires some additional discussion. From watching even more cricket of late, one sees it not just about the best 11 batsmen and bowlers, it's also about team balance. A batsman or 2 who can bowl, at least to hold up an end, keeping it tight or breaking up a partnership. The current test series also reminded me of the importance of a great cordon (especially 2nd slip), especially in this hypothetical highest of levels. Finally, while not necessarily needing bowling all rounders, at least your no. 8 and 9 should be able to handle a bat.
For my middle order, one slot must go to either Richards or Tendulkar, possibly even both. But part of me wants a special "3" way player. A supreme batsman equal to or just below the two previously named; a superb slip fielder to join Sobers (my 2nd slip) in 1st; and someone who can also assist or suoerceed Sir Garry as a 5th bowler, especially if two spinners are utilised.
An initial thought went to Bobby Simpson, but he was best as an opener and if anyone could replace the two named it would be Sunny. So the three in contention for me would be.
Wally Hammond, Greg Chappel or Jacques Kallis. If I rank them as batsman, it's near impossible to separate them. An argument can be made for any. As slip fielders, Kallis (As with his batting and bowling) was reliably safe, the other 2 though were just absolutely special. As bowlers Jacques is slightly ahead of the other 2. One will make the squad and possibly the 11. Because he would be best suited to come on first or second change if required, belive it has to be Kallis.
My only other difficult choice is the no. 8 holding all rounder / possible second spinner choice. The second spinner woukd of course be Murali. The allrondwr slot is more difficult.
With Glenn and Maco sharing the new ball, an old ball specialist would be ideal. Wasim Akram fills that role and as a legit bowling all rounder better than any. His lefty variation is also a plus. My contentious alternative is Mike Proctor. He was in my mind the greatest legitimate bowling allrounder who never got the chance to prove it. He was a legitimate front line bowler (unlike Miller) and consistently a borderline front batsman (more so than Imran imo). But because the person selected would be handling the older ball in marathon spells with Warne, and because he was (despite previously discussed short comings) a magician and A legit lower order batsman, I will start with Akram.
So.. The base XI
Barry Richards
Sir Leonard Hutton
Sir Donald Bradman
Sir I.V.A Richards
Sachin Tendulkar
Sir Garfield Sobers
Adam Gilchrist
Wasim Akram
Malcolm Marshall
Shane Warne
Glenn McGrath
Jacques Kallis
Barry was just recognised by all who saw him as just the best. Lillee ranks him with Sobers and his Caribbean namesake. He has to play.
I am a still a little concerned about the cordon, but Viv, Barry and Shane should be good enough surrounding Sobers.
The alternate 11 for spimning conditions.
Barry Richards
Len Hutton
Don Bradman
Garry Sobers
Sachin Tendulkar
Jacques Kallis
Allan Knott
Malcolm Marshall
Shane Warne
Muttiah Muralitharan
Glenn McGrath
Mike Proctor
Yeah. The tail there is a bit long and may require Gilchrist again, depending on how he handles Murali in practice.
The rest of the squad not so far listed
Sunil Gavaskar
Brian Lara
Dennis Lillee
The last two being on alert if required.
The forums though are welcome.
