The ESPN Cricinfo named their Best ODI XI of the last 25 years and it has only three differences from the Test team which they announced a few days earlier.
The list of greats
The only changes from the Test squad are AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. It has some big names on the international circuit and it will take a huge effort from any team to beat this particular team. The team has potentially three wicket-keeper batsmen in the likes of Gilchrist, Dhoni and De Villiers.
The opening slot has been given to none other than “God of Cricket” Sachin Tendulkar along with Adam Gilchrist. Tendulkar has been arguably the greatest ODI batsman of all time, and his records are sheer proof of his credentials. He is the highest run-scorer of all time and also has the most number of centuries in ODI cricket.
Gilchrist, on the other hand, was a terror to the bowlers during his heydays. He was the one who redefined the role of a wicket-keeper batsman in ODI cricket. The number three slot has been occupied the India skipper, Virat Kohli.
He is undoubtedly the best ODI batsman of the current generation. In a relatively short span time, he has become a worldwide sensation. Virat has amassed nearly 10,000 runs in just a shade over 200 matches and is 2nd on the list behind Sachin Tendulkar with most centuries in ODI cricket.
Brian Lara and AB de Villiers have been given the 4th and 5th place, respectively. The former Windies great on his day could decimate any star-studded bowling line-up on his day. On the other hand, Mr 360 AB de Villiers is another modern great who has taken the game to a whole new level.
The level of shots leaves everyone awestruck, and his fielding has been another sensational feature in his game. His sudden retirement shocked the whole cricketing fraternity.
Don’t forget Kallis and Dhoni
Jacques Kallis coming at No 6 is not a regular sight but he can’t be left aside also. He is a great batsman and a very good bowler who has been a sensational performer for the Proteas over the years. MS Dhoni will lead the team. However, the wicket-keeping duties will be done by Gilchrist.
Dhoni is one such batsman who has been a star performer for India over the years. He has been a brilliant batsman despite lack of technique. Over the years he has got the tag of the “Greatest Finisher” and it suits him perfectly.
The bowling line-up is the same as that of Test XI. The two pacers in the team are Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram. The left-arm pacer from Pakistan has been the greatest left-arm seamer of all time.
The Australian pacer, Glenn McGrath is one of the most accurate bowlers of all time. With his exceptional line and length, he emerged as one of the greatest pacers of all time.
The name of the two spinners is quite expected. Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan will complete the team. There haven’t been any greater spinners in the game than these two and there is no doubt that they will occupy any playing XI in the world.
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