Unbeatable Test XI consisting of All-Rounders

There have been numerous Test-XI chosen by cricket players, journalists, and cricket pundits in recent times. All of them had the traditional method of team selection i.e. five batsmen, one all-rounder, one wicket-keeper and four bowlers. There were few variations to this combination, but the essence of team selection remained the same.

This team consists of 11 all-rounders who were a dominant force in their side when they played. Such a team would be a dream-team for any side for the sheer skill they would bring to the table in terms of bowling, batting, and wicket-keeping.

Let us look at the team composition.

Openers

#1 Tillakaratne Dilshan (wicket-keeper)

Sri Lanka v Scotland - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

Tillakaratne Dilshan was a decent all-rounder who could also do wicket-keeping when required. He opened the innings for Sri Lanka and excelled with the bat. Dilshan played 87 Test matches and scored 5492 runs at an average of 40.98. He also took 39 wickets as an off-break bowler.

Dilshan was known for his timing and wristy strokeplay. Like Virender Sehwag, he was an attacking batsman who could plunder any bowling attack. As an off-break bowler, he bowled several variations like the floater and the faster-one.

Dilshan had the knack of picking wickets when it mattered the most.

#2 Vinoo Mankad

Vinoo Mankad was the first all-rounder produced by India. He was known for his immense concentration and impeccable defense. He was a natural batsman who did not believe much in the technical aspects of the batting. Mankad was a slow left-arm orthodox bowler with ample variations.

He played 44 Test matches and scored 2109 runs at an average of 31.47. This comprised five centuries and six half-centuries. He also took 162 wickets at an average of 32.32.

The term "Mankaded" in cricket is derived from the last name of Vinoo Mankad.

Middle Order

#3 Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis is one of the modern day greats and had enviable batting and bowling record. He was a colossus in the game of cricket, admired greatly for his on-field and off-field demeanour.

Kallis made his debut in 1995 and played his last Test match against India in 2013. Overall, he played 166 Test matches and scored 13289 runs at an average of 55.37. This included 45 hundreds and 58 fifties. With the ball, he was splendid in both speed and skill. Kallis took 292 wickets at an average of 32.65.

Besides being a genuine all-rounder, he was a great slip catcher who made a difficult catch look like a regulation one.

#4 Gary Sobers

Gary Sobers was a genius who excelled at all aspects of the game. He was a fantastic batsman who could plunder any bowling attack. As a bowler, he bowled fast, and at times as a chinaman. Sobers was an exceptional close-in fielder and an enterprising captain.

He made his debut in 1954 and retired in 1974. As a batsman, he scored 8032 runs in 93 Test matches at an average of 57.78 which comprised 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. Sobers took 235 wickets at an average of 34.03. He also took 109 catches at various fielding positions.

He was chosen as Wisden's five great cricketers of the century.

#5 Ian Botham

Ian Botham was the mainstay of English lineup in the 1970s and 80s. He started out as a fast seam and swing bowler and later developed into an explosive batsman too. The tour of Australia in England for the 51st Ashes series was popularly known as 'Botham's Ashes' due to his superlative performance with both bat and bowl.

Botham made his debut in 1977 against Australia. He played 102 Test matches and scored 5200 runs at an average of 33.54. This included 14 centuries and 22 half-centuries. With the bowl, he took 383 wickets at an average of 28.4.

He was a leading sports personality in England and an integral part of their pop culture.

#6 Imran Khan

PTI Party Campaigns Days Before Pakistan Election

Imran Khan was an English bred Pakistani cricketer with the heart of a lion. He started as a fast bowler but took a sabbatical to complete his studies. Upon his return, Khan was a formidable pace bowler with impeccable control on speed and accuracy. He emerged as a magnificent right-hand batsman towards the later part of his career.

Khan made his debut in 1971 against England. He played 88 Test matches and scored 3807 runs at an average of 37.69. This comprised 6 centuries and 18 half-centuries. With the bowl, he took 362 wickets at an average of 22.81.

Khan would be the captain of this Test XI.

#7 Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev India v West Indies Nehru Cup Delhi 1989

Kapil Dev was a true match-winner for India in the era of 1970s and 80s. He was an out-swing bowler with the ability to bowl 20-25 overs at a stretch. They called him 'Haryana Hurricane' for his consistent and formidable bowling. With the bat too, he was gifted in stroke-play.

Dev made his debut in 1978 against Pakistan and never looked back. Overall, he played 131 Test matches and took 434 wickets at an average of 29.64. As a batsman, he scored 5248 runs at an average of 31.05 which comprised eight centuries and 27 half-centuries.

Dev was an exceptionally good fielder too.

#8 Richard Hadlee

Richard Hadlee lifted New Zealand to unparalleled heights in the Test matches due to his superlative performances with batting and bowling. He was the first bowler to reach 400 Test wicket mark. He had smooth bowling action with the ability to move the ball on either side of the wicket.

Hadlee made his debut in 1973 and played 86 Test matches. He took 431 wickets at an average of 22.29. With the bat too, he scored 3124 runs at an average of 27.16. This comprised two hundreds and 15 half-centuries.

Hadlee was accorded the Knighthood after his retirement.

#9 Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock was a potent seam bowler, who later graduated into a decent batsman. He was the number one wicket-taker for South Africa until Dale Steyn broke his record recently.

Pollock made his debut in 1995 against England and played for 13 years before retiring. He took 421 wickets at an average of 23.11. With the bat, he scored 3781 runs at an average of 32.31. This comprised two hundreds and 16 half centuries.

His father, uncle, grandfather, and cousin were all professional cricketers.

#10 Ravichandran Ashwin

2nd Sunfoil Test: South Africa v India, Day 4

Ravichandran Ashwin has been a phenomenal off-break bowler in recent times. He has added various flavours like doosra, floater, and carrom ball into his arsenal which makes him a serious threat to opposition batsmen.

Ashwin made his debut in 2011 and since then has played 65 Test matches. He has taken 342 wickets at an average of 25.43. As a batsman, he has scored 2361 runs at an average of 29.14. This comprises four centuries and 11 half-centuries.

Ashwin won the 'ICC Cricketer of the Year' award in 2016.

#11 Daniel Vettori

Australia v New Zealand - First Test: Day 3

Daniel Vettori was a left-arm orthodox spin bowler from New Zealand. He was known for his accuracy, flight control, and pace variation.

He played 113 Test matches and took 362 wickets at an average of 34.36. He also scored 4531 runs at an average of 30. This comprised six centuries and 23 half-centuries.

Vettori was also a successful captain for New Zealand.