Greatest England Test XI of all time

#4 Middle-order

Sir Len Hutton was the first professional to captain England in Test cricket

Although he made his name at the opening position, Sir Len Hutton slots in at number three in this distinguished batting lineup. Despite losing his prime years to the Second World War, he established himself as one of England's all-time greats. The technically proficient right-hander amassed 6971 runs from 79 Tests at an imposing average of 56.67 with 19 centuries and 33 fifties. Later on in his career, his astuteness and smart man-management skills enabled him to captain England with significant success.

Between 1927 and 1947 when Sir Donald Bradman was universally regarded as the game's foremost batsman, Wally Hammond was one of the very few to come close to challenging the status quo. With his sublime timing and fluent drives, he accumulated 7249 runs from 85 Tests at a remarkable average of 58.45 including 22 centuries and 24 fifties.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, Kevin Pietersen shifted allegiance to England after his earnest search for greener pastures ended in a breakthrough County stint with Nottinghamshire. When he got into the groove, there were not many who could rival his ferocious stroke-play on either side of the wicket. Before he derailed his own career, the attacking batsman played 104 matches and scored 8181 runs at a rapid strike-rate of 61.72. A game-changer beyond mere numbers, he had the rare propensity of playing decisive knocks against the very best of bowlers on dicey tracks.