The choice of Dr WG Grace as Sir Jack Hobbs’ opening partner in Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack’s all-time Test World XI sure is odd considering far better opening batsmen have graced Test cricket since 1876-77 when it all began for the traditional form of the international game.

Wisden’s choice is surprising to cricket pundits because England itself have produced some great opening batsmen like Geoff Boycott and Sir Len Hutton, two Yorkshiremen, who have 15,000-plus Test runs between them.