'I'm a bit biased': Ricky Ponting reveals all-time Australia Test XI; names Darren Lehmann as 12th man

Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has revealed his all-time Australian XI team selection, notably excluding himself, Steve Smith, David Warner, and Mitchell Starc. The team, announced in a viral video, features 10 of Ponting's former teammates alongside cricket legend Don Bradman.

Smith, who has scored over 10,000 Test runs, is considered one of Australia's greatest batters. Warner holds the position of second-highest run-scorer in international cricket for Australia, while Starc ranks third among Australian bowlers for international wickets.



Ponting selected Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer as opening batsmen, with Don Bradman at number three and Damien Martyn at four. Martyn, known for his crucial 88-run innings in the 2003 World Cup final against India, was highlighted as an underrated player.

"I'm a bit biased with this one because I've played in some champion teams and with some great players. So I'm going to go with two of my great mates – Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden – to open the batting. The great Sir Donald Bradman that averaged 99 in Test cricket, got to go in at No. 3. Damien Martyn, I think… one of the most underrated players that ever played for Australia at No. 4," Ponting stated.

The middle order and bowling lineup includes Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds, and Adam Gilchrist, followed by Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, and Glenn McGrath.

"Michael Hussey at No. 5. The greatest teammate I ever had in all forms of the game – Andrew Symonds at six, Gilly (Adam Gilchrist) at seven, Warnie (Shane Warne) at 8, Brett Lee at 9, Jason Gillespie at 10, and then when you think of the all-time worst batsman that ever played for Australia but was pretty handy with the ball, Glenn McGrath at No. 11," Ponting explained.

Taking a humourous jibe at Lehmann, Ponting commented, "12th man Darren Lehman, just to add a bit around the group. Not for his fielding, but he'd be good serving the drinks."

Lehmann shares a significant connection with Australian cricket, having played in the 1999 and 2003 ODI World Cup finals alongside Ponting, Gilchrist, Michael Bevan, and McGrath. He later served as Australia's head coach.

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