England Veteran Alastair Cook Picks his All-Time XI

The former skipper of England, Alastair Cook, had announced his retirement from international cricket recently. The final Test between England and India at The Kennington Oval, London will be his last game. Meanwhile, Cook picked his all-time XI while speaking to Lord’s Cricket officials.

Surprisingly, the England opener excluded Sachin Tendulkar from his all-time XI. However, he included the greats of the game who delivered goods for their respective team during their heydey.

Overall, Alastair Cook’s all-time XI consists of four Australians, two Englishmen, two South Africans, two Islanders and one from the Windies. However, It was surprising to see an English player picking a major number of Australians.

Graham Gooch will lead my all-time XI – Alastair Cook

Quite expectedly Graham Gooch made an appearance on the list. Both Gooch and Cook had a great rapport which they revealed numerous times. However, the former England great will be leading the side and will also be the opening batsman as well.

The swashbuckling Australian, Mathew Hayden will pair Graham Gooch. Coming to the crucial number three position, Alastair Cook chose Brian Lara to do the job for his team followed by Ricky Ponting at four.

Unlike others, Alastair Cook went with two wicketkeepers in his side. However, both of them have got great numbers under their belt. He chose AB de Villiers and Kumar Sangakkara to fill the middle-order.

Then comes the regular name on the all-time XI list many cricketers, Jacques Kallis. He will be taking the number seven role. The spin quota has been filled by Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

Finally, the important section of the game of cricket, fast bowling department. He picked England’s all-time best fast bowler, James Anderson alongside Australia’s Glenn McGrath.

Also, here is Alastair Cook’s XI –

Graham Gooch (c), Mathew Hayden, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, AB de Villiers (wk), Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Jacques Kallis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne James Anderson and Glenn McGrath