Former South Africa batting great Hashim Amla has revealed his all-time Test XI, and the selection has sparked plenty of debate among cricket fans. In a surprising decision, Amla opted not to include modern-day giants such as Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smithor Kane Williamson. Instead, he loaded his lineup with legendary names from the late 1990s and 2000s era, alongside some of his own former teammates.

Hashim Amla picks his ultimate all-time World Test XI without Virat Kohli or Joe Root

Speaking on Beard before Wicket podcast, Amla’s top order begins with his former South Africa captain Graeme Smith and Australia powerhouse Matthew Hayden as openers. Smith, one of the most successful Test captains in history, amassed 9,265 runs, with an astonishing 9,030 of those as an opener. Hayden, feared for his aggressive batting, finished with 8,265 runs at an average of 50.73 from 103 Tests.

At No. 3, Amla went for India’s ‘Wall’, Rahul Dravidwho scored 13,288 Test runs, including 10,524 runs at first drop with an average of 52.88. Ricky Pontingthe former Australia captain and third-highest scorer in Test history with 13,378 runs, takes the No. 4 spot.

In a slight reshuffle from their usual batting positions, Amla named his former Proteas teammate Jacques Kallis at No. 5. While Kallis often batted in the top four, his versatility and record of 13,289 runs, along with 292 wickets, make him a perfect middle-order option. Surprisingly, Sachin Tendulkar—Test cricket’s top scorer with 15,921 runs—has been placed at No. 6, despite having excelled at No. 4 throughout his career.

The wicketkeeping duties go to another South African, AB de Villiersa destructive batter with 8,765 Test runs. His ability to adapt to various situations and add balance to the side earned him the nod over more traditional keepers.

Balanced bowling attack led by legends

Amla’s bowling unit is as formidable as the batting order, featuring two all-time great spinners and two fearsome pace bowlers. Muttiah Muralitharanthe leading wicket-taker in Test history with 800 scalps, partners with Shane Warnethe Australian spin wizard who claimed 708 wickets, giving the team phenomenal variety in the spin department.

The pace attack is spearheaded by Australia’s Glenn McGrathwidely regarded as one of the most accurate quicks ever, with 563 wickets at an average of 21.64. He is joined by South Africa’s Dale Steynwhose raw pace and swing brought him 439 wickets in just 93 Tests, making him one of the most lethal fast bowlers of his era.

By leaving out dominant contemporary players like Kohli and Root, Amla has clearly leaned towards cricketers who, in his eyes, have left an indelible mark over a long period. The side blends power, technique, and match-winning ability, creating what he sees as the ultimate Test match combination.

Hashim Amla’s All-Time Test XI:

Graeme Smith, Matthew Hayden, Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Sachin TendulkarAB de Villiers (wk), A Book of Stings, Dale of Stes, Muralitan Muralitan, Glenn McGrath