Michael Hussey picks three Indians in his 'Best of Enemies' XI, does not include MS Dhoni in the side

The COVID-19 outbreak has compelled the world to come to a standstill and along with human existence, the pandemic has also halted the sporting scenario. Amid a time when all major tournaments have been called off in the wake of the pandemic, many cricketers have shared their Best XI sides across social media.

Former Australia batsman Michael Hussey was the latest one to join the trend as the left-hander, on Wednesday, picked his ‘Best Enemies XI’. Hussey, who donned the Australian jersey from 2005 to 2013, built a team and picked the opponents he has played against in Test cricket on “The Unplayable Podcast”.

In his side, Hussey also included the Indian batting trio of Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Hussey chose Sehwag and Graeme Smith as the openers of his side. Following the openers, Hussey included many batting maestros like Brian Lara, Tendulkar, Kohli, Jacques Kallis and Kumar Sangakkara.

‘Sangakkara had an immense impact in Test cricket’: Michael Hussey

Hussey chose Indian legend Tendulkar and current Indian skipper Kohli to bat at No.4 and No.5 respectively. For the bowling attack, Hussey picked the pace trio of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, James Anderson. To finish things off, Hussey chose to go with Sri Lanka’s spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan.

One notable inclusion from the squad was of MS Dhoni with whom Hussey shared the CSK dressing room. The Australian said it was difficult for him to leave Dhoni out of the side. However, he justified his decision by stating that he chose Sangakkara over Dhoni as the Sri Lanka wicketkeeper had an immense impact in Test cricket.

“I wrestled with this one between Kumar Sangakkara, MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers. But I think the latter two have got more impact in the shorter formats T20s and ODI. Sangakkara had an immense impact in Test cricket,” Hussey said.

Michael Hussey’s ‘Best of Enemies’ XI: Virender Sehwag, Graeme Smith, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, James Anderson, Muttiah Muralitharan.