Former English fast bowler Stuart Broad has revealed the strongest Test XI made up exclusively of players he faced during his illustrious international career, and the selection has already sparked debate among cricket fans.Wisden asked Broad, who finished his Test career with 604 wickets and ranks among the format’s most successful bowlers, to compile his ultimate team from the opponents he has faced over nearly two decades at the highest level.The English great opted for a line-up packed with some of the best cricketers of the modern era, although a few notable omissions immediately stood out.At the top of the order, Broad picked former South African captain Graeme Smith alongside Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara. While Sangakkara enjoyed tremendous success as a specialist batsman during the later stages of his career, Broad entrusted him with the wicket-keeping duties of the side.Australian icon Ricky Ponting took the 3rd position, with Virat Kohli settling at No. 4. Kohli emerged as India’s sole representative in the XI, displacing several other legendary names from the country.One omission that caught the eye is Sachin Tendulkar. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, the former India star did not find a place in Broad’s final selection despite the England pacer bowling against him during his playing days.The middle order contains two modern giants of the game. Steven Smith was picked at number 5, while South African legend Jacques Kallis was picked at number 6. Kallis also serves as the team’s only true all-rounder, adding immense balance with his contributions with both bat and ball.AB de Villiers was named at no. 7, providing explosive firepower and additional neck protection if needed.In terms of the bowling attack, Broad did not seem to have any difficulty in picking.The pace battery is led by former Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, whose hostile spells have troubled batsmen the world over. He is joined by the South African pace great Dale Steynone of the most feared fastball pitchers of his generation.Another Australian left-armer, Mitchell Starc, completed the three-man attack, while Sri Lankan wizard Muttiah Muralitharan was selected as the only specialist spinner in the side. Muralitharan remains the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket history.Another surprising omission was Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian speedster has established himself as one of the best fast bowlers of the modern era and shares an unforgettable bond with Broad.In 2022, Bumrah smashed Broad for 35 runs in one over at Edgbaston, setting the record for the most expensive over in Test cricket history and helping to create one of the most memorable moments of an English bowler’s career.Broad’s final XI ultimately reflects the players who have made the biggest impact on him during his time in international cricket, offering a fascinating insight into the opponents he values ​​most after years of competing against some of the game’s biggest stars.Stuart Broad’s All-Time Test XI (Opponents): Graeme Smith, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Mitchell Johnson, Dale Steyn, Muttiah Muralitharan, Mitchell Starc.
