As Stephen A would say, it's fluid. But for at least today and a change up....
ATG XI
Sir Leonard Hutton - Not the greatest opener ever, that goes to Hobbs, but he faced much more modern, better and varied attacks, and in more counties. His s/r? In a team such as this, he's the exception not the rule and he would act as the anchor for the lineup. Of all his accomplishments, his greatest one may have been breaking Bradman's record against O'Reilly with the great man starring him down.
Barry Richards - Likely the highest peer rated opener of all time outside of Hobbs, and like the Master, he combined technical correctness with aggressive scoring unlike any other. He's the perfect compliment to Hutton, the one who will set the tone for the innings and a first rate slip fielder.
Sir Donald Bradman - 99.94. No he didn't play in the toughest or most challenging of eras or against the highest levels of competition, and yes he only played in two countries. But 99.94. His average in bodyline is still higher that that of most batsmen and the levels of concentration and skill required to do what he did would always lead to him being recognized as the GOAT. He would captain the team.
Sir I.V.A. Richards - The master blaster, he was arguably the greatest ever player of fast bowling, and could change the course of a match in a session. He dominated in what was the toughest era for batting, and helmet-less at that. His peak is beaten only by Bradman's and comprised of performances against some of the greatest bowlers of all time, and least we forget, WSC. He was also a brilliant fielder, arguably the best of his era and brilliant at third slip.
Sachin Tendulkar - All the records are his, and will likely never be broken. His longevity, consistency, and well rounded record paired to his technical skills all but assures him of a place in this team. Like Viv he played against some of the greatest fast bowlers of his and any era but also dominated the two greatest spinners of all time.
Sir Garfield Sobers - He was the greatest all round cricketer the game has ever seen. He was a top five, if for me, top three batsman of all time. He was one of the greatest players ever of fast bowling and also dominant vs spin, and did both vs some of the greatest ever. He was easily the most versatile, and the greatest relief bowler of all time, having the quality to at times, open the bowling. He was an ATG in the cordon, manning the critical 2nd slip position, but also a magnificent catcher and fielder everywhere close to the wicket.
Adam Gilchrist - He forever changed his position, and was a cheat code for one of the greatest teams ever. He kept brilliantly to McGrath, but especially and critically to Warne and McGill. He didn't just score, he destroyed teams, and quickly, setting up victories by giving his attack more time to bowl out the opposition. His catching and stumping didn't hurt either.
Imran Khan - No my views on his bowling hasn't changed, and his away record had questions, but he was as far above the other bowling all rounders as Gilly is for keepers. He was a pioneer of reverse swing, that brings an added dimension to the old ball attack. His lower order batting factors in as well, and he was capable of dropping anchor or launching an attack.
Malcolm Marshall - The greatest bowler the game has seen. He possessed express pace, could swing the ball both ways and developed the cutter later in his career. He dominated on pitches rolled out to neutralize him and tested your will and safety in addition to your technique. To quote, he had all the tools and knew when and where to use them. He was also a useful lower order bat, who never matched his potential.
Shane Warne - No he didn't revive nor save leg spin, but he sure as hell perfected it. He paired with McGrath to form possible the greatest and definely the most tenured and productive bowling duo of all time, launching Australia to one of the greatest teams ever. His introduction to the ashes was the stuff of legend and a precursor of his career. He too was a more than useful lower order bat.
Glenn McGrath - He was the best player and spearhead of one of the greatest teams ever. He was his best against the very best, and he faced some of the greatest ever. He possessed unequalled accuracy and subtle seam movement, transitioning from the bowler era of the 90's to the flat era with no drop in quality, utilizing his prevision and bounce to his advantage. He's the perfect compliment for Maco, and with two bowlers from the '80's, one from the modern era is a must, though he probably is regardless.
Sir Leonard Hutton
Barry Richards^
Sir Donald Bradman (c)
Sir I.V.A. Richards^
Sachin Tendulkar
Sir Garfield Sobers^(5)
Adam Gilchrist +
Imran Khan (3)
Malcolm Marshall (1)
Shane Warne (4)
Glenn McGrath (2)
www.espncricinfo.com
