The only criteria for selection is you have had to have seen the player live in any format or level of cricket!
Michael Atherton (captain) – Doesn’t have a particularly good batting average but Atherton’s stubborn defence makes him my preferred opener. Some memorable innings too – Johannesburg and Trent Bridge to name but two. He’s my captain too. He didn’t have a very good record at all when skipper but that’s because England were rubbish then. But he was everything I want my captain to be.
Alastair Cook – I wanted to get Andrew Strauss and Marcus Trescothick in my side. Not with Cook around. Served his country with distinction and got big, big runs even if he wasn’t always pretty to watch. Especially good when we regained the ashes in 2010-11. The current England team could learn a lot from him.
Michael Vaughan – His batting displays in 2002-03 Ashes remain very special and probably the best consistent displays I’ve ever seen in a single series. He was a special player until injuries caught up with him. Who knows what he would have achieved if they did not hinder him?
Kevin Pietersen – Few words are needed on KP. An absolute genius with the bat who could turn a game in a matter of moments. Still a disgrace we were deprived of seeing him play on longer for England.
Graham Thorpe – Played in a poor era for England but was a brilliant player and adds balance too with his leftie-ness. Fondly remember his Edgbaston knock v the Aussies.
Alec Stewart (Wicket-keeper) – My favourite England player of 1990s and early 2000s, Stewart loved playing for England, probably more than anyone else. He gave everything to the cause.
Ben Stokes – In my team even before his Headingley heroics largely due to that sensational double ton in about a session in Cape Town. Full of heart. I love him.
Andrew Flintoff – Would be in it for his Ashes 2005 contribution alone (and a privilege to be at Edgbaston for that Test and that over). But he was such a character too and pulled the team just on his charisma on occasions.
Graeme Swann – A superb spinner for England, arguably the best we’ve had in the modern era. Key role in 2010-11 Ashes. Also a great interviewee and made my job easier when covering England cricket!
Darren Gough – Another forced to retire too soon but another ashes legend. That Sydney hat-trick, that Melbourne win, that Yorker. But the injuries…
Jimmy Anderson – England’s best ever bowler. Magical in English conditions, whole hearted abroad. Hopefully he will be back for the fourth test and we can continue enjoying him for a little while yet.