Kumar Sangakkara to lead Ricky Ponting’s all time XI

Adding to the list of people who have picked their all-time XIs, is the name of the former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting. Ponting was a supremely successful skipper and is only the second captain to lead his side to two World Cup triumphs following Clive Lloyd.

Five Australians made it into his eleven. The opening pair he has opted for is of Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden. Hayden is known for his stroke play and the one, who will put the pressure back to the bowlers. Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis with 45 Test match hundreds and 292 Test wickets is at No.3.

Following them are the legends Sachin Tendulkar of India and Brian Lara of West Indies. “Sachin had a great record against Australia. There are not many World XI’s without Sachin Tendulkar,” Ponting said about Sachin.

Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara will lead the squad having led Sri Lanka to a list of famous victories. Adam Gilchrist is the wicketkeeper batsman as he has really revolutionized the way wicketkeeping was perceived.

Also read – Jason Gillespie chooses his All Time XI

The bowling unit that he has decided to go with is a 3-1 combination with three faster bowlers and just one spinner. Undoubtedly, Shane Warne is the lone spinner who had played alongside Ponting on numerous occasions and is one of the greatest leg-spinners the cricketing world had ever witnessed.

The pace trio consists of the sultan of swing from Pakistan, Wasim Akram is the first fast bowler. He has another exceptional bowler Curtly Ambrose from West Indies to share the ball. Australian legend Glenn McGrath finishes the eleven.

Ricky Ponting’s all-time XI: Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara (c), Adam Gilchrist (wk), Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Curtly Ambrose, Glenn McGrath