The best 16 cricketers of all time

THE EDITOR: I have been challenged by a Canadian enthusiast (formerly of Trinidad) to select the best touring 16 cricket all-rounders including one or two wicket-keeper batsmen and of course a few who are qualified as specialist opening batsmen. 

My own idea of an all-rounder is a player who is equally competent as a batsman and as a bowler, and who is able to earn a place on merit as either batsman or bowler on his national XI. In my view there is nothing like a batting or bowling all-rounder. Of course there are first class batsmen who can bowl, and likewise there are bowlers who can hold an end at the crease. My 16 all-rounders at international level therefore comprise players who are competent enough to merit a place on the XI according to conditions on the particular day and whether the match is at Test or ODI level.

In selecting this touring team of all-rounders in the present setting of international cricket one must provide the captain with adequate alternatives for either version of the game, and the captain must himself be the astute personality capable of making the best selections. Personally, I do not think it necessary to have two different captains for test and ODI versions. Once the right man is at the helm, he would be able to adjust strategies and tactics accordingly.

Here then are my selections: Frank Worrell (WI) Manager/Captain, Wasim Akram (Pakistan), Trevor Bailey (England), Richie Benaud (Aus), Ian Botham (England), Learie Constantine (WI), Kapil Dev (India), Adam Gilchrist (Aus) Wkr/Bat, Gerry Gomez (WI), Richard Hadlee (NZ), Imran Khan (Pakistan), Keith Miller (Aus), Mike Proctor (SA), Bobby Simpson (Aus), Gary Sobers (WI), and Clyde Walcott (WI) Wkr/Bat. Having regard to the criteria set out above one may expect that the selections of Akram and Proctor may be challenged for different reasons, but they are both so special that I see no reason to change.

FYZUL HASSANALI
Author, “Captaincy in Cricket”