All-rounder Samit Patel picks his All Time XI

England out of favour all-rounder Samit Patel became the latest cricketer to pick his all-time XI. In recent times, ‘Lords-The Home of Cricket” has taken the initiative wherein players from all around the world pick their favourite XI of players with whom they have played with or against or have been inspired by their cricketing career. Samit Patel has played 6 Tests and 36 ODIs for England from 2012-2015.

His all time XI comprises of 3 players each from Australia and South Africa and two players each from India and England. The opening duties have been handed over to Virender Sehwag and Hashim Amla. While Amla’s selection at the top of the order is bound to raise some questions as the consistent performer hasn’t opened in Test match whereas Patel has picked Sachin Tendulkar in his familiar position in Tests.

There is very little introduction needed for Virender Sehwag, The ’Nawab of Najafgarh was a terror to bowlers around the world during his heydays and his dominating approach always set him apart from his peers. Hashim Amla has been a solid performer for the Proteas over the years and has been a consistent performer top of the order in limited-overs cricket. He has been the mainstay of the South African batting line-up for a long time now.

Former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting occupies the 3rd slot followed by the “God of Cricket” Sachin Tendulkar at his familiar No.4 position. Ponting was one of the greatest ambassadors of the game and along with Tendulkar, the duo emerged as two of the greatest of their generations. Making his debut at a tender of 16, Sachin Tendulkar went on to rule world cricket for 24 years and his sheer longevity in the game is what makes him a legend.

The No. 5th and the 6th position is handed over to former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis and Kevin Pietersen. Kallis is undoubtedly the greatest all-rounder of the modern generation while Kevin Pietersen remains one of the most flamboyant cricketers England has ever produced. Surprisingly Kumar Sangakkara was picked as the wicket-keeper in the team as the 7th member. The southpaw was a top-order batsman for the majority if his career but his inclusion at No.7 comes as a big surprise.

Patel has included 3 fast bowlers and a solitary spinner with the bowling department headed by legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne. He is arguably the greatest ever spinner the game has seen and will walk into any World XI of all time. The fast-bowling department is spearheaded by former Aussie pacer Glenn McGrath followed by South African Dale Steyn and Englishmen James Anderson.

While Steyn has been an exceptional player for South Africa over the years, Anderson is the highest wicket-taker for England in Tests and is one of the best exponents of reverse swing of the current generation.

Samit Patel’s All Time XI:

Virender Sehwag, Hashim Amla, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Kevin Pietersen, Kumar Sangakkara, Shane Warne, Dale Steyn, Glenn McGrath, Jimmy Anderson