Matt Hayden
most dominating opening batsman we've ever had. may not have the best of techniques but hits the ball long and hard and scores loads of runs. been doing it for too long now to still be nit picking about his batting style
Bill Ponsford
probably the toughest position to name given any of Lawry, Simpson, Morris or Woodfull could take the role...
Don Bradman
guy at the pub told me he could bat so i'm just trusting him
Ricky Ponting
he's just a freak. will likely have legimate claims for an All Time XI by the time his career ends.
Greg Chappell
Between Ponting, and a host of other middle order batsman (S Waugh, Border, Harvey, Walters, Hassett etc,.) there is one standout in Greg Chappell. The emergence of Ponting at least means there is no tough decision about a number 5 battle between the aforementioned batsman.
Keith Miller
In the best 2 or 3 bowling all rounders of all time IMO. Another easy selection. Have him at 6 rather than Gilchrist even though AG is a better batsman. This is because Gilly bats at 7 regularly, while Miller regularly bats in the top or middle order. Its just a matter of keeping them where they're comfortable
Adam Gilchrist
Best keep-batsman we've had fullstop.
Shane Warne
the great leg spinner. i actually don't rate him as our best ever leg spinner (he's batting number 10). but still has to be in the team. Keith Miller allows two spinning options.
Dennis Lillee
Picks himself really
Bill O'Reilly
i rate him the best spinner ever. he's record speaks for itself at all levels, and the antidotes from the time as well as the very old grainy vision shows a man in complete control. from what i reckon, does everything warne does, but faster through the air, which accounts for his better record IMO
Glen McGrath
along with Lillee they stand out at the top IMO as our two best quicks.
I reckon its a pretty easy team to pick. there's one standout opener, three standout middle orders bats, one all rounder and keeper, and two standouts spinners and keepers.... basically i reckon there are 10 players that stick out above everyone. Only the second opener position was debated in my head.
a second XI team however we create massive debate, as there are at least 4 openers, about 8 or 9 middle orders bats, three keepers, and a number of bowlers including a couple of bowling all round options - Davidson and, to a lesser extent, Lindwall. Both could make it as bowlers in their own right anyway. Probably would. The only certain selection IMO is Clarrie Grimmet as the spinner.
