The Magnificent Seven: Michael Clarke names his 7 ‘best batsmen’; 2 Indians included

Bengaluru: Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has picked the seven “best batsmen” he played with or against during his illustrious career. And, there are two Indians who have made it to Clarke’s list. However, there is only one Australian. Clarke announced his choices on Sky Sports’ “Big Sports Breakfast” show. The 39-year-old Clarke played in 115 Tests, 245 ODIs and 34 T20Is. Here is Clarke’s list of seven best cricketers.

1. Brian Lara (West Indies)

1. Brian Lara (West Indies)

2. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

2. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

On Tendulkar, Clarke said, “Probably technically the best batsman I ever saw. The hardest batsman to get out. I think Sachin, technically, didn’t have a weakness. Part of you hoped that he made a mistake.”

On Tendulkar, Clarke said, “Probably technically the best batsman I ever saw. The hardest batsman to get out. I think Sachin, technically, didn’t have a weakness. Part of you hoped that he made a mistake.”

3. Virat Kohli (India)

3. Virat Kohli (India)

On Kohli, Clarke said, “I think right now the best batsman across all three formats.”

On Kohli, Clarke said, “I think right now the best batsman across all three formats.”

What is common between Tendulkar and Kohli? Clarke explained, “His (Kohli) one day and Twenty20 records are phenomenal and he’s also found a way to dominate Test cricket. What Kohli and Tendulkar have in common is they love making big hundreds.”

What is common between Tendulkar and Kohli? Clarke explained, “His (Kohli) one day and Twenty20 records are phenomenal and he’s also found a way to dominate Test cricket. What Kohli and Tendulkar have in common is they love making big hundreds.”

4. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

4. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

6. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

6. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

7. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

7. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)