Aakash Chopra names the best South African-born XI to play for other nation

Over the years if there is one country that has produced talented cricketers consistently, then it has to be South Africa. Although they don’t have any major World Cup trophies to show at, still the players who played have all gone to be legends of the game. But there is also a flip side to it, as due to politics and reservation quota many have left their country and gone on to have a long career in other nations.

Kevin Pietersen, Johnathon Trott, Grant Elliott, and now Devon Conway have gone to England and New Zealand for better opportunities and careers. Cricketer-turned commentator Aakash Chopra too found this fact an interesting one and has picked the best South African-born XI played majorly in the 21st century.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra picked Jason Roy and Andrew Strauss as his openers of this hypothetical XI. “Jason Roy, who is a member of a World Cup-winning team and bats in a destructive fashion. Along with him, Andrew Strauss, one of the most successful English captains, left-handed opening batsman,” said Chopra.

Then, he picked New Zealand’s latest sensation, Devon Conway, as his number three for the versatility that he brings to the table.

“Devon Conway, who is playing for New Zealand now. He has played more than 100 first-class matches, has an ODI average of 75 and has scored a lot of runs in T20s as well. He has started his Test career also in a brilliant fashion,” Chopra went on to add.

Kevin Pietersen at No.4 in Aakash Chopra’s XI

For number four, the former India opening batter has picked the destructive batsman Kevin Pietersen who can give any bowling attack a run for their money.

“Kevin Pietersen, the biggest name. South Africa’s loss, England and world cricket’s gain. The way he has won the Ashes for England and the sort of knocks he has played, he is a phenomenal player,” added Chopra.

Later, the cricket analyst added Australia’s latest batting sensation Marnus Labuschagne at number five

“Marnus Labuschagne, so Australia has also benefitted. He was born in South Africa although he went early to Australia. He has been placed high in the ICC Test rankings for a while now,” he stated.

He finished his batting line-up by picking Glenn Phillips, Jonathan Trott, and BJ Watling. “I have given a place to Glenn Phillips. I have kept Jonathan Trott and BJ Watling, the New Zealand wicket-keeper who will be playing his career’s last match as the WTC final.”

On the bowling front, he picked Jade Dernbach, Tom Curran, and Neil Wagner to round off the team.

Aakash Chopra’s South Africa-born XI players who have played elsewhere

Jason Roy, Andrew Strauss, Devon Conway, Kevin Pietersen, Marnus Labuschagne, Johnathan Trott, BJ Watling, Glenn Phillips, Jade Dernbach, Tom Curran and Neil Wagner