Cricket Australia releases the Best ODI XI of the year

2017 has been a witness to several riveting encounters in One-Day International cricket. The year started with Pakistan’s tour of Australia and England’s tour of India in January. Time surged forward and there were several exciting contests around the world. Rohit Sharma’s awe-inspiring double hundred against Sri Lankan closed out the year in grand style.

Cricket Australia analysed the performances in the calendar year and released the Best ODI XI of 2017 comprising some big names. The team consists of three Indians, two Proteas, three Brits and one each from New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A strong cricket team altogether

Rohit and Quinton de Kock have effortless been stalwarts as the openers of India and South Africa respectively. Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the team as the skipper doesn’t spring a surprise either, bearing in mind his stupendous form. Joe Root and AB de Villiers have also been consistent in the middle-order for their respective teams.

Ben Stokes, the suspended English cricketer, also found a place as the all-rounder along with Hardik Pandya was one of India’s key performers in ODIs. Liam Plunkett and Trent Boult have also dished out key performances for their teams. Hasan Ali, the current number one ODI bowler, has rightly been drafted into the team.

Rashid Khan, the vibrant young leg-spinner, has also found a place in the XI, bearing in mind his jaw-dropping bowling spells when Ireland played Afghanistan in a 5-match ODI series in Greater Noida.

Cricket Australia’s ODI XI:

Rohit Sharma (India), Quinton de Kock (South Africa), Virat Kohli (India), Joe Root (England), AB de Villiers (South Africa), Ben Stokes (England), Hardik Pandya (India), Liam Plunkett (England), Trent Boult (New Zealand),  Hasan Ali (Pakistan), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)