No Sachin, No Bumrah! Stuart Broad's all-time XI sparks massive debate

England's Stuart Broad (AP/PTI)

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has revealed the strongest Test XI made up entirely of players he faced during his illustrious international career, and the selection has already sparked debate among cricket fans.Broad, who finished his Test career with 604 wickets and ranks among the format's most successful bowlers, was asked by Wisden to put together his ultimate team from opponents he encountered across nearly two decades at the highest level.

The England great opted for a lineup packed with some of the finest cricketers of the modern era, though a couple of notable omissions stood out immediately.At the top of the order, Broad selected former South Africa captain Graeme Smith alongside Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara.

While Sangakkara enjoyed tremendous success as a specialist batter during the latter stages of his career, Broad entrusted him with wicketkeeping duties in the side.Australian icon Ricky Ponting occupied the No. 3 position, with Virat Kohli slotting in at No. 4. Kohli emerged as the lone Indian representative in the XI, edging out several other legendary names from the country.One omission that caught the eye was Sachin Tendulkar. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history, the former India star did not find a place in Broad's final selection despite the England pacer having bowled against him during his playing days.

The middle order features two modern-day giants of the game. Steven Smith was chosen at No. 5, while South African legend Jacques Kallis took the No. 6 spot. Kallis also serves as the team's sole genuine all-rounder, adding immense balance through his contributions with both bat and ball.AB de Villiers was named at No. 7, providing explosive batting firepower and additional wicketkeeping cover if required.When it came to the bowling attack, Broad appeared to have little difficulty making his selections.The pace battery is spearheaded by former Australia left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson, whose hostile spells troubled batters around the world. He is joined by South African pace great

Dale Steyn

, one of the most feared fast bowlers of his generation.Another Australian left-armer, Mitchell Starc, completed the three-man seam attack, while Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan was selected as the side's lone specialist spinner.

Muralitharan remains the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket history.Another surprise omission was

Jasprit Bumrah

. The Indian speedster has established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers of the modern era and shares a memorable connection with Broad.In 2022, Bumrah smashed Broad for 35 runs in a single over at Edgbaston, setting the record for the most expensive over in Test cricket history and helping create one of the most unforgettable moments of the England bowler's career.Broad's final XI ultimately reflects the players who left the biggest impact on him during his time in international cricket, offering a fascinating insight into the opponents he rates most highly after years of competing against some of the game's greatest stars.Stuart Broad's All-Time Test XI (Opponents Faced): Graeme Smith, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Mitchell Johnson, Dale Steyn, Muttiah Muralitharan, Mitchell Starc.