Ricky Ponting Picks His All-time XI

Continuing the trend of choosing the all-time XI, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has named his on Monday (June 4). But, the criteria to select the team was to choose cricketers he played alongside during his illustrious career.

Unsurprisingly, the team had five Australian players. With Ponting at the helm, Australia served as one of the most dominant teams the game has ever witnessed.

Moreover, the list is comprised of two Windies; one each from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa in a bid to complete the team.

At the top, Ponting chose his compatriots Mathew Hayden and Justin Langer to open the innings.

“Two guys that I really enjoyed batting behind, and two different batting style,” Ponting said on a video posted by the Lord’s website.

“Matty Hayden, always big and tall at the crease, always on the front foot, always putting pressure back on the bowlers,” he believes.

“And his little mate Justin Langer at the other end, who is one of my greatest mates from my playing times,” he remarked.

Furthermore, at number three Ponting picked South African great Jacques Kallis.

Interestingly, with 45 Test centuries, 13,289 Test runs and 292 wickets, Kallis is one of the greatest all-rounders of all times.

Following Kallis at number four, is batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, the lone Indian in the team.

On his decision to select Tendulkar, Ponting said:“There’s not too many greatest XIs you could pick without Sachin in it. His longevity in the game was remarkable. He had a great record against Australia, and as a captain of an opposition team playing against him. He gave us lots of nightmares and certainly won lots of games, one-day internationals or Test matches.”

However, Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara was selected to lead the star-studded team.

In addition, here is the all-time XI, picked by Ricky Ponting:

Justin Langer, Mathew Hayden, Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara (c), Adam Gilchrist (wk), Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Curtly Ambrose, Glenn McGrath.

Also, have a look at the video:

WATCH: Former @CricketAus captain Ricky Ponting selects his All Time XI from his playing days:https://t.co/5GUyarPYwm

— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) August 11, 2016