Cricket in 2018: Best ODI XI of the year

4. Joe Root (England)

Root might not be considered the most ideal player for 50-overs cricket in this slam-bang era but has bailed the English team out of several troubled times in recent months. The 27-year-old’s most important knock for England in the recent times came against India in the 2nd ODI at Lord’s.

His century enabled England to level the series after the visitors thwarted the hosts in the first ODI. Another flamboyant hundred in the third ODI and the bat drop celebration sealed the series for England. It also helped Root secure his man of the series award. In 24 ODIs this year, the right-hander has amassed 946 runs at an average of 59.