Dubai, July 12: Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar and dashing opener Virender Sehwag are among the list of Indian players nominated in an online poll being conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC’s official website is calling on supporters from across the globe to select their greatest team of all time to mark the staging of the 2,000th Test match, which will take place between England and India at Lord’s from July 21 to 25,.
The other Indian sporting legends to make the list of nominees are Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Bishen Singh Bedi and Anil Kumble.
“With the 2,000th Test coming up it is appropriate to remember some of the great players through the ages that have thrilled audiences and inspired us all.
“With so many legends of the game to choose from, it is a very difficult task and I’m sure one that will lead to plenty of fond recollection and great debate.
“Test cricket is the pinnacle format of our great sport and it is important we continue to protect and promote it so that it grows even stronger over the next 2,000 matches,” said ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.
Voting is now open for cricket-lovers who can select a dream team from a shortlist of 60 players split into five categories. Fans will be asked to pick two opening batsmen, three middle-order batsmen, a wicketkeeper, three fast bowlers and one spinner to complete the dream team. Click here
Participants will have to wait until midnight Dubai time (GMT+4) on July 13, 2011 to make their selections. The choices will be announced a week before the landmark 2,000th Test.
While fans have the chance to vote for the suggested nominees, the ICC is also requesting supporters to send in their dream teams via www.facebook/cricketicc
Shortlist for greatest Test team of all time
Opening batsmen (two) – Geoffrey Boycott, Sunil Gavaskar, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Jack Hobbs, Len Hutton, Hanif Mohammad, Virender Sehwag, Herbert Sutcliffe, Victor Trumper
Middle-order batsmen (three) – Don Bradman, Greg Chappell, Wally Hammond, George Headley, Brian Lara, Javed Miandad, Graeme Pollock, Ricky Ponting, Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar
All-rounder (one) – Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, Aubrey Faulkner, Richard Hadlee, Jacques Kallis, Imran Khan, Keith Miller, Wilfred Rhodes, Gary Sobers, Frank Worrell
Wicketkeeper (one) – Les Ames, Mark Boucher, Jeff Dujon, Godfrey Evans, Andy Flower, Adam Gilchrist, Alan Knott, Rod Marsh, Clyde Walcott, Wasim Bari
Fast bowlers (three) – Curtley Ambrose, Sydney Barnes, Michael Holding, Dennis Lillee, Ray Lindwall, Malcolm Marshall, Glenn McGrath, Fred Trueman, Courtney Walsh, Wasim Akram
Spinner (one) – Bishen Bedi, Richie Benaud, Lance Gibbs, Clarrie Grimmett, Jim Laker, Anil Kumble, Muttiah Muralidaran, Bill O’Reilly, Derek Underwood, Shane Warne
