Stuart Broad Leaves Out Sachin Tendulkar As He Picks His All-Time Test XI

Stuart Broad and Sachin Tendulkar [Source: AFP]

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has revealed his all-time Test XI, selecting only players he faced during his international career. 

It is worth mentioning that Stuart Broad is widely regarded as one of the finest pacers in Test history. Notably, he retired from international cricket in July 2023, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 17-year career. 

During his time with England, Broad played 167 Tests, 121 ODIs and 56 T20Is. In addition, he finished with an impressive 845 international wickets across formats.

Stuart Broad Names Strong Top Order Filled With Legends

The former pacer shared his dream Test team during a conversation with Wisden. The challenge was simple: pick the best XI from opponents he had personally played against.

For the opening combination, Broad selected former South Africa captain Graeme Smith alongside Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara. Interestingly, Sangakkara was also chosen as the wicketkeeper.

It is worth mentioning that Australia legend Ricky Ponting earned the No. 3 position, while Virat Kohli occupied a place in the top order.

Virat Kohli Gets The Nod Over Sachin Tendulkar

Notably, one of the biggest talking points from Stuart Broad’s selection was the inclusion of Virat Kohli as the only Indian player in the team. At the same time, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar missed out on a place in the final XI.

The decision surprised many fans on social media. After all, Broad had the opportunity to bowl against Sachin Tendulkar during his playing days. Statistics show that Broad bowled 120 deliveries to the Indian legend in Tests, conceding 46 runs and dismissing him three times.

Even so, Broad preferred Kohli in his side, making the former India captain the sole representative from India in the star-studded lineup.

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Steven Smith, Jacques Kallis Included In Stuart Broad's Test XI

The middle order gave Broad plenty to think about. Eventually, he settled on Australia batting star Steven Smith and South Africa great Jacques Kallis at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively.

Interestingly, Jacques Kallis stands out as the only genuine all-rounder in the team. Meanwhile, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers was selected at No. 7. 

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Wisden

@WisdenCricket

Stuart Broad had some tough decisions to make when picking his ultimate Test XI of cricketers he’s played against 👀 Wisden 🤝 @ctshirts @StuartBroad8 #Cricket #CricketVideos #EnglandCricket

Jun 18, 2026, 2:52 PM

Broad Names Strong Pace Attack

When it came to the bowlers, Broad appeared confident in his choices. The pace attack is led by Australia left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson and South Africa speedster Dale Steyn, widely regarded as one of the greatest pacers of his generation.

Another Australia star, Mitchell Starc, completes the three-man pace unit. Furthermore, Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan was picked as the team's only specialist spinner.

An interesting fact about Broad’s XI is that Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc are the only active Test cricketers in the lineup. Every other player selected has already retired from the longest format.

Stuart Broad’s All-Time Test XI (Players He Faced): Graeme Smith, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Mitchell Johnson, Dale Steyn, Muttiah Muralitharan, Mitchell Starc

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