Greatest Australian Test XI of all time

#4 Middle-order

Allan Border's tenacious batting and strong captaincy shepherded Australia during the 1980s

The number three spot in any all time Test XI is reserved for the peerless Sir Donald Bradman. Needless to say, the great man walks into this distinguished Australian lineup. His astronomical average of 99.94 remains cricket's most renowned statistic. 6996 runs and 29 centuries from just 52 matches shed light on his astonishing consistency.

With a mammoth collection of 13,378 runs from 168 matches at an average of 51.85, Ricky Ponting is the leading run-scorer in Australia's long and illustrious Test history. The vast majority of his 41 centuries and 62 fifties came during an immensely productive peak phase in the mid 2000s. His extensive array of shots can lend an aggressive element to the batting lineup.

Extra Cover: Eternal combatants - Deciphering Australia's unparalleled dominance in cricket history

While the likes of Greg Chappell, Neil Harvey and Steve Waugh may present equally strong cases, Allan Border's unflinching resilience at the crease sees him take up the number five slot. In addition to his penchant for standing firm during even the most despondent of situations, he also brings steadfast leadership skills to the table. Among all Australian batsmen, only Ponting has gone past his aggregate of 11,174 runs from 156 matches.