Shaun Tait picks his all-time ODI XI, leaves out Viv Richards

Former Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait was known for being one of the quickest bowlers going around. He used to clock speeds above 14o plus and rattle the opposition batters. Considered as one of the future stars in Australian cricket, Tait could not quite live up to those expectations due to injury and other players edging him out.

Till the time he played, he enjoyed playing the ODI format the most as he ended up picking 62 wickets in just 35 games. Tait was also one of the star players in the Australian team during their victory in the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Tait was asked to pick his all-time favorite ODI team, and there was one notable omission from the list-Viv Richards

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Tait picked his 11 best players in the ODI format, whom he thought had an impact. He went with openers Adam Gilchrist and Virender Sehwag owing to the pair’s aggressive style of play. If Gilchrist would tear apart the opposition, then Sehwag was good at being fearless at the top for India. Both the batters were instrumental in changing the dynamics of the ODI game.

At number three, the former Australian fast bowler picked Ricky Ponting and excluded Richards because he felt he has not seen the legendary West Indian batter play much. Ponting was one of the best batters at the number three position and, his consistency at scoring those runs stood out. He also led Australia to two World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007.

At number four and five, Tait had Sachin Tendulkar and Brain Lara. These two names need no introduction as these two players were legends in their line. If the former is the highest run-getter in ODI cricket, then the latter made batting ridiculously easy by scoring consistently. Tait included India skipper Virat Kohli at six, but he also felt unsure to include him in that position. For the majority part of his ODI career, Kohli has batted at number three and is regarded as the chase-master.

At number seven he has put MS Dhoni but he was doubtful and also said he can squeeze in a spinner. Dhoni scored over 10000 runs and is widely regarded as the best finisher of the game.

Shaun Tait picks his all-time ODI bowlers

Tait named Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, and Shoaib Akhtar as his bowlers, Warne being the sole spinner. Akram was known for his swing and ended up picking 28 ODI wickets. He was also instrumental in helping Pakistan win the maiden 50 over World Cup in 1992. Akhtar was regarded as the fastest bowler to have played cricket. His lethal pace with accuracy was tough for the batters to pick. On the other hand, McGrath was known for his accuracy and is still the highest wicket-taker in World Cups as he has picked 71 wickets across four editions.

Shaun Tait’s all-time ODI XI:

Virender Sehwag, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Brain Lara, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, Shoaib Akhtar.