Is there space for Stuart Broad and James Anderson – or just one – in England’s best Test XI since 1985?
The last 40 years has seen plenty of ups and downs for England. They have plumbed the depths of despair with a series of Ashes hidings, but they have also been at the top of the world game.
There have been many stars gracing their line-up, particularly in the batting department where there are a host of outstanding players who miss out on selection due to the quality of the competition for their places. It is hard to believe that there is no place in this best team from the past 40 years for icons like Andrew Flintoff, Alastair Cook and Graeme Thorpe.
This team is selected with batsmen picked based on their averages batting in each position. In other words, the statistics you see alongside each name are not their overall career numbers, but what they scored and averaged in a specific batting position.
There is one exception here and that is the batsman in position eight. We had to slot in an allrounder, and England have some of the very best.
The legendary Ian Botham began his career outside the frame of reference – Botham debuted for England in 1977, which means the first eight years of his career are not considered. There is Flintoff and then of course there is current skipper Ben Stokes.
Here’s our pick of the best England Test XI from the last 40 years.
1. Graham Gooch
69 Tests as opener, 5,755 runs, average: 46.04
Gooch was the bedrock of England’s top order in the late 80s and early 90s. He combined immense concentration with a technically sound game and had a particular hunger for runs against top opposition.
His knock of 333 against India at Lord’s remains one of England’s most iconic innings.
2. Michael Vaughan
38 Tests as opener, 3,093 runs, average: 45.48
Vaughan was elegance personified at the top of the order and a thorn in Australia’s side during the 2002–03 Ashes where he topped the run charts. Later, he would captain England to their historic 2005 Ashes triumph, but his batting at number two earns him his spot here.
He came close to being named skipper of the team with his win percentage of 50.98 from 51 Tests, but there is another player here with a better record.
3. David Gower
19 Tests at number 3, 1,560 runs, average: 57.77
Left-handed grace defined Gower’s game. Though he debuted in the late 70s, his performances in the early-to-mid 80s were stellar, particularly batting at No. 3.
His effortless stroke play made batting look easy, and his average in this position was among the best in the world at the time.
Gower’s career average over all positions is just 44.25, but in the period under review, and at number three, he beats off competition from Jonathan Trott who misses out with an average of 45.72.
4. Kevin Pietersen
90 Tests at number 4, 6,490 runs, average: 48.43
Pietersen changed the face of English cricket. He brought a brash confidence and attacking flair to the middle order, capable of dominating any attack on his day.
His 158 at The Oval in 2005 sealed the Ashes and his aggressive batting style made him a game-changer at number four. KP doesn’t have the highest average at four, that honour belongs to Joe Root who averages 51.63 at second wicket down, but Root’s average at five is even better and we have him there.
5. Joe Root
24 Tests at number 5, 2,085 runs, average: 67.25
Root is the only active England batter in this line-up and, while he has played more games at number four, he has been at his very best while batting at number five.
His temperament, range of strokes and ability to grind down attacks make him one of the finest batters of his generation. Another contender for the captaincy with a win rate as skipper of 42.18%, he makes it into the side as a batsman alone.
6. Ian Bell
31 Tests at number 6, 1,623 runs, average: 60.11
Often underappreciated, Bell was classically stylish and immensely reliable at number six. He played many crucial innings down the order and had the knack of scoring hundreds under pressure, particularly in Ashes series.
7. Matt Prior (wicketkeeper)
65 Tests at number 7, 2,787 runs, average: 40.98
One of England’s most effective modern wicketkeepers, Prior combined clean glovework with counter-attacking batting. His ability to turn matches with his aggressive stroke play made him a perfect fit at number seven.
8. Ben Stokes (captain)
110 Tests, 6,719 runs, average: 35.55 | 210 wickets, average: 32.36
Stokes takes the allrounder spot not just for his stats but for his impact. Whether it’s Headingley 2019, his bowling in Cape Town, or leadership in tough situations, he’s become the beating heart of this England team.
A natural leader and generational cricketer he sees off both Botham and Flintoff and he gets the nod as skipper. Stokes is still actively playing but his record as captain is fantastic with a win percentage of 59.37. He would undoubtedly like to bat higher up the order, but this is the only space we have to fit him in.
9. Graeme Swann
60 Tests, 255 wickets, average: 29.96
England’s most successful modern spinner, Swann had guile, control and the rare ability to take wickets in all conditions.
His combination with Anderson and Broad was pivotal in England’s rise to number one in the world. Swann is the third highest wicket-taker for England in the period under review.
10. Stuart Broad
167 Tests, 604 wickets, average: 27.68
The ultimate big-match bowler, Broad was at his best with the new ball and in Ashes contests.
His eight for 15 against Australia at Trent Bridge is the stuff of legend. Over 600 wickets in an era of flat pitches and deep batting orders speaks volumes. he could bat a bit as well, although his exploits with the bat seemed to become less frequent as his career wore on.
11. James Anderson
188 Tests, 704 wickets, average: 26.45
The greatest fast bowler England has ever produced and arguably the most skillful swing bowler in history. His longevity and consistency are unparalleled. Whether home or away, Anderson has continued to adapt and thrive across generations.
12. Andrew Flintoff
79 Tests, 3,845 runs, average: 31.77 | 226 wickets, average: 32.78
Freddie misses out on a starting place but remains one of England’s most influential cricketers. His Ashes performances in 2005 and 2009 were legendary. A match-winner with both bat and ball, he was England’s talisman throughout the 2000s.
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