As a postscript to one of the most riveting Test series in years, if not decades, I thought it would be interesting to travel down memory lane to construct the best XI for India and Australia over the last 50 years, noting all the caveats associated with trying to compare different eras.
Australia
Batting
My openers are Mark Taylor and David Boon.
For both sides, I have opted for specialist openers, rather than simply elevating non-openers for the sake of bringing them in. As a left-right combination, this duo would get Australia off to a fine start.
In many ways, both of these players perhaps have not received their due acknowledgment.
Taylor and Boon confronted some fierce opening attacks, including arguably the world’s finest ever pace attack, the West Indies, in the case of Boon, and the likes of Allan Donald, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar, more so for Taylor.
While I considered Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden, the quality of the bowling they faced was not quite as deadly. Mark Taylor is also the captain of this XI.
At number three, I plump for Ricky Ponting, in a close call ahead of Ian Chappell. Ponting’s longevity, and the sheer weight of runs (13,378), and his average (51.9) gets him over the line. Both were superb back-foot players, ideal for Australian conditions.
Ian Chappell was the better player of spin, but after a rocky start, Ponting improved considerably in this respect.
Ricky Ponting in 2006. (James Knowler/Getty Images)
For the number four spot, I select Greg Chappell. Oozing class, elbow cocked in classic fashion, playing in the “V” initially, Chappell was a text book dream.
A century in Perth in his very first Test innings earmarked him for great things.
Apart from an inexplicable run of ducks in the early 1980s, Chappell was a model of consistency.
At number five, we move from orthodoxy to complete unorthodoxy, in the form of Steve Smith.
With his fidgety movements, exaggerated leaves, and propensity to wander across the crease, Smith is now second only to Don Bradman in averages for Australia. When in full flight, Smith is a big hundred scorer.
In the highly unlikely event that this batting line-up would collapse, I’ve gone for the redoubtable Allan Border at number six. He was the ultimate for a team looking to bat itself out of trouble.
This is not to decry his ability to set up match-winning performances.
Also, Border demonstrated his ability to work with the tail, never more famously so than in the 1982-1983 Ashes series in a partnership with Jeff Thomson, which almost secured a memorable victory.
Commiserations to Ian Chappell, Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh and Kim Hughes (who I thought was an under-rated player).
Wicketkeeping
I have opted for Adam Gilchrist here, not necessarily for the technical purity of his wicket keeping per se, but his rare ability to turn a match in a session with the bat.
Who could forget that onslaught against Monty Panesar at the WACA in the 2006-2007 Ashes series?
Commiserations to Rod Marsh, Ian Healy and Brad Haddin.
Pace bowling
While their reign of terror was not especially long, the sheer impact of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson cannot be overlooked. In many ways, Lillee and Thomson, and the Chappell era more broadly, was the time cricket came into alignment with society in the 1970s.
Brash, bold, aggressive with more than a touch of larrikinism, Lillee and Thomson symbolised a new era of cricket. Lillee was the ultimate professional and competitor, who was certainly not immune to carrying out gamesmanship.
No game was ever lost for him, no matter how hopeless the situation. After losing his sheer early pace due to injury, Lillee added many, many strings to his bow, including the famous leg cutter. Thomson was simply frightening with his electrifying speed, his ability to extract unnerving bounce due to his javelin-like action, and his proclivity for outlandish statements.
Remember when he claimed, however facetiously, that he liked to see batsmen hit?
For my third paceman, I opt for Glenn McGrath. With his metronomic accuracy and ability to do just enough with the ball to keep batsmen guessing, McGrath was a model of consistency. His 563 wickets at 21.6 alone tell the story.
Glenn McGrath. Mandatory Credit: Hamish Blair/ALLSPORT
Commiserations to a desperately unlucky Pat Cummins and to Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Geoff Lawson, Ryan Harris, and Josh Hazlewood.
Spin bowling
For spin bowling, there is no contest.
With 708 wickets at 25.4, Shane Warne ruled the roost in Australian cricket. For extravagant spin, a variety of deadly deliveries, including flippers and zooters, Warne was the master.
His legacy is much more than just a statistical one. His ability to “psyche” out the opposition was legendary.
Who could forget the mental scars he inflicted on the Englishman in the Adelaide Test of 2006-2007, when he paralysed their scoring, ultimately leading to a collapse and their losing an almost unloseable game?
Commiserations: nil.
India
Batting
For openers, I have selected Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag, for completely contrasting styles. The former was all elegance and technique over a lengthy period of time, the latter a sledgehammer with a ferocious array of strokes and fearless approach to batting.
These two would complement each other beautifully.
At number three, I was weighing up between a rock and a wall. In the end, I went for Rahul Dravid, the wall ahead of Cheteshwar Pujara, the rock. Being more pro-active and having a greater array of shots gave Dravid the edge.
At number four, there is no other contender. Sachin Tendulkar, the game’s highest Test run-scorer of all time, with 15,921 runs at 53.8, dominated for India at home and abroad.
Two centuries in Australia in the 1991-1992 Test series, including on a fast and bouncy track at the WACA, as an 18-year-old says a great deal. Even more telling is the oft-quoted anecdote that Sir Donald Bradman called out to his wife Jessie when Tendulkar was batting, saying that Tendulkar’s batting reminded him of himself.
There can really be no higher praise.
For the number five slot, Virat Kohli is an easy fit. Kohli’s batting is both easy on the eye and pugnacious, with an ability to change gears as required. His fierce determination and assertiveness adds steel to this line-up.
(Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
Batting/Wicketkeeping
At number six, I have gone with MS Dhoni.
This might surprise, but in this fictitious line-up, India might need an extra bowler, hence Dhoni at six.
While Dhoni arguably made a name for himself more in the one-day arena, his fine keeping, cool-as-ice demeanor on the field, tactical nous and stroke-filled batting earns him both a spot and the captaincy.
Batting commiserations: VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly and Gundappa Viswanath.
Wicketkeeping commiserations: Syed Kirmani and Farokh Engineer.
Bowlers
Reflecting India’s traditional strengths in spin bowling, I have opted for three spinners: BS Chandrasekhar, Anil Kumble and Erapalli Prasanna.
With his fizz off the wicket and unusual action, in part because of polio, Chandrasekhar bowled almost as quickly as a medium-pacer, and had an array of deliveries.
Erapalli Prasanna, although arguably a bit past his prime during the period covered here, was nonetheless rated by Ian Chappell as the best off-spinner he faced.
Anil Kumble also rates a spot for his consistency, ability to pose challenges on all types of wickets, and for his solid batting.
In the pace department, I find room for two.
Kapil Dev is an automatic choice with his fierce competitiveness, subtle swing and seam, and reasonable pace. Add to this, his explosive batting at number seven and you have a complete cricketer.
The other pace slot goes to Javagal Srinath, who was a model of consistency over a lengthy period of time.
It is only recently that India’s pace stocks have begun to blossom, and while it’s tempting to include Jasprit Bumrah, it is perhaps still a bit too soon.
Bowling commiserations: BS Bedi, Dilip Doshi, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah.
Should this fantasy match-up go ahead, I would lean to Australia, particularly if it’s played in Australia, as the bowling looks more well-rounded and threatening.
On a turning dustbowl in India, the home side may well secure the result.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
I’m not being selective at all, just stating a fact. It’s not irrelevant to point out percentage of low scores although this is not unusual for both opening batsmen as well as batsmen at the back end of their careers. Also, I did not say Taylor scored a mammoth amount of runs in his farewell series only that he made a genuine contribution with the bat in retaining the Ashes, and he did.
Papa Joe
Roar Rookie
Bernie - you're being very selective with your stats. In the 17 tests you cite, 17 of his 29 innings were 20 or below. And in his last Ashes series, where you say he made a contribution, he scored 228 runs at an average of 22.8. And you seem to be claiming that all this was his form reversal after the slump that he had between Dec 96 and the 97 Ashes.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Stats can deceive even after 52 tests. Dean Jones played that many tests and averaged 46 yet he was nowhere near the performer Steve Waugh was who only averaged 4 runs more. Mark was also a much superior player than Jones and he actually averaged 4 runs less. Just one random example of which there are many.
Rob
Guest
Bernie, you may find stats don’t lie especially after 30 plus Test matches. Deliveries bowled to take a wicket. Run hit off deliveries bowled are the games ethos. You may also find the market media are prone to a lit rounding up and selling things at inflated values. Who run WSC and looked to make money from it? Who was Australia’s leading bowlers and most adored? Who was Australia’s fast bowler? What sound better the best we’ve ever seen and the Fastest ever? Who organised the TV own the players run the game and loved to make money? I believe Mr Packer may have thought 100mph sounds better than nearly 100mph when it’s a full toss? Maybe the WI 80’s are like Australia 90’s, 2000’s, SA 2010’s, India 2020 maybe. Just a good team better than the others going around at that time.
Rob
Guest
I comment from the outset was it’s incredibly hard to compare eras due to conditions opponents and equipment. Every generation has a hero and sometimes they become larger than really are IMO. Stats are the extremely important not media profile to really get the right perspective. I think the Packer WSC and live cricket on TV certainly had a lot of impact on people’s memories? In the early 70’s the Australians teams were stronger than England and then WI took over leaving a lasting mark. A quick look at the records could indicate Lillee (23)was a good bowler and Thomson (28) was a cult hero? Gary Gilmore had a SR of (49) and an average of (23) and is the only 70’s Australian bowler showing Great stats? Strike Rate into average is a great indicator of quality IMO. Some admirers of the 70’s (i’d suggest baby boomers educating themselves watching TV Ala Trump) might need read to look cold hard numbers especially making greatest or best Statements. As it stands 13 Bowlers post 1990 and 13 bowlers before 1920’s have a SR in the top 30 of all time. Only J.Cowie (NZ 10th), F. Tyson (Eng. 14th), M. Marshall (WI 19th), Gary Gilmore (AUS 30) in the top30 have claimed wickets in under 50 deliveries over a 60 years? The only bowlers in the top 30 players to ever achieve this SR over 30 Test are Rabbada, Steyn, Waqar Younis, Donald, Shoaib Akhtar, Marshall, Cummins? Hayden was not facing inferior bowlers opening and when you factor in advancements for batsmen McGrath, Johnson and others would have significantly lower averages IMO. These are FACTS NOT FAKE NEWS.
Kalva
Roar Rookie
As great a player as Warne was, it's always been slightly humorous to see the Indian and English reactions to him. I recall English commentators were talking with Sunil Gavaskar before an India- Aus WC match..basically Gavaskar was asked if Warne is the danger man bowling wise for India? Sunny replied.."Indians respect him but he's not the danger man! McGrath, Fleming and Gillespie will worry them a lot more. The others were totally shocked by this! Even now, Hussein, Atherton and all will say he was possibly the greatest bowler of all time...I have never heard Sachin, Dravid or Laxman say anything like this. Not that they don't respect him or think he's a great but he's a bit like Aussies with regards to some all-time greats..."great player but he never performed against us!"
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Yes there was but not at the same degree. ---- Two things cruelled Thommo; the Hurst(?) collision and that crazy contract.
Rob
Guest
No real fear or should I say concern by the English at the GABBA day 1 as to how they could combat Johnson? Then in South African Test after Johnson broke the record for wickets in an Ashes series and showed up dismantling Smith’s ( SA number 1 Test Nation) Badging him 2nd ball and Amla 1st ball flush on the grill? Graham Smith said his team had faced Mitchell plenty of times and were confident he wasn’t going to worry his batsmen like he did the poms in Australia. I think his boys got rattled?
Tempo
Roar Rookie
I think you have to consider the performance of players against their opponent when selecting this sort of team. For the Australian side, I think it is generally good, but I would make a few changes. Matt Hayden has to play above Taylor, averaging 59 vs India, including 51 in India. Jeff Thomson is unproven in the subcontinent (played poorly in Pakistan at the end of his career) and could be replaced either by Pat Cummins (who has performed well in his limited games in Asia so far), or Jason Gillespie (who averaged 21 in India and 23 in Asia overall). Dennis Lillee also had a poor record in Asia (albeit he only played 4 tests at the end of his career). Perhaps we can just have faith that he'd have worked out how to bowl in India at his peak, given how fine a bowler he was. Shane Warne had a poor record against India both at home and away (averaging 47 against them). Some of that may have been poor timing (playing at the start of his career, coming back from injury etc), but he never managed a dominant series as he did against all other opponents. Nathan Lyon might come into consideration, particularly in India, though he also has not been dominant in most series. Probably happy to keep Warne on balance. The Indian side looks pretty good to me on balance, though I do feel a little sad that VVS Laxman doesn't make the cut - such a wonderful player vs Australia!
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I think you have to go on how shell-shocked a batting team is in facing a bowler/s. The only team who did this better than Thommo and Lillee were the Windies from the late 70s thru to Ambrose. ------ And how did this happen? Because the masterful Clive Lloyd plotted against Thommo n Lillee who had been unleashing hell in the mid70s. Clive Lloyd cannot be given accolades for his place in cricket. This was one of his many achievements. The Windies of this period were the best team ever anywhere!!!
Rob
Guest
Oh no WillowWiz, don’t destroy any shred of credibility including Bradman in any comparison. I’ve tried to work out this and quickly concluded he was a freak intrinsically wired that was born in an era well before his time. He had a lust for runs and a mentality only seen in someone like Mozart for music, or Albert for Physics. Bradman wouldn’t let his 3yd granddaughter get him out IMO. He would take great delight in making her throw and fetch it all day if possible. He was merciless in mind and sole training and thinking about the game like few had done before with the hand eye tools to make it happen. The WI can be great full they didn’t play him as he may have dropped 5 or 10 on average but they would all have all gone from 20 to almost 30 plus average as bowlers as a result IMO.
Rob
Guest
It’s weird Rowdy personally I think fear is felt by the unknown. Like your first couple of goes then you don’t doubt yourself if you succeed. Fear unfortunately doesn’t always translate into wickets for bowlers. I think the fear was no less for facing Thomson or anyone over 145km. I find it interesting that Hayden said when playing Shoaib Akhtar (16th in the history SR and just reported as bowling the fast ball recorded) he would hold him up at the top of his mark and smile then take guard a couple of feet outside his crease? Hayden was pretty certain it was going to be short. Knowing what’s coming is fantastic. He then told Akhtar how he thought he wasn’t that fast. Again another short one. So the story goes Hayden scored a century and averaged a 104 for the series. Akhtar got 1 wicket and didn’t play the 2nd game because he hurt himself trying to hit Hayden in the head. I’ve heard similar tales about Thomson at all levels of cricket from various sources. Fear is embraced or possibly not unwanted by some of the best batsman as they find that a lot more comforting than the embarrassment of getting no runs. Sir Vivian In his 20’s possibly enjoyed facing Thomson than say AB at the SCG on day 5. The 40 year old top order of England that Thomson was scaring maybe were a little different I’m guessing.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Dizzy was the closest we've had to Holding.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
He was Thommo!
Rob
Guest
Howstat. WillowWiz I get the opinion angle because it’s an opinion site. The article is about best Australian and Indian teams over 50 years. I have also assessed the players as a match up series. Stats are the core assessment to the debate unfortunately I think many comments are not supported by very solid stats. I would find it very possible to find Greg Chappell a better bat than Smith or Ponting and I could put Border above all of them simply because of Marshall, Holding, Garner, Ambrose with a Akram, Dev, and Hadlee all coming at him with little support from teammates to take the pressure. Do we then ignore Steyn, Morkel, Donald, Pollock, Muralitharan or Singh in India for Hayden and co. I don’t believe Thomson is much different to Lee because he benefited and hunted with McGrath, Gillespie, Warne that all benefit from the pressure of quality team mates and opponents at the time. Thomson, Hogg, Lenny P, Alderman all may have benefited when together but you would conclude Lillee was the Alpha. Maybe Johnson was the Alpha of many games supported by Harris, Hilfenhaus and young Starc. Maybe Johnson stats are damaged by strong English, India, South Africa and even NZ batting line ups as appeased to England in 1970’s. Are Kallis, Flintoff or Stokes a superior all rounder to Botham? Anyway great article that really got me thinking and debating. I only really have a problem with Taylor above Hayden and Thomson above Cummins, Johnson, Hazlewood, Hughes or Reid and a few others. He was more a cult hero of the WSC era than great bowler. The speed gun and drunks cheering in the crowd is not the be all and end all of good bowling. Stats over 50 tests are the key IMO.
WillowWiz
Roar Rookie
Y'know what, I reckon you might be right there :)
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
But he played back in the days before Chappelli engineered the fledgling professional payscapes that have been increasingly enjoyed to the point many a millionaires many times over. He even made himself unavailable for some tour playing only 38 matches over 12 years. He'd have more wickets than Lyon had he had the same opportunities as Lyon.
WillowWiz
Roar Rookie
I was referring to Mallett's lone 5-Test series in India (see stats). Mallett was certainly a good off-spinner in Australian conditions. I was, however, looking at his performance in India though ("The Ultimate Frontier"). Note that I've still picked Mallett in my XI though!
WillowWiz
Roar Rookie
I was thinking more in terms of the Baggy Greens playing India in India – “The Ultimate Frontier”. I filtered my stats for best performers in Asia to select my team. I reckon horses for courses is the way to go. Performance in Australia, or elsewhere, has no bearing on this list. Your’s might be a more suitable team for a series Down Under though, I’ll give you that. Could you also share a link to your stats please? I presume you’re using Statsguru?
Mike
Guest
Rob, his name is "Thomson" not "Thompson". It's difficult for me to take your comments seriously when you can't notice this particular detail.