With the first test of the summer against South Africa in Perth on the horizon, I thought it would be a good time to select the greatest Australian Test team of all time.
This team would be picked as if they were going to play against England at either Lord’s or the MCG.
The team is:
1. Bill Ponsford (VIC)
2. Bill Lawry (VIC)
3. Sir Donald Bradman (NSW/SA-capt)
4. Allan Border (NSW/QLD)
5. Greg Chappell (SA/QLD)
6. Richie Benaud (NSW-vice capt)
7. Adam Gilchrist (NSW/WA-wk)
8. Shane Warne (VIC)
9. Ray Lindwall (NSW/QLD)
10. Dennis Lillee (WA)
11. Glenn McGrath (NSW)
12th: Bob Simpson (NSW)
This is a team that could cause England some problems, especially in the batting department, with the all-Victorian pair of Bill Lawry and Bill Ponsford to open the innings. Add the batting power of players such as Bradman, Border, Chappell, Benaud and Gilchrist, and a big total looks likely.
Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath would share the new ball, with Ray Lindwall coming on at first change.
The spin options would be Shane Warne and Benaud.
I’ve also picked an Australia ‘A’ team as a reserve to the number one lineup.
The team is:
1. Justin Langer
2. Arthur Morris
3. Ian Chappell (c)
4. Kim Hughes
5. Stan McCabe
6. Steve Waugh
7. Rodney Marsh (wk)
8. Bill O’Reilly
9. Brett Lee
10. Jeff Thomson
11. Max Walker
12th man: Lindsay Hassett
The Australia ‘A’ team could keep the number one team on its toes, especially if the Sir Donald Bradman-led side suffers a bad loss in a Test match, and need to win to keep a series alive.
Justin Langer could replace one of the two openers, Ian Chappell is a very good first-drop captain, and then you got two opening bowlers who could cause nightmares for the opposite batsmen and can deliver a ball in excess of 150kmph: Jeff Thomson (the 1974-75 version) and Brett Lee.
So if you were a national selector going to select two teams – an all-time Australian Test XI and a ‘reserve’ lineup – who’d make the respective teams?
sheek
Roar Guru
Jason, I didn't comment on this at the time probably because I thought your selections too bizarre. I'm not a definitive expert, but here are some observations. Australian selection. 1. Simpson has the best average as an opener, around 56. If he's not first choice, he's in the top 4 openers. Lowry down to 3rds! 2. I'm amazed how over-rated Benaud is by many fans. Yes, great player, but definitely not top 22, 3rd XI tops. Look at his competition - Warne, O'Reilly, Grimmett, Trumble were all better spinners, while Miller, Gregory, Davidson, Armstrong were better all-rounders. Australia A. 1. Langer is not a top 4 opener, probably 3rd XI at best. 2. Ian Chappell is my favourite captain, but in all-time selection, I would struggle to get him in my top 22. 3rd XI at best. 3. Kim Hughes??? You're kidding, right! Ditto Lee & Walker. Marsh is not the 2nd best keeper we've had, as much as I like him. 4. By picking 12s, you deny someone an opportunity in the seconds, or thirds, & so on.
SJB
Guest
The firsts isn't too bad. Australia A is interesting. Kim Hughes and Max Walker wouldn't scrape into my 6th team. My alternative sides! Morris Ponsford Bradman Harvey G Chappell Miller Gilchrist Davidson Warne Lillee McGrath A team Simpson Hayden Ponting Border Smith S Waugh Healy Lindwall M Johnston Harris O Reilly
BurgyGreen
Guest
Keith Miller is a must for sure
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
@Johnno - You might enjoy the light hearted one on Fat Cats I have up on the site now! Your perspective is always appreciated as are the memories ? http://www.theroar.com.au/2016/10/22/fat-can-bat-cricketers-worth-weight-gold/
Johnno
Guest
If all tests were in England, Terry Alderman would be the first player picked.
Johnno
Guest
Cold play chris martin actually is a big cricket fan
Johnno
Guest
Doug Walters ahead of Watto
correct sometimes
Guest
you are a funny man Johnno, keep it up
armchair expert
Guest
Pretty good teams Johnno but you could of squeezed Marsh in there, Walters, Walker and Merv were also stiff to miss out.
deccas
Guest
I reckon Sid Barnes is as good an opener as Arthur Morris. Truly amazing how good that 48 team was.
correct sometimes
Guest
why play England ? why not the Windies?
correct sometimes
Guest
a great comment Johnno, you are the best poster in the roar
Luke jones
Guest
Hayden Ponsford Ponting Bradman Border Waugh Gilchrist 2013 Ashes Mitchell Johnson Warne Lillee McGrath
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
???????
Connor Bennett
Editor
Well Coldplay Chris Martin would probably still be a better batsman than New Zealand Chris Martin
Connor Bennett
Editor
I'm glad someone else remembers how cool Murray was!! albeit in a short test career hahaha
Johnno
Guest
You mean cold play chris martin? Oh and I needed to be reminded Rob Quiney existed I'd forgotten all about him. Another haiku George Bailey, we all forgot about his test career to.
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
Grimmett doesn't find a place in your "A" team?
Johnno
Guest
What, no Scott Muller? How could you? lol Oh and murray bennett had the coolest shades
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
Moses Henriques? ?