The best left-handed Test XI in the modern era

Fast Bowlers - Mitchell Johnson and Trent Boult

Spinner - Rangana Herath

Mitchell Johnson on his day would be the most threatening bowler to face. He had the pace and his primary skill was to bowl short-pitched stuff to terrorize the batsman. After denting the batsman's psyche and pushing him on the backfoot, Johnson would pitch it up and produce the nick. The way he terrorized the Englishmen in 2013 Ashes was unbelievable to watch. He loved a fight on the field and would usually go and rile up oppositions best batsman, and trouble him with short-pitched stuff.

Career record: Mitchell Johnson

Trent Boult is one of the finest left-arm swing bowlers in the modern era. He has an easy action and bowls consistently at 140 kph. If the pitch is green, Boult would be a dangerous proponent considering his skill of swinging it both ways with the new ball. Boult like Akram has a good yorker and bowls it accurately targeting the base of off stump. Boult has been one of the leading wicket-takers for New Zealand and he will shatter a few more records in the years to come.

Career record: Trent Boult

Rangana Herath, the wily old islander spent most of his career in the shadow of the great Muralitharan. He became Sri Lanka's most potent weapon after Murali's retirement. Herath was very accurate with his length and use his variations subtly. He had an arm-ball, a slider, and his stock delivery was the one which would spin away from the right-handers. Herath bowled some memorable spells and troubled all visiting batsman. Herath became the only left-arm spinner to pick up 400 Test wickets. Truly a gentleman of the sport!

Career record: Rangana Hearth