Stuart Broad has named his best Test XI from the players he actually faced during his own career, and the result is packed with all-time greats. The former England quick, who finished with more than 600 Test wickets, was asked to build a side from opponents he shared the field with, and he did not hold back when selecting some of the biggest names in the format.

At the top of the order, Broad went with South Africa great Graeme Smith and Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, with Australia’s Ricky Ponting at No. 3. One of the biggest talking points from his selection was the presence of Virat Kohli at No. 4, while Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, was left out.

Stuart Broad’s choices immediately sparked debate, especially given the number of legendary batters available from the era he played in. Broad then turned to the middle order, where he selected Steven Smith and Jacques Kallis at Nos. 5 and 6.

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Kallis was the only all-rounder in the XI, highlighting just how highly Broad rated his balance with bat and ball. AB de Villiers was chosen at No. 7, adding even more class and flexibility to an already star-studded lineup.

Stuart Broad had some tough decisions to make when picking his ultimate Test XI of cricketers he’s played against 👀

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When it came to the bowling attack, Stuart Broad picked two of the most feared fast bowlers of the modern era in Mitchell Johnson and Dale Steyn. He also included Mitchell Starc as another left-arm pace option, giving the side serious firepower and variety. For the lone spinner, Broad had no hesitation in choosing Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in Test history with 800 wickets.

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Broad’s XI reflects both quality and personal experience, with selections based on the toughest and most complete cricketers he came up against. The final team is a reminder of just how much elite talent has defined the modern Test era.

Stuart Broad’s Test XI: Graeme Smith, Kumar Sangakkara (WK), Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Mitchell Johnson, Dale Steyn, Muttiah Muralitharan, Mitchell Starc