Alec Stewart Slams ICC’s Dream Test XI team – Cricket News Update
Former England Captain, Alec Stewart, has expressed his displeasure on ICC’s Dream Team, by labeling it as a “joke”, ahead of the 2000th Test match at Lord’s, on July 21, 2011.
The team was chosen after a poll on the ICC official website where thousands of people voted for players they thought would make the greatest Test XI of all time.
From the players who made the cut, four came from Australia and India respectively, followed by two West Indies players, along with a sole representative from Pakistan.
There were no players chosen from Stewart’s national team, along with New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The exclusion of many legendary players made the former English skipper voice his opinions via a social networking website, where he blatantly expressed his views.
The England veteran, who is the most capped cricketer for his team with 133 Tests, and the second most in One-Days with 170, labeled the team as a “joke.”
“What a joke team,” he said. “No Viv Richards, Gary Sobers, Malcolm Marshall to name but three.”
The team, which is referred to as the “People’s Dream XI” comprises the likes of Virender Sehwag, Don Bradman, Adam Gilchrist, Wasim Akram and Curtly Ambrose to name a few.
However, with players like Michael Holding, Dennis Lillee, Sydney Barnes not chosen, it came as a surprise to many.
Only Sir Donald Bradman was chosen from the pre-1970’s era, which also came as a big shock.
ICC’s Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, defended the selection, as for him it reflects “modern players seen by present day supporters.”
Moreover he added, “There are many greats from the past who would have easily merited selection in this team, but it is nevertheless interesting to see the fans’ view on their greatest XI of all time.”
The team is selected to celebrate Crickets 2000th test match, schedule to take place between England and India in two days time.
ICC Greatest Test Team XI:
Virender Sehwag, Sunil Gavaskar, , Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev - India
Donald Bradman, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath - Australia
Brian Lara, Curtly Ambrose - West Indies
Wasim Akram - Pakistan
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