Is this the greatest LEFT-HANDED Test XI ever?
Creating the Greatest Test Left-Handed XI is a fun – and subjective – exercise.
But based on performance, influence, and balance across eras and roles, here's a pretty formidable all-time left-hander-only Test team: Matthew Hayden (Australia)
Aggressive, powerful opener with over 8,600 runs and a dominant presence at the top. Alastair Cook (England)
England's highest Test run-scorer; technically solid and mentally unshakeable. Brian Lara (West Indies)
The stylish genius with the highest individual Test score (400 ) and two 375+ innings.* Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Over 12,000 runs, elegance personified, and one of the most consistent #3/4s ever. Sourav Ganguly (India) – Captain
India's 'Prince of Calcutta' and a transformative leader; aggressive left-hander with flair. Adam Gilchrist (Australia) – Wicketkeeper
Changed the role of wicketkeeper-batsman forever; explosive with the bat, reliable with the gloves. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
One of the most complete all-rounders of the modern era; a match-winner with both bat and ball. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
The 'Sultan of Swing'; lethal with both old and new ball; also a capable lower-order batsman. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka's premier left-arm seamer; accurate, consistent, and effective in all conditions. Derek Underwood (England)
'Deadly' on wet wickets; a master of slow left-arm orthodox bowling. Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
Devastating pace and bounce, especially in the 2013–14 Ashes; could turn matches single-handedly.
Arguably the greatest cricketer of all time, but left out of the XI only to keep team balance in a Test context (since Sobers batted in the top 6 and this team is already stacked). Could easily replace any all-rounder.
Honorable mentions: Graeme Smith and Graeme Pollock
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