There is no place for Virat Kohli, the best ever test XI of Kane Williamson in the 21st century. Matthew Hayden also gives him a name
In a compelling nostalgic segment aired on former Australian opener ESPNcricinfo Matthew Hayden And before new zealand skipper Kane Williamson I was invited to participate in unique and intellectually inspiring tasks. We chose the best Test XI of the 21st Century.
Cricket Legend takes a hot sheet for the ultimate Test XI draft
The episode opens with a hilarious note, with the host introducing two legendary batsmen. Hayden hilariously reminded me that unlike him, Kane is still closing the numbers. “I’m still doing it.” Pull out a round of laughter and set a relaxed and respectful tone. The atmosphere was easy, but the tasks for the future were not easy.
Both players were given a pool of modern greats to choose from, and had to build Xi through a draft system. They not only name the list, but also tactically choose, and often others block the acquisition of key players. The rules were clearly explained. The team consists of two openers, a third intermediate player, No. 6, a wicketkeeper, three fast bowlers and one spinner. Although certain venues have not been revised, the consensus was to select a team that was well balanced to play in all conditions.
Kane Williamson and Matthew Hayden Craft Dream XIS can define the era
Hayden won the toss and made his first bold move with a choice Shane Warne His first choice is to show that his strategy is not linear. In response, Williamson chose his opening pair early: Matthew Hayden with him Virender Sehwag. The draft moved forward with great spirit when Hayden laughed at his choice. Hayden was then locked up Alastair Cook and David Warner As his opener. Williamson realized that Sehawag had already been chosen, and chose Cook and Warner as his own opening pair. Moving into the central order, the team of childhood dreams came to life: Ricky Ponting Number 3, Sachin Tendulkar Williamson is fourth. Hayden chose to respond Brian Lara and Jack CarrisQuoting Lala as a personal hero. Kallis prompted an instant vy hope from Hayden, providing a comprehensive depth.
Kane quickly chose a spinner and a pacer: Muttiah Muralitharan and Glenn McGrathelicited praise and friendly complaints from Hayden, who wanted to secure both. After that, Hayden continued to build a middle order. Virat Kohli and Plumbing Luxmanacknowledges the challenge of excluding Ab de Villiers. But Williamson was locked up Steve Smith and Ab de VillliersWhile I’m making it Donna His wicketkeeper number 7. Hayden fired back with his own keeper pick, Adam Gilchrist, Joke, he should have chosen him before. Kane added as the pace department focused. Dale Stain and Shoaib Akhtar To his attack. Hayden was trying to scare the opponents, but they went with him. Brett Lee and James Andersonrounds out his Xi with some of the most terrifying quicks in modern history.
Read again: New Zealand’s cricket has revealed its central contract for 2025-26. Kane Williamson opts out again
On the final pick, Kane debated whether to go for the second spinner considering the team will play globally, but chose Akhtar Jasprit Bumrah Complete his trio’s fast bowler. Looking back at the strength of the lineup, the host read out the final XIS. Hayden’s team boasts Cook, Warner, Charis, Lara, Kohli, Luxman, Gilchrist (WK), Warne, Cummins, Lee and Anderson. Kane’s Xi included Hayden, Sewag, Ponting, Tendulkar, Smith, Devilier, Dhoni (wk), Stain, Shaw Eve, McGrath and murals. When asked about the captain, Hayden named Lara and cited his ability to deliver under pressure on the weaker West Indies side, expressing his desire to lead a world-class team. Kane chose Ricky Ponting As his captain Donna As vice captain. The hosts concluded that if these two fantasy sides play each other in the five-match Test series around the world, it is likely that one Test match will end in a 2-2 draw with one Test match drawn.
Matthew Hayden’s Best Test XI of All Time (21st Century)
- opener: Alastair Cook, David Warner
- Middle orderJacques Kallis, Brian Lara (captain), Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman
- Wicketkeeper: Adam Gilchrist
- Spinner: Shane Warne
- Fast bowler: Pat Cummins, Brett Lee, James Anderson
Kane Williamson’s Best Test XI of All Time (21st Century)
- opener: Matthew Hayden, Virender Sehwag
- Middle order: Ricky Ponting (Captain), Sachintendulkar, Steve Smith, Abdebiers
- Wicketkeeper:Dhoni (Vice Captain)
- Spinner: Muttiah Muralitharan
- Fast bowler: Glenn McGrath, Dale Steyn, Shoaib Akhtar
Read again: Kane Williamson gives a name to a batter who can crush six