The Nineties... it was a difficult time too for the domestic game

NEIL SAKER

The former Surrey and Kent bowler picks the best XI that he has played with or against

1. RICHARD OLIVER

- Shropshire I played with Richard at Shropshire and he’s a complete maverick. He’s one of the most talented batsmen I’ve ever met, let alone played with, and I’d like to think he still has a great future ahead of him.

2. MARK BUTCHER

- Retired He was my captain when I first arrived at Surrey and it was great to join a team with someone who I had watched and idolised growing up. The changing room at that time was packed with guys like that, and Mark was a great batsman and was a really strong personality around the club.

3. MARK RAMPRAKASH

- Retired I can’t pick anyone else; I’ve not enjoyed watching any other player more than Ramps. When I started at Surrey I was quite often 12th man, and I just used to love watching him bat. He was also great with me as a youngster and always had time to answer questions and chat. He loved his cricket. What an incredible batsman he was.

4. GRAHAM THORPE

- Retired On my very first day with Surrey as a pro, I was paired up with Thorpey, which was just a dream come true. As a 17 or 18-year-old that was very special to be so close to one of England’s best players of recent times. He was good as gold with me; he’s a pretty laid-back character and took everything in his stride.

5. CHRIS MURTAGH

- Retired We’ve played together for more than 20 years having started out as nine-year-olds, first at Surrey, then at Reigate Priory. He just churned out runs and having played with him for so long I’ve got to get him in my side.

6. IAN HEWeTT

- Retired I played with Ian when he was our overseas player at Reigate Priory, and he was someone who would have played all over the world if t20 had come along ten years earlier. A left-arm bowler and left-handed bat, he used to whack it all over the place – a real big hitter. He played some first-class cricket for Victoria, but he was just made for t20.

7. AZHAR MAHMOOD

- Surrey I played with Azhar at Surrey and Kent, and it was really impressive the way he had enjoyed a tremendous international career but then managed to carry on and make an impact all over the world. Even when he lost his pace he was still a very dangerous bowler, which shows the skill he had.

8. RIKKI CLARKE

- Warwickshire I played a bit of cricket down in Guildford with Rikki before going on to play with him at Surrey. He was a brilliant allround player, whether it was as a batsman, a bowler or even as a fielder. For a big guy he is an unbelievable player in the field.

9. JON BATTY

- Retired When people think of Surrey in their golden years most think of Alec Stewart, but it was Jon Batty who was actually keeping most of the time. Stewie was away with England a lot, but Jon was brilliant behind the stumps and did a fine job. He probably didn’t get the recognition he deserved, but he’s getting it at last by being named in this dream team!

10. ANIL KUMBLE

- Retired He came over to Surrey for half a season and it was just incredible to play alongside a real cricketing superstar. He was such a lovely guy who had time for everyone and then you add in his skill level, he’s definitely getting in.

11. HARBHAJAN SINGH

- Mumbai Indians He’s certainly not a No.11, but I’ve got to get him in somewhere. I remember playing a game down in Guildford where I dropped two absolute dollies off him, so not sure I’d get into his dream team, but he’ll be pleased to be in mine!