Since the idea of shelling out a fiver to the Torygraph is politically abhorrent to me, I wont be taking part in their fantasy cricket. So, for the record, I have compiled what I feel would be the best TEAM in the world, not necessarily the best collection of individuals, at the moment, regardless of the Torygraphs arbitrary ratings.

About Lara.
Of course, he is one of the best batsmen in the world, though not inarguably the best. And certainly the most prolific run scorer of his time. But I also think he is a bit of a prima donna. I dont know if he would shine as brightly or be as necessary in a really successful batting team inherently full of runs. I say this having watched him for West Indies and Warwickshire....both of whom I know he made a lot of runs for, though he has had bad trots for both. Also, yeah hes a genius, but hes not actually consistent enough to be worth a spot in a team designed, in modern conditions to be invincible.

Here, for anyone whos interested is the best 11 in the world IMO at the moment:

1) MATTY HAYDEN. I think it goes without saying that Hayden is the best opener in the world today. He is equally devastating against pace and spin, and I see no real flaws in his game. He can play straight or against the line as
conditions dictate. If there is one inadequacy it is that he is not great defending against spin. But one of the keys to Aus beating SL on their own patch was the teams collective resolve to attack the spin of Murali. Playing in such a team, Haydens place is impregnable.

2) JUSTIN LANGER. We are spoilt for choice regarding test opening partners. Sehwag is currently the most exciting player in world cricket. Smith is not that highly rated here I know, but he is young and will improve to become a great batsman, even on greentops. Herschelle Gibbs almost makes it, as does Vaughan. And Mark Richardson is very under-rated. But Id rather have a solid technique player, playing alongside Hayden, who can defend and attack with equal aplomb. Hayden and Langer have been one of the most prolific opening partnerships in test cricket history and I wouldnt break it up. Often, Langer has been the rock on which Aussie innings have been based. Is he the most under-rated player in the world right now? Perhaps. He comes with the added advantage of being a so-called dead rubber specialist. While a few of the others ease of the gas, when this team goes 4-0 up, Langer will be doing his upmost to complete the whitewash.

3) RAHUL DRAVID. It was basically a straight choice between him and Ponting. Ponting had the advantages that he would fit better with Langar and Hayden, is generally more fluent, and could skipper the team. But Dravids flawless technique, ability to bat on all surfaces, and rescue the batting when collapse is imminent, make him truly stand out.

4)JAQUES KALLIS. An excellent batsmen, and still a handy fifth bowler. Would add a bit of swing to the attack if conditions were conducive. His all-rounder quotient (gap between batting and bowling average is , I think the highest of all time. Better even than Sobers. Though, I know, he is not the same class as Sobers as a bowler.

5) SACHIN TENDULKAR. Nuff said.

6) STEPHEN FLEMMING. (Skipper) This might be the real surprise. But even a great side needs a skipper of rel nous to hold together a team of individuals. He edges Ponting in this regard, though Ponting is desperately unlucky not to make the team. Anyway, Flemming would be an excellent anchor to sheperd the tail. And he would be at home in Englsih conditions, should Team England ever fancy their chances against this lot!!

7) ADAM GILCHRIST. (Keeper) Who else could there possibly be?

8) SHAUN POLLOCK. Still a very consistent bowler, though not as good as a few years back IMHO, perhaps played too much cricket, and has conciously chosen to bowl within himself. Still excellent though and would make a good no.8 bat.

9) SHANE WARNE. Obvious choice.

10) MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN. Ok, I dont think hes strictly legit. But until proven otherwise, I would be a hypocrite and play him. Theres no doubt, results wise, he vies with Laker for the title of best off-spinner of all time.

11 GLEN MCGRATH. Again obvious. Best seam bowler in the world.

It would be nice to have a genuine fast bowler in there. My only concern is that this attack is a bit long in the tooth. Though, paradoxically, it is much less injury-prone than the younger ones. But, at the momemt, I dont think the likes of Harmsion or Akhtar are quite good enough to make the cut. And Lee and Sam defintiely arent. Shane Bond? Havent actually ever seen him bowl!! Guess, Ill get the chance this summer.

Admin - Link to original thread in the England forum: WORLD ELEVEN - Lara wouldnt make mine