Smith and Sehwag scored about 1500 runs from 14-15 matches, while Gautam scored 1100 from eight. Actually, I think I'd have all three of them:
The middle order is a little bit muddy. Many players have 1000+ runs. As you can see, I don't really want to make the distinction between openers and traditional middle order for this purpose. I mean, Sehwag is a middle order batsman by trade anyway.
Of course, you can't leave out Chanderpaul. Had 900 runs but in only 9 Tests and an average of 100+. I like AB De Villiers as well, and I am partial towards Pietersen.
- Chanderpaul
- AB Devilliers
- Pietersen
So there is my top six. Who should be the wicketkeeper? I'm going to go with Haddin.
Now, the bowlers:
Flintoff is walking into the side. Steyn also makes it. And Mitchell Johnson has come on strong lately. So that leaves one spot. Zaheer Khan, O'Brien, Ishant or Sidebottom? I'm going to go Sidebottom. To hell with spinners, useless buggers.
- Flintoff
- Johnson
- Steyn
- Sidebottom
Bats deep, has some excellent weapons, and a great all around team in my opinion:
- Smith
- Gambhir
- Sehwag
- Chanderpaul
- AB Devilliers
- Pietersen
- Haddin
- Flintoff
- Johnson
- Steyn
- Sidebottom
Three South Africans, two Indians, two Australians, three Englishmen, and one West Indian. I think it's fair.