Sportskeeda's All-Time Test XI: From the realms of immortality

#2 – Herbert Sutcliffe (England)

Sutcliffe and Hobbs formed a colossal opening combination

If Hobbs was at one end, then who else apart from Herbert Sutcliffe at the other? Forming one-half of the most storied opening partnership of all-time, the right-hander dug deep into a seemingly unending reservoir of concentration to thwart the era’s threatening bowlers with plenty of his iconic knocks coming on sticky wickets which had consumed numerous other accomplished batsmen.

Among those who have scored at least 4000 runs, only a certain Australian managed to average more than Sutcliffe. Although he often blunted opposition attacks with his dour defence, the Yorkshireman could also hook the meanest of bouncers as easily as lofting the spinners which would make him a complete batsman under diverse circumstances.

A team player to the core, even the infamous ‘Bodyline’ series did not swerve his loyalty.

Did You Know – After sharing the stage with influential Scottish author Sir Compton Mackenzie during an event, Sutcliffe gushed to him, “Oh, my, how I wish I could speak like you!” to which Mackenzie replied, “You don't wish nearly as much that you could speak like me as I wish I could bat like you.”

Statistics: 4555 runs from 54 matches at an average of 60.73 with 16 centuries and 23 fifties.