Scotland batsman Calum MacLeod chooses an XI based on the based players he has taken to the field with during his career.
1. Kyle Coetzer
Kyle was a huge influence on my career and probably Scotland’s best ever batter. He’s led the team remarkably with what he’s done on and off the pitch.
I’ve been lucky enough to share a dressing room with him and see how he’s driven Scottish cricket forward.
2. Brendon McCullum
I played one game with Brendon for Toronto Nationals and he was brilliant.
I was able to ask him a few questions, he was easily approachable. It was at the back end of his career but it was great to see how he went about things.
3. Jonathan Trott
I’ve got Trott and Bell in at three and four. I played with when I was a young lad learning the game at Warwickshire. They come as a pair.
When I was growing up they were two guys who I’d watch and learn from and see their hunger in training.
What they’ve done for Warwickshire and England over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary.
4. Ian Bell
It was a pleasure to play with Ian. There’s a reason people still purr about his batting, he’s probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing players ever.
It was during a tough moment in my career and his work ethic trying to stay in the England team, was a perfect example to me and many others. A true legend of the game.
5. Paul Collingwood
When Paul was helping coach Scotland, he was a big influence on my game, he probably helped free my game up.
He got me the opportunity to play for Durham, and his record and experience is great. He’s always willing to chat about the game.
6. Ben Stokes
When I was writing my team down I just wrote ‘freak’. Stokesy is one of the most talented athletes I’ve ever seen up close.
In one 50-over final he led us home on a tricky pitch – just like he did for England in the Ashes last summer. It was a joy to watch.
He’s probably the best all-round player I’ve ever played with and certainly the best in the world at this moment.
7. Shahid Afridi
I played with Shahid in the Afghanistan Premier League. His work ethic and his enthusiasm for the game was an inspiration to us all.
I remember doing some running and, despite his age, he was the first out there. To share a dressing room with a legend like that was so enjoyable.
8. Chris Woakes
We were in the same age group growing up at Warwickshire and he was always the one we all looked up to. He’s probably been slightly unfortunate to be in the same era as James Anderson and Stuart Broad otherwise he would have played more for England.
9. John Hastings
Big John was an overseas at Durham. He would put his hand up in any situation, bowling fast or hitting the ball out of the park. He would have a laugh and enjoy himself while doing his job.
10. Wahab Riaz
I played a season of T20 with Wahab at Derby. He was so skilful. When the ball started reverse swinging he was often unplayable. That year we had Lockie Ferguson, Wahab and Hardus Viljoen so I was just having throwdowns most net sessions!
11. Graham Onions
One of my favourite all-time bowlers and he’s got me out numerous times. What a performer he is to still be going now. He’s somebody I’d watch bowl all day. He was so competitive in net sessions, too.
