10 Seaming All-rounders to watch out for in the World T20: In 20-overs cricket, players who can contribute both with the bat and ball in hand, form an integral part of any side. The significance of all-rounders goes unabated in the cricket’s youngest format of the game. In Indian conditions, where the pitches tends to remain low and slow, having a good seaming all-rounder can do a world of good to any side. This time around, there are many such all-rounders who are seemingly ready to take the World T20 by storm.
Who are they? Let’s find it out as we list 10 Seaming All-rounders to watch out for in the World T20:
1. Ben Stokes (England)
Ben Stokes has all the abilities in the world to butcher any bowling attack in the World T20. The English Southpaw is a match-winner and is like a one-man army who can blow fire on the 22 yards. Apart from his maverick abilities with the willow in hand, the 24-year-old has the possession of a golden arm as well. Stokes who bowls in the 140s has the knack of breaking big partnerships. The English star is also excellent on the field.
2. Shane Watson (Australia)
Shane Watson is a dream all-rounder for any side if we consider his expertise in Indian conditions and current run of form. The experienced Aussie had recently thrashed away the Indian bowlers with a dismissive century in a T20I match. The stylish batter continued his good form and played an important cameo against South Africa in the T20I series decider as well. Watson’s seam-ups are tailor-made for the Indian conditions. In T20Is, Watto holds a blistering strike rate of 145 while with the white cherry in hand, his economy is below 8 runs per over.
3. Andre Russell (West Indies)
Andre Russell and destruction seem synonymous to each other. Russell is known for hitting lusty blows and will come out with all guns blazing in the World T20. The West Indies dasher is a very clever bowler as well. Hailed as a T20 specialist, the 27-year-old has played 188 T20 matches and holds an astounding strike-rate of 167. The lanky Jamaican has made regular appearances in Indian Premiere League (IPL) which will aid him in the World T20.
4. Hardik Pandya (India)
The swashbuckling Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya can turn around matches in matter of few overs. Pandya is someone who thrives under pressure and terrorizes the opponents with his big hits. The Baroda lad is also a effective seam bowler besides being electrifying on the field. After playing 11 T20 internationals, Pandya has a sizzling strike-rate of 147.61. With the ball in hand, Hardik’s economy is just a shade above 7 runs per over. The 22 years old is apparently the answer to India’s desperate need of a quality seaming all-rounder.
5. Corey Anderson (New Zealand)
The Black Caps southpaw, Corey Anderson is a powerful hitter of the cricket ball. Anderson became a household name after he smacked the fastest ODI century against West Indies in 2014. Although his record ton of 36 balls was later broken by AB de Villiers. Anderson also bowls competent seam-ups. The Kiwi all-rounder has a sweltering strike rate of 145 in T20 internationals. Corey who is part of Mumbai Indians franchise in IPL will be a key player for New Zealand in the World T20.
6. Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)
When someone churns out the name of Dwayne Bravo, we get an outright picture of a bloke whose majestic lofted shots are very pleasing on the eyes. Bravo’s repertoire of strokes make him an eye-candy for the cricket lovers. The experienced West Indian all-rounder has all the deceiving variations in his arsenal and his witty change of pace makes him a tough bowler to score off. The 32 years old is also a special talent on the field and has taken some unforgettable catches in his career.
7. David Wiese (South Africa)
David Wiese is the missing puzzle of the South African limited overs side. For long, South Africa has toiled hard to find an all-rounder who could bat at no.7 and deliver the full quota of overs of the fifth bowler. But it seems, in David Wiese, the Proteas have finally found their man. Wiese who has a muscular frame is as muscular in hammering the ball as well. His dibbly-dobbly seam-ups and apt slower deliveries make him a good prospect with the ball as well.
8. James Faulkner (Australia)
The Aussie all-rounder, James Faulkner is a man of immense talents. The left-arm pacer is competitive by nature and exhibits a great level of self-belief. The Australian pacer is the Captain’s go-to man in the slog overs as he has many variations up his sleeve. Faulkner has nerves of steel and with the willow in hand, he has finished many a matches for Australia. His scintillating performances on the tour of India in 2013 will give him enormous confidence coming into this World T20.
9. Darren Sammy (West Indies)
The West Indies skipper, Darren Sammy is a utility player. Sammy had lead West Indies to its maiden World T20 crown in 2012. The 32-year-old is an authoritative batter lower down the order and has a mind-blowing strike-rate of 152 in T20 internationals. Sammy knows his restrictions very well and plays well within it. He bowls tidy line and lengths and varies his pace to outfox the batsmen. It will be interesting to see how he marshals his troops, this time around in the World T20.
10. Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
Mitchell Marsh is someone who is known for hitting the big shots rights from the word go. The right-hander relies heavily on his brute power and muscles the bowlers all around the park. The Aussie cricketer is also a useful seamer and has the tendency of trapping the big fishes. Marsh’s dominative nature against spin and his all-round abilities make him a definite player to watch out for in the World T20.
**ALL STATS UPDATED TILL 11TH MARCH 2016.