David Lloyd snubs Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid as he picks all-time Test XI

Former England cricketer David Lloyd recently named his all-time Test XI, including only one Indian in the lineup. David Lloyd’s selection raised eyebrows, as veteran Indian players like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and MS Dhoni were overlooked.

David Lloyd named his all-time Test XI with the players who played international cricket after 1965. His selection comprised three players each from the West Indies and Australia, two from England, and one each from South Africa, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

David Lloyd Picks Graham Gooch And Barry Richards As Openers

David Lloyd selected England’s Graham Gooch and South Africa’s Barry Richards as openers. Gooch scored 8900 runs in 118 Tests at an average of 42.38, including 20 centuries and 46 fifties. Meanwhile, Richards played only four matches in his international career.

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Lloyd’s lineup featured West Indies icon Vivian Richards at number three, followed by the legendary Brian Lara. In the middle order, Lloyd chose either England’s Kevin Pietersen or the modern-day great Virat Kohli for the number five position in the batting order.

Gary Sobers from the West Indies and Adam Gilchrist from Australia occupied the no. 6 and 7 positions, respectively, in the lineup. Gilchrist, was also the designated wicketkeeper-batter in the lineup, adding depth to the batting order with his explosive prowess.

Gilchrist played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance from the late 1990s to 2007, with his exceptional wicketkeeping skills and aggressive batting lower in the order. He amassed 5570 runs in 97 Tests at an impressive average of 47.61, with a striking rate of 81.96.

Wasim Akram, Dennis Lillee Named As Fast Bowlers In All-Time Test XI

The bowling department showcased a blend of pace and spin prowess, with Pakistan’s iconic Wasim Akram and Australia’s formidable Dennis Lillee leading the pace attack. They were supported by the legendary spin duo of Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne are the top two wicket-takers in the longer format of the game, with 800 and 708 wickets, respectively. Wasim Akram picked up 414 wickets at an impressive average of 23.62, including 25 five-wicket hauls in an innings.

David Lloyd’s all-time Text XI (post 1965): Graham Gooch (England), Barry Richards (South Africa), Sir Viv Richards (West Indies), Brian Lara (West Indies), Kevin Pietersen, (England) / Virat Kohli (India), Sir Garfield Sobers (West Indies), Adam Gilchrist (Australia), Wasim Akram (Pakistan), Shane Warne (Australia), Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka, Dennis Lillee (Australia)

David Lloyd Played For England In Nine Test Matches

David Lloyd represented England from 1973 to 1980, featuring in nine Tests and eight ODIs. The former cricketer amassed 552 and 285 runs, respectively, during his brief international career. Notably, he registered a century in both Test and ODI formats of cricket.

Following his cricket career, Lloyd transitioned into various roles, including first-class umpire, Lancashire and England cricket coach, and renowned commentator for Test Match Special and Sky Sports. He has contributed as an author, journalist, and columnist.

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