Greatest Test XI 

Test teams are rated by taking the total Test batting and bowling ratings of the players in the team separately and multiplying them together. This is to ensure that a team cannot attain a very good rating by being great at one discipline and poor at the other. This is similar to the logic used in calculating the All-Round ratings. 

Each team normally comprises of six specialist batsmen, one all-rounder, and four bowlers. 

Specialist positions in batting are preferred, so in a case where the top six rated batsmen for a nation does not include an opener, then one of the top six batsmen has to make way for the highest rated opener.

An all-rounder can get into a team for his ability in one discipline alone - his ability in the other discipline is then considered a bonus for the team.   

Wicketkeepers are chosen by considering their batting ratings, since there is no satisfactory method of finding actual keeping ability. Keepers with high dismissal per inning ratios are not necessarily the best - this only reflects the quality of the bowlers they kept wicket to. 

Each team includes at least two pace bowlers and one spinner. Normally, two spinners of the same art are not considered for the same team to ensure variation in the bowling attack.

Country XIs are only included if that nation has an adequate pool of players to choose from.

Click here for the Greatest Test XI of all-time.

Test XI country rankings:

1. Australia
2. England
3. West Indies
4. Pakistan
5. South Africa
6. India      
7. New Zealand