Legends Unveil Their All-Time Test XIs

New Zealand’s esteemed batsman, Kane Williamson, and Australian icon, Matthew Hayden, have presented their ultimate Test XIs for the 21st century, showcasing some of the sport’s most celebrated figures.

The selection was structured into distinct segments, tasking both cricket legends with choosing players for the opening slots, middle order, spin bowlers, and pace bowlers.

Hayden, having won the toss, opted for the iconic leg-spinner Shane Warne as his initial selection. Responding, Williamson chose Hayden himself, alongside India’s dynamic former opening batsman, Virender Sehwag, to commence his XI’s batting innings.

For his opening duo, Hayden selected England’s Alastair Cook and Australia’s David Warner. In the crucial No. 3 and No. 4 spots, Williamson picked Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar, while Hayden went with West Indies’ Brian Lara and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis.

To spearhead his bowling attack, Williamson chose Australia’s pace legend Glenn McGrath and Sri Lanka’s spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan. Simultaneously, Hayden incorporated Indian stars Virat Kohli and VVS Laxman to reinforce his middle order.

Regarding wicketkeepers, Williamson favored former Indian captain MS Dhoni, whereas Hayden selected his countryman and game-changer Adam Gilchrist.

Williamson included Steve Smith at No. 5 and later brought in AB de Villiers, enhancing his team’s batting capabilities. Hayden countered by adding Australian express bowler Pat Cummins, followed by former fast bowler Brett Lee to lead his pace attack.

In finalizing their respective lineups, Hayden chose England’s record-setting seamer James Anderson, while Williamson concluded his XI with Pakistan’s express pacer Shoaib Akhtar.

Kane Williamson’s Best Test XI of the 21st Century:

Matthew Hayden, Virender Sehwag, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Smith, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni, Dale Steyn, Shoaib Akhtar, Glenn McGrath, Muthiah Muralidaran.

Matthew Hayden’s Best Test XI of the 21st Century:

Alastair Cook, David Warner, Jacques Kallis, Brian Lara, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Pat Cummins, Brett Lee, James Anderson.