Mike Brearley Picks Sunil Gavaskar as an Opener of His All-Time XI
Published - 02 Aug 2018, 09:17 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:54 PM
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The former skipper of England, Mike Brearley has revealed his best all-time XI. He revealed his picks through official YouTube channel of the Home of Cricket, Lord’s. Mike has picked Sunil Gavaskar, Imran Khan and Abdul Qadir as crucial members of his dream team.
Introduction of Mike Brearley:
Mike got his name and fame after being appointed as English skipper. He made his debut way back in 1976. Mike has led his team in 31 Test matches and has managed to win 18 out of them. He is ranked just second amongst the skippers who have featured in 25 matches with the best win-loss ratio.
Moreover, Mike is only after Steve Waugh’s 4.55 in the history of this format. Mike ranks second with the stats of 4.50.
Mike is famous for his pugilist kind of attitude between the span of the 1970s and 1980s. There is no surprise in his dream team that contains only his comrades of that period.
All-time XI of Mike Brearley:
The valorous cricketer from Middlesex went for a versatile opening partnership in the form of Gavaskar and Windies Gordon Greenidge.
Gavaskar is famous for his classical defense while as Gordon, on the other hand, is known for his fearless attitude.
Photo Credit: Getty Images.
While throwing light on his picks, Mike Brearley said,
“Sunil Gavaskar was a correct player. But also, if you bowl him a half-volley in the first over, he would hit it for four. Gordon Greenidge was an attacking opening batsman. (He was) a wonderful stroke-player but also very correct.”
His dream team consists of a solid middle-order attack in the form of Greg Chappell, Sir Viv Richards, and Ian Chappell respectively.
Apart from legendary gloveman, Alan Knott, the star-studded line up consists of Sir Ian Botham. Botham reached the climax of his career in the Ashes 1981.
The team includes two iconic picks from Pakistan.
Brearley while justifying their selection said,
“Imran Khan was a different type of bowler from the other fast bowlers in the team. He swung the ball in. He was fast and hostile and (also) a fine attacking batsman. Abdul Qadir was a marvelous, flamboyant (and) effervescent spin bowler.”
Denis Lillee leads the pace department of his dream team along with sir Andy Roberts.
Mike Brearley’s All-Time XI:
Sunil Gavaskar (India), Gordon Greenidge (West Indies), Greg Chappell (Australia), Sir Viv Richards (West Indies), Ian Chappell (c) (Australia), Sir Ian Botham (England), Alan Knott (wk) (England), Imran Khan (Pakistan), Abdul Qadir (Pakistan), Dennis Lillee (Australia) and Sir Andy Roberts (West Indies).
