Sri Lanka legend stirs up plenty of discussion after several big-name omissions from his greatest cricketing XI
Sangakkara picks his greatest XI
Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara has courted controversy, leaving India great Sachin Tendulkar out of his ‘all-time cricketing XI’.
Sangakkara included three of his countrymen in his side as he sifted through the best players from his international career, with the criteria that he must have played with or against those selected.
In a video for Lord’s – where Sangakkara is currently enjoying a County Championship stint with Middlesex – the Sri Lanka great listed his Test XI and explained his choices.
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He opted for Australia great Matthew Hayden and India’s Rahul Dravid at the top of the order, followed by his “all-time favourite batsman”, Windies legend Brian Lara, at No.3.
"I’ll have Ricky Ponting at number four, then it’s a toss up between Aravinda de Silva and Mahela Jayawardene for the crucial number five spot," Sangakkara told lords.org.
"I wish I could have both. But Aravinda, because Mahela and I both agree he is the best Sri Lankan batsman we have ever seen."
South Africa’s Jacques Kallis is the allrounder in the side at No.6, ahead of Australia great Adam Gilchrist, who dons the gloves in Sangakkara’s side.
Sangakkara included two spinners in his bowling attack, saying it was impossible to leave either Shane Warne or Muttiah Muralidaran out.
"I’d have two spinners in all conditions (and) they’re the two best spinners I’ve ever seen."
Pakistan great Wasim Akram and Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas round out his XI.
"ll have Wasim as a left-arm fast-bowler (at number ten).
"His skill belittles you both with the old and the new ball; a left-armer, just unbelievably challenging to face him.
"Any batsman that I have spoken to, said he always feared facing Wasim.
For my final spot, it’s a choice between Vaas or McGrath (but) I’m going to go for Vaas."
But it was the exclusion of Tendulkar left many India fans demanding answers, prompting Sangakkara to explain his decision on social media.
@mukundrjoshi @HomeOfCricket @OfficialSLC @sachin_rt it's tough to fit everyone in. @virendersehwag was so tough to leave out too.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 28, 2016
@HugarAnil not just Sachin. But Sehwag was a great too. @imVkohli maybe better than all in the future. Can't fit everyone in
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 28, 2016
"It’s tough to fit everyone in," Sangakkara tweeted.
"Virender Sehwag was so tough to leave out too.
"Virat Kohli may be better than all in the future. But can’t fit everyone in."
SANGAKKARA’S GREATEST CRICKETING XI
Rahul Dravid, Matthew Hayden, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, Aravinda de Silva (c), Jacques Kallis, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralidaran, Wasim Akram, Chaminda Vaas