Wayne Parnell’s All-Time Test XI Doesn’t Feature Any Indian Legends, Picks AB De Villiers Over Sachin Tendulkar

Despite not having played for the South African national team since 2023, Wayne Parnell has not officially retired from international cricket.

Wayne Parnell’s All-Time Test XI Doesn’t Feature Any Indian Legends, Picks AB De Villiers Over Sachin Tendulkar

Wayne Parnell left out Sachin Tendulkar from his all-time Test XI, but suprisingly included AB de Villiers. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

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South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell recently revealed his all-time Test XI. The team consists of players he has spent the most time with, notably omitting some of the greatest players in the format’s history, including Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

During the 2010s and 2020s, Wayne Parnell was a key member of the South African national team. Since his international debut in 2009, the 36-year-old has played in 73 ODIs and 56 T20Is, taking a total of 99 and 59 wickets, respectively. Having fallen out of favor now, Parnell has otherwise played in T20 leagues across the world, with his last appearance being at the World Championship of Legends.

In an exclusive interview with CricTracker, Parnell was asked to select his all-time Test XI. For his opening pair, he chose former South African opener Graeme Smith and Australian legend Matthew Hayden. Smith is remembered not only for his batting but also for his record of 54 Test victories as South Africa’s most successful captain. Hayden, on the other hand, was renowned for his aggressive style of play.

Parnell then selected former Australian captain Ricky Ponting to bat at no. 3. Following Ponting, he chose one of the greatest all-rounders, Jacques Kallis, at no. 4. West Indies icon Brian Lara was picked for no. 5, and former Sri Lankan keeper Kumar Sangakkara, was placed at no. 6. Parnell then completed the middle order with AB de Villiers at no.7, who recently showcased his abilities with a run-scoring spree in the WCL.

For his bowling attack, Wayne Parnell opted for three fast bowlers, giving his all-time Test XI only one spin option. He selected the South African pace duo of Shaun Pollock and Dale Steyn, who are the top two wicket-takers for their country in Test cricket, with a combined total of 860 wickets. He then chose Pakistani legend Wasim Akram, and completed his XI by picking Australian great Shane Warne.

While Parnell’s all-time Test XI comprises legends with unparalleled legacies in red-ball cricket, the most striking omission was the complete absence of any Indian players. Fans were quick to point out that some of India’s greatest Test cricketers deserved a place in Parnell’s XI, including Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in Test history, along with other icons like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Virat Kohli.

In addition to the absence of Indian players, the 36-year-old’s all-time Test XI surprisingly did not feature any legends from England, Sri Lanka, or New Zealand. Englishmen Joe Root and James Anderson, as well as the legendary Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan, also deserved a place in the ultimate team.

Wayne Parnell’s All-Time ODI XI Creates a Buzz with Three Players Each from India and Pakistan

In a recent interview with CricTracker, Wayne Parnell revealed his all-time ODI XI, making some interesting and surprising selections. While he excluded all Indian players from his Test XI, he chose three from India for his one-day side, along with three players from Pakistan.

Wayne Parnell ODI XI
Wayne Parnell named his all-time best ODI XI. (via NDTV Sports)

To open the innings, he first went ahead with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, and one of his closest friends and former South African opener, Hashim Amla. He picked Virat Kohli at no. 3, AB de Villiers at no. 4, Australia’s Michael Hussey at no. 5, and ex-Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi at no. 6. To complete the batting lineup and serve as keeper and captain, Parnell chose former Indian skipper MS Dhoni.

Parnell’s bowling unit consists of three fast bowlers and one spinner. He picked the iconic Pakistani pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, and completed the pace attack with Australia’s Brett Lee. The sole spinner in the side is Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan.