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Hussain's ultimate Test XI

Former England captain and Sky Sports commentator Nasser Hussain has chosen his top Test XI from current players

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has taken on a task that would make any selector weary – sorting through the current crop of players to form an ultimate Test XI.

While other commentators put their heads together to choose an Australian XI for the first Test against New Zealand, Hussain looked to bring together the best of the best in a world XI.

The Sky Sports commentator’s team features three Australian players – as well as three from No.1 Test team South Africa – while only two players from England’s Ashes-winning squad have been included.

1. David Warner (Australia)

Warner is the third-highest ranked opener in the current ICC Test rankings, behind Hashim Amla – who has also made Hussain’s team – and teammate Chris Rogers, who will retire at the end of the fifth Ashes Test.

”People call him a thrasher but he’s very steady technically, too,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.

“He gets a lot of second-innings runs that help set up wins.”

2. Hashim Amla (South Africa)

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South Africa's Test captain is the current highest ranked opener, and has 23 hundreds to his name from 84 Tests, including a double century scored last December.

“He can bat anywhere. Since his spot in South Africa’s side was questioned in his very early days, he has been a run machine.”

3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

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New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, India’s Virat Kohli, Australia’s Steve Smith and England’s Joe Root are widely acknowledged as four outstanding batsmen set to dominate international cricket for much of the next decade.

Williamson at first drop would steady the line-up, Hussain says: “There could be chaos in my side with Warner up top and the lads to come in later so I want that really calm guy at No.3.

4. Virat Kohli (India)

Image Id: ~/media/D363C4AE4F2441FBA54D7E67067A1C87Meanwhile, India captain Kohli at No.4 “ticks every box,” Hussain said.

“He gets runs home and away and is a fantastically gifted player who is very pleasing on the eye."

5. Steve Smith (Australia)

Australia's skipper-in-waiting had an up-and-down Ashes tour, but his golden summer that preceded this tour saw him rise up the batting rankings.

“(Smith) got runs galore against India and a double ton against England. He bats at three for Australia but I like him down the order.”

6. Joe Root (England)

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Hussain found room for all four of Williamson, Kohli, Smith and Root in his team, albeit with a bit of squeezing – putting Root at No.6.

“Six is perhaps a bit low but he was batting five for England so it’s not a huge change. I don’t see any real weaknesses in his game,” he said.

7. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

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AB de Villiers slots in at No.7, but Hussain would have the reluctant wicketkeeper– back problems have seen de Villiers largely give up the gloves – standing behind the stumps.

“A freak and the best all-round cricketer in the world. I’d give him the gloves; it would be like having Gilchrist at No 7.”

8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia)

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Hussain’s fast-bowling cartel would feature the cream of the crop of established pacemen.

One of them would be Australia’s Mitchell Johnson, with the 33-year-old left-armer just edging out New Zealand’s Trent Boult for a place in Hussain’s team.

“I wanted a left-armer and Johnson just edges Boult. If I was in charge I’d want him coming on after my opening bowlers,” he said.

9. Dale Steyn (South Africa)

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Hussain’s team would also include the currently No.1 ranked Test bowler – South Africa’s Dale Steyn.

“Steyn's skiddy, quick and outstanding to the right handers,” he said.

10. James Anderson (England)

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And completing the trio would be England’s greatest ever wicket taker – and current No.3 ranked Test bowler - James Anderson.

“Jimmy has all sorts of variations and is tremendous to left handers in particular. He'd form a deadly combo with Steyn.”

11. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka)

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Hussain opted against Australia’s most successful off-spinner, leaving Nathan Lyon out in favour of Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath.

Herath was the hero of Sri Lanka’s first Test win against India last week, taking 7-48 in the stunning come-from-behind win.

“I like Nathan Lyon but I want an old-fashioned left-arm spinner. Herath is a quiet performer who keeps on taking wickets,” Hussain said.