Three of the current England national team players have earned a spot in the nation's best-ever England men's Test XI, selected by the fans to celebrate the country's 1000^th Test, against India, taking place at Edgbaston on August 1.

England Test skipper Joe Root has found a place in the XI along with the country’s highest Test run-getter, Alastair Cook, and the highest wicket-taker, James Anderson.

While the second-highest Test wicket-taker for England, Stuart Broad, has missed out on a place in the XI, former England bowler Graeme Swann joined Fred Trueman and Bob Willis as the only spinner in the bowling line-up.

Kevin Pietersen, England’s second-highest century maker after Cook, has also been chosen in the XI alongside the likes of David Gower, Sir Ian Botham, and Sir Leonard Hutton, the highest run-scorer (364) in a Test innings for the country.

Alan Knott, England’s most successful wicket-keeper with 269 dismissals to his name, has been selected to stand behind the wicket for the best-ever Test team of the country.

Wally Hammond, Sir Jack Hobbs, and Denis Compton, some of the most accomplished batsmen to have played for England, haven’t found a place in the XI.

Over 6,000 fans took part in the survey to pick their team from over 100 players ranging from W.G. Grace in the 1880s to current Test captain Joe Root.

Being selected alongside some of the greats in the game, Root said: “To be selected in the best-ever England men’s Test XI side by cricket fans across the country is incredibly humbling.

“When I think of some of the incredible players who haven’t made the cut, legends of the game such as Denis Compton and Wally Hammond, I’m not sure I would have voted for myself, but I certainly want to thank the fans for thinking of me.

“It’s great to see my current team-mates Alastair Cook and James Anderson be recognized for their contributions to England Test cricket too.”

 

Nation’s best-ever England men’s Test XI

1. Alastair Cook

2. Sir Leonard Hutton

3. David Gower

4. Kevin Pietersen