Red Hill XI
Gordon Greenidge ^
Mark Taylor ^ *
Viv Richards ^ *
Misbah ul Haq
Michael Clarke
Shane Watson (5)
Farohk Engineer +
Dan Vettori (4)
Joel Garner (2)
Dennis Lillee (1)
Muttiah Muralitharan (3)
12th- Vernon Philander
Truth be told, this is probably the best team I've ever drafted. It's certainly my favourite. Complimentary opening pair in Taylor and Greenidge, left and right handed and contrasting styles. The one and only Viv at #3, surely the most intimidating #3 not including the Don. Solid middle order of Misbah and Clarke (both averaging close to 50 over lengthy careers) before the all-rounders Watson, Engineer and Vettori round out the batting line up.
The bowling is headed by Lillee who is supported more than ably by Garner. What an ideal combo- Lillee's ferocious temperament and out-swinger coupled with Garner's intimidation from 2.03 metres plus arm length and his incredible accuracy, durability and yorker ability. Watson provides the medium pace relief before the GOAT offie and a very canny left arm orthodox come on to do their thing to win the game. If required, Viv and Clarke are quite capable spinners.
The fielding is top notch. Taylor and Greenidge in the slips are peerless, Garner was outstanding in the gully, while Clarke and Viv were superb in either the slips or in the infield. Having kept to Bedi, Prasanna, Chandrasekhar and Venkataraghavan, Engineer is ideal for a team containing Murali and Vettori.
Finally, leadership is superb. Taylor is the best captain I've seen, tactically, while Viv could co-captain with his blunt leadership and displays of aggression. Vettori a sound leader of men also. Clarke was also very good tactically, meaning this team would never be short of ideas in the field. Should we be playing on a greener wicket, Philander could come in for Vettori as a third pace option.
