Is there space for Stuart Broad and James Anderson – or just one – in England’s best Test XI since 1985?

The last 40 years has seen plenty of ups and downs for England. They have plumbed the depths of despair with a series of Ashes hidings, but they have also been at the top of the world game.

There have been many stars gracing their line-up, particularly in the batting department where there are a host of outstanding players who miss out on selection due to the quality of the competition for their places. It is hard to believe that there is no place in this best team from the past 40 years for icons like Andrew Flintoff, Alastair Cook and Graeme Thorpe.

This team is selected with batsmen picked based on their averages batting in each position. In other words, the statistics you see alongside each name are not their overall career numbers, but what they scored and averaged in a specific batting position.

There is one exception here and that is the batsman in position eight. We had to slot in an allrounder, and England have some of the very best.

The legendary Ian Botham began his career outside the frame of reference – Botham debuted for England in 1977, which means the first eight years of his career are not considered. There is Flintoff and then of course there is current skipper Ben Stokes.

Here’s our pick of the best England Test XI from the last 40 years.

1. Graham Gooch

69 Tests as opener, 5,755 runs, average: 46.04

Gooch was the bedrock of England’s top order in the late 80s and early 90s. He combined immense concentration with a technically sound game and had a particular hunger for runs against top opposition.

His knock of 333 against India at Lord’s remains one of England’s most iconic innings.

2. Michael Vaughan

38 Tests as opener, 3,093 runs, average: 45.48

Vaughan was elegance personified at the top of the order and a thorn in Australia’s side during the 2002–03 Ashes where he topped the run charts. Later, he would captain England to their historic 2005 Ashes triumph, but his batting at number two earns him his spot here.

He came close to being named skipper of the team with his win percentage of 50.98 from 51 Tests, but there is another player here with a better record.

3. David Gower

19 Tests at number 3, 1,560 runs, average: 57.77

Left-handed grace defined Gower’s game. Though he debuted in the late 70s, his performances in the early-to-mid 80s were stellar, particularly batting at No. 3.

His effortless stroke play made batting look easy, and his average in this position was among the best in the world at the time.

Gower’s career average over all positions is just 44.25, but in the period under review, and at number three, he beats off competition from Jonathan Trott who misses out with an average of 45.72.

Also read: Kane Williamson over Ross Taylor – and no Stephen Fleming? Selecting New Zealand’s best Test XI since 1985

4. Kevin Pietersen

90 Tests at number 4, 6,490 runs, average: 48.43

Pietersen changed the face of English cricket. He brought a brash confidence and attacking flair to the middle order, capable of dominating any attack on his day.

His 158 at The Oval in 2005 sealed the Ashes and his aggressive batting style made him a game-changer at number four. KP doesn’t have the highest average at four, that honour belongs to Joe Root who averages 51.63 at second wicket down, but Root’s average at five is even better and we have him there.

5. Joe Root

24 Tests at number 5, 2,085 runs, average: 67.25

Root is the only active England batter in this line-up and, while he has played more games at number four, he has been at his very best while batting at number five.

His temperament, range of strokes and ability to grind down attacks make him one of the finest batters of his generation. Another contender for the captaincy with a win rate as skipper of 42.18%, he makes it into the side as a batsman alone.

6. Ian Bell

31 Tests at number 6, 1,623 runs, average: 60.11

Often underappreciated, Bell was classically stylish and immensely reliable at number six. He played many crucial innings down the order and had the knack of scoring hundreds under pressure, particularly in Ashes series.

7. Matt Prior (wicketkeeper)

65 Tests at number 7, 2,787 runs, average: 40.98

One of England’s most effective modern wicketkeepers, Prior combined clean glovework with counter-attacking batting. His ability to turn matches with his aggressive stroke play made him a perfect fit at number seven.

8. Ben Stokes (captain)

110 Tests, 6,719 runs, average: 35.55 | 210 wickets, average: 32.36

Stokes takes the allrounder spot not just for his stats but for his impact. Whether it’s Headingley 2019, his bowling in Cape Town, or leadership in tough situations, he’s become the beating heart of this England team.

A natural leader and generational cricketer he sees off both Botham and Flintoff and he gets the nod as skipper. Stokes is still actively playing but his record as captain is fantastic with a win percentage of 59.37. He would undoubtedly like to bat higher up the order, but this is the only space we have to fit him in.

9. Graeme Swann

60 Tests, 255 wickets, average: 29.96

England’s most successful modern spinner, Swann had guile, control and the rare ability to take wickets in all conditions.

His combination with Anderson and Broad was pivotal in England’s rise to number one in the world. Swann is the third highest wicket-taker for England in the period under review.

10. Stuart Broad

167 Tests, 604 wickets, average: 27.68

The ultimate big-match bowler, Broad was at his best with the new ball and in Ashes contests.

His eight for 15 against Australia at Trent Bridge is the stuff of legend. Over 600 wickets in an era of flat pitches and deep batting orders speaks volumes. he could bat a bit as well, although his exploits with the bat seemed to become less frequent as his career wore on.

11. James Anderson

188 Tests, 704 wickets, average: 26.45

The greatest fast bowler England has ever produced and arguably the most skillful swing bowler in history. His longevity and consistency are unparalleled. Whether home or away, Anderson has continued to adapt and thrive across generations.

12. Andrew Flintoff

79 Tests, 3,845 runs, average: 31.77 | 226 wickets, average: 32.78

Freddie misses out on a starting place but remains one of England’s most influential cricketers. His Ashes performances in 2005 and 2009 were legendary. A match-winner with both bat and ball, he was England’s talisman throughout the 2000s.

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

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Where does Tom Banton’s 371 rank among the 21 highest individual scores in first-class cricket?

Who has the highest individual scores in first-class cricket? Find out more about the most runs in a first-class innings.

21. Tom Banton – 371

Banton hit 371 for Somerset against Worcestershire in Taunton, England, in 2025. Banton hit 56 fours and two sixes.

20. Mahela Jayawardene – 374

Jayawardene hit 374 for Sri Lanka against South Africa in Colombo in 2006.

19. Brian Lara – 375

Lara hit 375 for West Indies against England in St John’s, West Indies, in 1994.

18. Sanjay Manjrekar – 377

Manjrekar hit 377 for Bombay (since renamed Mumbai) against Hyderabad in Mumbai, India, in 1991.

17. Prithvi Shaw – 379

Shaw hit 379 for Mumbai against Assam in Guwahati, India, in 2023.

16. Matthew Hayden – 380

Hayden hit 380 for Australia against Zimbabwe in Perth, Australia, in 2003.

15. Charles Gregory – 383

Gregory hit 383 for New South Wales against Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, in 2006.

14. Bert Sutcliffe – 385

Sutcliffe hit 385 for Otago against Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1952. This is the highest individual first-class score in New Zealand.

13. Stephen Cook – 390

Cook hit 390 for the Lions against the Warriors in East London, South Africa, in 2009. He hit 53 fours and one six. This is the highest individual first-class score in South Africa.

12. Naved Latif – 394

Latif hit 394 for Sargodha against Gujranwala in Gujranwala, Pakistan, in 2000. He hit 52 fours and five sixes. Latif debuted in Test cricket two years after this 394.

11. Brian Lara – 400 not out

Lara hit 400 not out for West Indies against England in St John’s, West Indies, in 2004. This is the highest individual Test score in Test cricket.

10. Graeme Hick – 405 not out

Hick hit 405 not out for Worcestershire against Somerset in Taunton, England in 1988. Hick hit 35 fours and 11 sixes. His 405 accounted for 64 percent of Worcestershire’s total of 628 for seven declared.

Also read: Kane Williamson over Ross Taylor – and no Stephen Fleming? Selecting New Zealand’s best Test XI since 1985

9. Sam Northeast – 410 not out

Northeast hit 410 not out for Glamorgan against Leicestershire in Leicester, England, in 2022. Northeast spent 10 hours and three minutes at the crease. He hit 45 fours and three sixes.

8. Archie MacLaren – 424

MacLaren hit 424 for Lancashire against Somerset in Taunton, England, in 1895. This is the highest individual first-class score by an Englishman in England.

7. Aftab Baloch – 428

Baloch hit 428 for Sind against Baluchistan in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1974. Baloch’s 428 included 25 fours and no sixes. He captained Sind in this match.

6. Bill Ponsford – 429

Ponsford hit 429 for Victoria against Tasmania in Melbourne, Australia, in 1923. He is one of only two players in the history of first-class cricket to have two scores of 399-plus. The other is Lara.

5. Bill Ponsford – 437

Ponsford hit 437 for Victoria against Queensland in Melbourne, Australia, in 1927. Ponsford’s second first-class quadruple-century came four years after the first.

4. Bhausaheb Nimbalkar – 443 not out

Nimbalkar hit 443 not out for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in Pune, India, in 1948. This is the highest individual first-class score in India. He hit 49 fours and one six.

3. Don Bradman – 452

Bradman hit 452 for New South Wales against Queensland in Sydney, Australia, in 1930. This is the highest individual first-class score in Australia. Bradman hit 49 fours and no sixes.

2. Hanif Mohammed – 499

Mohammed hit 499 for Karachi against Bahawalpur in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1959. This is the highest individual first-class score in Pakistan. The innings included 64 fours and no sixes.

1. Brian Lara – 501 not out

Lara hit 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in Birmingham, England, in 1994. Lara’s 501 not out included 62 fours and 10 sixes. He faced 427 deliveries.

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

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County Championship 2025, Division 1: live scoreboards

Surrey begin their bid for a fourth successive title at Chelmsford and Yorkshire return to the top-flight at the Rose Bowl in opening round

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Arshdeep Singh laps up success among IPL records at Mullanpur Cricket Stadium, Punjab

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh (MYS) International Cricket Stadium, located in Mohali, Punjab is a contemporary addition to India’s historic array of cricketing venues with this one packing a modern punch.

Also known as the New Punjab Cricket Association Stadium or Mullanpur Cricket Stadium, the venue that was established as recently as 2021 is a state-of-the-art venue that spans 40 acres and often plays host to 38,000 fans.

Named in honour of MYS who was the former Maharaja of Patiala, the arena is the new home ground for the Punjab Kings in the IPL.

It’s a truly innovative piece of architecture with its modern amenities making it a haven for some of cricket’s best talent in both international and domestic fixtures.

An advanced drainage system removes water within 30 minutes of rain and has two international-grade dressing rooms with steam, sauna, and ice bath facilities with a fully equipped gym for the world’s best talent.

It hosted its inaugural IPL match last year at the start of the 2024 season and witnessed some memorable performances in that one year alone.

Let’s dive into some of the most incredible performances at the freshest stadium on the IPL block.

1. Who has the most IPL runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium?

The record is held by Ashutosh Sharma who made 128 runs across four innings in his debut IPL season for the Punjab Kings in a year where they struggled at the bottom of the table.

He’s now playing for the Delhi Capitals after his consistent performances last year including a valuable 61 runs for his side where he excelled in the death overs.

His ability to pierce gaps in the field and score 360° around the ground has made him a key IPL player in the middle order.

Also read: Listing every Indian Premier League century since 2017 – record number of tons in 2024

2. Who has the most IPL wickets at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium?

Despite the ground having hosted a few IPL matches, the leading wicket-taker at the venue is Arshdeep Singh of the Punjab Kings.

He claimed 6 victims with his left arm pace bowling and utilised the pitch that is relatively in it’s infancy to trouble batting lineups in Punjab.

Consistent performances with his dangerous bowling and his ability to thrive on the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium deck has helped the franchise retain his services for a seventh IPL season with the side.

3. What is the highest IPL team total at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium?

The highest team total at the ground was achieved by the Mumbai Indians with the away side racking up 192/7 in front of a shell-shocked home crowd last year.

Explosive batting performances from Suryakumar Yadav, who fired 78 runs off 53 balls, and Tilak Varma, who added 42 off 26, helped map out a helpful road that the visitors cruised down for an emphatic victory.

The home team’s key bowlers, Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, struggled to contain the free-flowing scoring of Mumbai’s brutal middle order.

4. What is the lowest IPL team total at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium?

The lowest team total at the venue was 142 all-out as the home side were again dismantled by the visitors – this time the Gujarat Titans in 2024.

The tall challenge of scoring against T20 wizard, Rashid Khan, who took 3/22 and IPL veteran Mohit Sharma, who claimed 2/28, proved too much for the hosts who had no match for the Titans’ varieties.

A fighting 38 from Indian stalwart, Shikhar Dhawan, was the side’s only notable score in their poor outing at the crease.

5. Who has the highest individual IPL score at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium?

It was the heroics of Suryakumar Yadav at the venue that secured him the current highest IPL score with his 78 runs off 58 balls in the Mumbai Indians’ record team total at the ground.

His innings, on a ground that was completely unbeknown to him, was a masterpiece of temperament, stroke play and dominance when needed.

He crushed eight boundaries including two mammoth sixes as he highlighted his ability to pace an innings and take on both pacers and spinners.

6. Who has the best IPL bowling figures at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium?

It was Arshdeep Singh’s effort of 4 wickets for 29 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad that is the best IPL spell seen in the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

The calculated and ruthless spell was instrumental in his side’s home victory as he took the crucial wicket of big-hitting Heinrich Klaasen to restrict the oppositions total.

Read next: Full list of captains for 2025 Indian Premier League

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Angelo Mathews ahead of Aravinda de Silva – and no Sanath Jayasuriya – in Sri Lanka’s best Test XI since 1985

Compared to teams like England and Australia, Sri Lanka are relative newcomers to Test cricket – they played their first Test in 1982.

Since then, they have been represented by a host of incredible cricketers. Many big names have donned the whites for the island nation, with legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan going on to become the world’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker.

Our team, which is selected based on batting averages in specific positions and includes the players’ statistics for these positions, sees a number of excellent players narrowly missing out.

There is no place for stars from the early nineties like Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, or Sanath Jayasuriya – although they all came close.

Here’s our pick for Sri Lanka’s best Test XI from the last 40 years.

1. Marvan Atapattu – 5,317 runs from 79 Tests at an average of 43.22

Marvan Atapattu was one of Sri Lanka’s most technically correct and mentally strong openers. His career began with a nightmarish start (he scored five ducks in his first six innings), but he rebounded to become one of the finest batters of his generation.

With six double centuries to his name, Atapattu was a master at building long innings, an essential quality for a Test opener.

2. Tillakaratne Dilshan – 2,170 runs from 29 Tests at an average of 42.54

Tillakaratne Dilshan was best known for his aggressive stroke play, and while he truly flourished in white-ball cricket, he was an excellent Test player as well.

His attacking instincts complemented Atapattu’s solidity, making him a dangerous opening partner. Dilshan was also a handy off-spinner, adding an extra dimension to his team’s bowling attack. Sanath Jayasuriya comes close to taking this place but with an average of 41.48 he just misses out.

3. Kumar Sangakkara – 11,679 runs from 125 Tests at an average of 60.82

Arguably Sri Lanka’s greatest-ever batsman, Kumar Sangakkara was an elegant stroke maker with an insatiable hunger for runs. His numbers speak for themselves – over 11,000 Test runs at a remarkable average of 60.82.

Whether playing gritty knocks or fluent centuries, Sangakkara was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup for over a decade.

4. Mahela Jayawardene (captain) – 9,509 runs from 124 Tests at an average of 52.24

The perfect partner for Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene was a master tactician and one of Sri Lanka’s most prolific run-scorers.

His 374 against South Africa remains one of the highest Test scores ever, and his ability to play long, patient innings made him a mainstay of the middle order. Jayawardene was also an astute captain who led Sri Lanka to multiple famous victories – we have picked him to lead our side.

5. Dinesh Chandimal – 2,213 runs from 37 Tests at an average of 50.29

Dinesh Chandimal emerged as a reliable middle-order batsman with a penchant for playing match-defining knocks.

While his Test career saw ups and downs, his ability to anchor the innings or accelerate when needed made him a crucial part of Sri Lanka’s batting order. There was a lot of competition for this spot with Aravinda de Silva (48.45) and Thilan Samaraweera (47.59) both close to selection.

Also read: Kane Williamson over Ross Taylor – and no Stephen Fleming? Selecting New Zealand’s best Test XI since 1985

6. Angelo Mathews – 2,161 runs from 38 Tests at an average of 48.02

A rock in Sri Lanka’s middle order, Angelo Mathews provided stability with his ability to bat in different situations.

Whether digging in to save a match or counter attacking under pressure, Mathews was a key performer for Sri Lanka. He also contributed with the ball, offering crucial medium pace bowling options. Matthews had good numbers at five and seven as well, but we slot him into our XI at six.

7. Hashan Tillakaratne (wicketkeeper) – 701 runs from 19 Tests at an average of 50.07

One of Sri Lanka’s most underrated cricketers, Hashan Tillakaratne was known for his resilience and ability to play crucial innings under pressure.

A solid wicketkeeper-batsman, he had a technique suited to grinding out runs when the team needed them the most. While Kumar Sangakkara was a very useful wicketkeeper, it is Tillakaratne who wears the gloves in our side.

8. Chaminda Vaas – 1,913 runs from 74 Tests at an average of 25.17 | 355 wickets at 29.58

Sri Lanka’s greatest fast bowler, Chaminda Vaas was a master of swing and seam bowling.

While Sri Lanka is traditionally known for its spinners, Vaas provided a different challenge for opponents with his ability to move the ball in all conditions. His knack for picking up early wickets made him an invaluable asset.

9. Lasith Malinga – 101 wickets from 30 Tests at an average of 33.15

Known for his unique slinging action and ability to bowl deadly yorkers, Lasith Malinga made a significant impact in Tests before focusing primarily on white-ball cricket.

While his Test numbers aren’t as legendary as his ODI and T20 stats, Malinga was a serious wicket-taking threat whenever he played. With 171 wickets at an average of 36.44 Suranga Lakmal also got a look in here, but Malinga had a better average and a bigger reputation.

10. Rangana Herath – 433 wickets from 93 Tests at an average of 28.07

Following Muralitharan’s retirement, Rangana Herath became Sri Lanka’s go-to spinner and carried the team’s bowling attack for years. A master of deception and flight, Herath consistently troubled batsmen and was a match-winner on numerous occasions.

His 433 Test wickets solidify his place as one of Sri Lanka’s all-time great bowlers.

11. Muttiah Muralitharan – 800 wickets from 133 Tests at an average of 22.72

The greatest off-spinner the game has ever seen, Muttiah Muralitharan was Sri Lanka’s ultimate match-winner. With 800 Test match cricket wickets, he holds the record for the most wickets in Test history.

His ability to extract turn on any surface and bamboozle batsmen made him a nightmare for opposition teams.

12. Aravinda de Silva – 6,361 runs from 93 Tests at an average of 42.97 | 29 wickets at 41.65

Aravinda de Silva was Sri Lanka’s first real batting superstar, capable of taking on the best bowlers in the world. While his ODI exploits are legendary, he was also a key Test cricket player, capable of playing match-winning innings.

He could also chip in with his part-time off-spin, making him a valuable all-rounder.

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

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South Africa’s best Test XI in 40 years – Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada in, Faf du Plessis out and no specialist spinner

South Africa have only been back in international cricket since the early nineties, when they made their return with a one-off Test against the West Indies in 1992, so as much as this is a greatest XI of the last 40 years it only covers the last 33.

That time has seen a host of incredible players don the famous green and gold of the Proteas, and there are some players who are very unlucky to miss out on selection here.

Without a doubt it will be controversial that players like Faf du Plessis and Shaun Pollock don’t make the side. There is also no space for a spinner – but traditionally that hasn’t been a strength for South Africa.

Now, As South Africa prepare to face Australia in the final of the World Test Championship, which will run from 11 to 15 June, let’s look at our best Proteas Test XI from the last 40 years – it’s a side that includes two current players who will be turning out at Lords in June.

1. Graeme Smith (captain)

113 Tests as opener | 9018 runs | HS: 277 | Avg: 49.54

No one embodied South African resilience and fighting spirit quite like Graeme Smith. Thrust into the captaincy at just 22, Smith led the Proteas for over a decade, becoming one of the most respected skippers in Test history.

His ability to grind out tough runs at the top of the order was crucial in many of South Africa’s greatest wins, with his monumental 277 against England a testament to his endurance and class.

2. Herschelle Gibbs

68 Tests as opener | 5242 runs | HS: 228 | Avg: 47.22

Flamboyant, fearless, and immensely talented, Herschelle Gibbs was a game-changer at the top of the order. Capable of taking apart any bowling attack, Gibbs’ stroke play was mesmerizing when he was in full flow.

His highest Test score of 228, made against Pakistan, showcased his ability to dominate attacks over long innings. Gibbs and Smith formed one of the most successful ever opening partnerships for South Africa, and while Gary Kirsten is unlucky to miss out on selection, his average was lower than Gibbs’.

3. Hashim Amla

107 Tests at number 3 | 7993 runs | HS: 311* | Avg: 49.95

A modern great, Hashim Amla brought grace and composure to South Africa’s batting lineup. His hunger for runs and ability to bat for long periods made him one of the Proteas’ most reliable batsmen.

His unbeaten 311 against England remains the highest individual Test score by a South African and a perfect example of his patience and class. A testament to Amla’s class is that he boasts a better average than Jacques Kallis at number three.

Also read: Kane Williamson over Ross Taylor – and no Stephen Fleming? Selecting New Zealand’s best Test XI since 1985

4. Jacques Kallis

111 Tests at number 4 | 9033 runs | HS: 224 | Avg: 61.86 | 291 wickets | Avg: 32.63

Arguably the greatest all-rounder of all time, Jacques Kallis was the backbone of South African cricket for over a decade. With over 9000 runs at an average above 60 and nearly 300 wickets, his contributions with both bat and ball were unmatched. A true match-winner, Kallis was indispensable in all conditions.

His batting average of four is remarkable and his presence in this team takes it from good to great. Although it is not struggling for bowlers, having Kallis available as a bowler gives the side an incredible balance and depth.

5. AB de Villiers

57 Tests at number 5 | 3913 runs | HS: 278* | Avg: 62.11

Few batsmen have had the ability to switch gears like AB de Villiers. Whether it was grinding out a patient innings or playing audacious attacking shots, he was a genius with the bat.

His 278* against Pakistan remains one of the greatest innings by a South African. An outstanding fielder, a leader and an entertainer, AB de Villiers walks into this team.

6. Temba Bavuma

18 Tests at number 6 | 1059 runs | HS: 113 | Avg: 50.42

Perhaps a controversial selection, but current skipper Temba Bavuma is a player whose impact goes beyond statistics, Temba Bavuma is a symbol of determination and perseverance. His ability to play crucial innings under pressure has made him an important figure in the modern South African setup.

His maiden Test century against England remains a landmark moment in South African cricket. He has batted up and down the order for South Africa, but his most effective position has been at six where an average of over 50 sees him beat off competition from the likes of Faf du Plessis and Jonty Rhodes.

7. Brian McMillan

17 Tests at number 7 | 1051 runs | HS: 113 | Avg: 58.38 | 75 wickets | Avg: 33.82

A versatile all-rounder, Brian McMillan provided South Africa with a valuable mix of solid middle-order batting and effective seam bowling.

His ability to score runs at crucial moments and break partnerships made him a key figure in the early days of South Africa’s return to Test cricket. He was an outstanding slip fielder, and he brought menace to the field with his glowering presence and aggression.

8. Mark Boucher (wicketkeeper)

43 Tests at number 8 | 1370 runs | HS: 122* | Avg: 38.05

One of the finest wicketkeepers of all time, Mark Boucher was a rock behind the stumps for South Africa. His sharp glovework and ability to play crucial lower-order knocks made him an invaluable asset to the team.

His leadership skills and fighting spirit were crucial in many of South Africa’s greatest triumphs. South Africa have had several outstanding keepers over the period under review – think Quinton de Kock and Dave Richardson, but Boucher is the standout.

9. Dale Steyn

93 Tests | 439 wickets | Avg: 22.95

A fast-bowling great, Dale Steyn terrorized batsmen with his raw pace, lethal outswingers, and incredible ability to generate reverse swing.

At his peak, Steyn was virtually unplayable, capable of dismantling any batting lineup. His impact on South African cricket is immeasurable.

10. Kagiso Rabada

70 Tests | 327 wickets | Avg: 22.00

The spearhead of the current South African attack, Kagiso Rabada has already cemented his place among the greats. His ability to generate express pace, movement, and bounce makes him a nightmare for batsmen.

With plenty of years still ahead of him, Rabada could go down as one of the all-time greats. Rabada boasts a better average than both Steyn and Donald.

11. Allan Donald

72 Tests | 330 wickets | Avg: 22.25

Nicknamed “White Lightning,” Allan Donald was South Africa’s first true fast-bowling superstar after readmission. His blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy made him a feared bowler worldwide.

His fierce battles with some of the game’s best batsmen remain legendary – his duel with Mike Atherton at the Wanderers is still regarded as an all-time classic – even if he came out on the wrong side of that battle.

12. Jonty Rhodes

52 Tests | 2532 runs | HS: 117 | Avg: 35.66

Officially a batsman, Rhodes was so much more than that. He was the heartbeat of the early Proteas teams, a dynamo in the field and a nuggety, body-on-the-line batsman in the middle order.

Electric between the wickets Jonty Rhodes was the always the sort of player you wanted on your side.

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

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The Hundred 2025 tickets on sale today: General sale, ticket prices and VIP options

Tickets go on early bird sale at 10am on Tuesday 1 April for those who signed up for early access on The Hundred website.

Ticket categories for the fast-paced limited ball game range from bronze to gold, with adult prices starting from £12 and children’s prices from £5. The opening game of the tournament takes place at Lord’s where London Spirit’s men’s and women’s teams will take on their Oval Invincibles rivals in a double-header.

The tournament will see eight teams compete to be named champions of the tournament, with the winner decided in a grand final in August. The teams have already taken part in a draft and ticket sales are set to begin.

Fans will get a chance to buy general sale tickets from 17 April when they go on sale. However fans can buy tickets early if they choose one of the hospitality or VIP options

The Eliminator playoff takes place on Saturday 30 August at Kia Oval and the final of The Hundred 2025 will be on 31 August at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Tickets for the final are on sale at Seat Unique, the venue’s official ticket partner. VIP tickets for the final start from just £349 per person and you will get to see both women’s and men’s final games for the price of one ticket.

VIP tickets are sold in groups of 30 and include hospitality seats, complimentary food and drink, and a pre-match buffet. You can book VIP seats for the final or any of London Spirit’s home games here.

The Hundred has warned only tickets sold through The Hundred website or official VIP sellers will be able to attend games as it clamps down on ticket touts.

The Hundred organisers says: “The ECB is against ticket touting, and is committed to eradicating it wherever possible. We are committed to making the game as accessible as possible, and we understand that ticket touting excludes those who cannot afford inflated prices of tickets and we strongly discourage people from buying tickets from unofficial sources – tickets could be fake, duplicates or could have been cancelled by the ECB/venue.”

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