Thrill-a-minute
There was never a dull moment when these men took the field
Ian Chappell
15-Oct-2010
For my all-time thrill XI I've selected players on talent, their ability to entertain, and a desire to dictate to the opposition.
1. Virender Sehwag
The most destructive batsman in world cricket. Admirably simple approach to batting.
The most destructive batsman in world cricket. Admirably simple approach to batting.
2. Roy Fredericks
A century off 71 balls against Lillee and Thomson at the WACA. West Indies reached 200 in the 20th (eight-ball) over.
A century off 71 balls against Lillee and Thomson at the WACA. West Indies reached 200 in the 20th (eight-ball) over.
3. Viv Richards
The fastest Test century, in balls (56). An intimidating presence. When an umpire once told a fast bowler three bouncers in a row was enough, Viv said, "Don't stop him."
The fastest Test century, in balls (56). An intimidating presence. When an umpire once told a fast bowler three bouncers in a row was enough, Viv said, "Don't stop him."
4. Brian Lara
Features in two of the top four entries for most runs off an over in Tests. Exceptional against spinners.
Features in two of the top four entries for most runs off an over in Tests. Exceptional against spinners.
5. Doug Walters
Three times he scored a century in a session in Test cricket. Also kept the dressing room as loose as a size-eight cap.
Three times he scored a century in a session in Test cricket. Also kept the dressing room as loose as a size-eight cap.
6.Sir Garfield Sobers (capt)
The greatest cricketer of all time. As captain he claimed the final two wickets - caught at second slip and then caught at leg-slip - in the last over of a one-day match when the opposition needed six to win.
The greatest cricketer of all time. As captain he claimed the final two wickets - caught at second slip and then caught at leg-slip - in the last over of a one-day match when the opposition needed six to win.
7. Adam Gilchrist (wk)
One of the cleanest strikers I've seen. Hit the second-fastest Test century (57 balls).
One of the cleanest strikers I've seen. Hit the second-fastest Test century (57 balls).
8. Shane Warne
Champion bowler who made every ball an event worth watching. Would have loved bowling under Sobers' captaincy.
Champion bowler who made every ball an event worth watching. Would have loved bowling under Sobers' captaincy.
9. Dennis Lillee
Great fast bowler who thought only of taking wickets, never of saving runs. Also bowled a "soap on a rope" in a festival match to an astonished batsman.
Great fast bowler who thought only of taking wickets, never of saving runs. Also bowled a "soap on a rope" in a festival match to an astonished batsman.
10. Wes Hall
Extremely fast bowler with a wonderfully, rhythmic, long run to the wicket. Great entertainer either with bat or ball and perfect man to respond to the toast at the official function.
Extremely fast bowler with a wonderfully, rhythmic, long run to the wicket. Great entertainer either with bat or ball and perfect man to respond to the toast at the official function.
11. Bill O'Reilly
Bradman said he was the best bowler he ever saw. Aggressive legspinner, who once responded when asked if he'd ever performed a Mankad: "I never found a batsman that keen to get to the other end."
Bradman said he was the best bowler he ever saw. Aggressive legspinner, who once responded when asked if he'd ever performed a Mankad: "I never found a batsman that keen to get to the other end."
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell is now a cricket commentator and columnist