Graeme Swann names the best XI he faced

Former England off-spinner Graeme Swann has revealed his all-time XI, something that many have been expecting in the past year. Earlier, the prominent YouTube Channel Lord’s Cricket Ground had spoken to a few players who had revealed their all-time XI’s. However, as far as Swann is concerned, all he needed was a tweet to prompt him to reveal which combination he felt best to conquer the world of cricket in perhaps any format.

Swann has begun his XI with former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid and South African opener Graeme Smith. While Smith is a certain opening batsman and a terrific one at that, Dravid has not had the best of times when he has been called upon to open the innings. However, Swann will vividly remember Dravid’s exploits in the tour of England where the Indians were whitewashed while Dravid was the one to stand tall among the ruins.

Jacques Kallis, perhaps the best modern-day all-rounder in the world is an obvious inclusion in the side. Sachin Tendulkar, Mahela Jayawardene, and Ricky Ponting will form the middle-order, perhaps one of the strongest middle-orders on paper no less.

Of the four South Africans added in the squad, Mark Boucher occupies the place of the wicketkeeper-batsman while Swann has opted to go old school with Dale Steyn. Mitchell Johnson’s fiery and unapologetic pace has seen him also find himself in the side while Saeed Ajmal finds himself as the lone spinner despite allegations of illegal action and having been dropped from the Pakistan side.

Tim Southee’s impressive swing prowess has seen him complete the side and balance out the pace attack.

Graeme Swann’s XI he faced: Rahul Dravid, Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar, Mahela Jayawardene, Mark Boucher,  Saeed Ajmal, Dale Steyn, Mitchell Johnson, Tim Southee