Shane Warne picks his all-time South Africa and Sri Lanka XI

After spending the last few days, picking up his all-time XI for India and Australia, Shane Warne finally decided the name of the other all-time XIs. The former Aussie spinner has been picking out teams or best XI for each side. He has been picking players against whom he has played to don’t be mistaken if you see your favourite missing out. Warne went on pick his all-time XI of South Africa and Sri Lanka, and his choices were quite good.

For the all-time Sri Lanka XI, Warne picked up Mahela Jayawardene as the captain of the side. Jayawardene has been one of the most successful captains of the island nation. He had served as the captain in two separate stints and had done a wonderful job on both occasions.

Surprisingly, Warne chose Jayawardene ahead of the World-cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga. Sri Lanka had won their only World Cup back in 1996, under Ranatunga. Warne was the part of the Australian side which lost the final to Lankans in Lahore. He also picked two spinners, Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath.

As a matter of fact, the entire team which Warne picked was filled by players who had led Sri Lanka. Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Aravinda de Silva and Kumar Sangakkara all have led the Sri Lankan side at some point in time. Romesh Kaluwitharana also found a spot in the XI by Warne.

Sri Lanka XI: Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Arjuna Ranatunga, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Chaminda Vaas, Rangana Herath, Muttiah Muralitharan and Rumesh Ratnayake

Graeme Smith to open with Gary Kirsten in Warne’s South Africa XI

When it came to South Africa, Warne picked up the most successful skipper of Proteas. Graeme Smith is the only player to have captained his country in more than 100 Tests, and during his captaincy stint, the Proteas had become a very formidable side. In fact, under Smith, South Africa had beaten Australia in Tests, twice in Australia. The team also consisted of other former captains, such as AB de Villiers, Shaun Pollock and Hansie Cronje.

Pat Symcox was the only spinner who had made into the XI by Shane Warne. Allan Donald and Dale Steyn deservingly found spots in the XI. Jacques Kallis and world-winning coach for India, Gary Kirsten too was there in his line-up. Jonty Rhodes and Mark Boucher were some other stars who featured in Warne’s side.

South Africa XI: Graeme Smith (captain), Gary Kirsten, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Hansie Cronje, Jonty Rhodes, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Pat Symcox, Dale Steyn and Allan Donald