Darren Gough has selected the greatest England Test XI he saw during his career.
1. Geoff Boycott – We’re talking bat for your life material. When you needed a hundred he was there. He fronted up against the great West Indian side of pure pace and he held an innings together.
2. Graham Gooch– Like a good wine, he got better with age. The highlight of his career must be getting 333 v India at Lord’s. Had a great attitude and the Three Lions run through his veins.
3. Michael Vaughan– Had great leadership skills and was a batsman who, when he got a start, went on to get a big 100. A very underrated bowler when used as a second spinner.
4. Kevin Pietersen– Capable of winning a game on his own and a pure masterclass when he’s in full flow. Opposition fear him as he scores so quickly.
5. Ian Bell – Technically great to watch. I believe he’ll go on and score thousands more runs. Specialist short leg fielder and a great player against spin.
6. Alec Stewart– I played with him for years and he was called the ‘The Governor’. Played to win, could bat anywhere in the batting order and was a very good wicketkeeper. I think he dropped only one off me in 58 Test matches.
7. Ian Botham &8. Andrew Flintoff– Can’t split them so they've both got to play. Both match winners, great slip fielders and could get bums on seats anywhere they go. First change bowling pair.
9. Graeme Swann– Has had a great impact in a short career for England. Got a knack of taking a wicket in his first over. Good sense of humour. Also pops up with lower order runs.
10. Andrew Caddick– Awesome bowler – had it all. Pace and movement could have been better and sometimes he feared the opposition, but match winner and no-one felt comfortable facing him.
11. James Anderson– Got better as he’s gone on. He’s got great control and can swing the ball both ways. A great team man who will bowl all day and was a great fielder.
12th man. Phil Tufnell– On his day, devastating. Problem was he didn’t do it enough but a real match winner.
Ronnie Irani has also chosen his best England Test XI, which you can see here. Question is – who do you agree with?