The group stages of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is almost about to come to an end. This World Cup has seen records tumble and new benchmarks have been set. Some of the players have lived up to their reputation and some have not. At the dying moments of the group matches here we look at a “Group stage ALL STAR XI” i.e the star performers of the group stages.
1. Shikhar Dhawan (India)
The first slot of the openers will be filled by the in-form Shikhar Dhawan from India. The stylist left handed batsmen has been in scintillating touch of late and has scored an aggregate of 333 runs in 5 innings at an average of 66.60.
2. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
Partnering Dhawan up front will be the Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum. McCullum has been playing the World Cup in only one fashion and that is to take the attack to the opposition. He has hit in total 12 sixes and 34 boundaries at a strike rate of 193.02 and an equally smashing average of 49.80!The left and right handed combination will further add an extra dimension to the opening pair.
3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
If there is one man who has virtually been invincible is the legendary Kumar Sangakkara from Sri Lanka. He has set a record in one day cricket scoring 4 consecutive centuries and has now amassed 496 runs in the tournament. He has an even mind boggling average of 124 at a strike rate of 119.51, not to mention that he has already hit 54 fours and 7 sixes! There would be no better bet to come in at number 3 than this man.
4. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
The South African captain has been in great form with the bat this World Cup. His highest score of 162*against the West Indies has created another record of sorts with ABD becoming the fastest to reach the milestone of 150. His ability to score in all parts of the ground coupled with his prowess in the field makes him an automatic pick at number 4.
5. Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
Pakistani batting till now has been a one man show with only its captain rising up to the occasion. Providing solidity to the middle order with his tight technique Misbah is the ideal man to come in at number 5. He averages 55.40 in this tournament scoring a half century in almost every match.
6. MS Dhoni (India) (WK/C)
The captain and wicketkeeper and arguably the most vital player in the team. One had to pick Dhoni purely on the basis of the “captaincy form” that he is in. In a team which already consists of 3 top quality wicketkeeper batsmen and 3 skippers, Dhoni was still the man to lead this team on the basis of his big match and tournament temperament.
7. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
To be really honest this was the most difficult selection in the team provided the importance of such a spot. A number 7 is required to score at the rate of knots and also be another bowling option if needed be.Maxwell scored the second fastest century in the World Cup history and he has a strike rate of 190.37. A livewire in the field,he can be considered the ‘X factor’ of the All Star XI.
8. Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
Ravichandran Ashwin is picked on the basis of the conditions he is bowling in. In the Australasian conditions which do not favour the spinners much with regard to spin, Ashwin is the perfect choice who is loaded with variations. He is the most economical spinner in the World Cup with an average of 16.63 and with the long boundaries adding to his favour he is sure to be a handful.
9. Trent Boult (New Zealand)
The pacers pick themselves. Trent Boult has been bowling nothing short of “bolts” this World Cup and he has picked 13 wickets at an average of 13.69. He also has a five wicket haul to his name with a best of 5/27 against Australia.
10. Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Partnering Boult will be Mitchell Starc from Australia who has been the fastest bowler in the tournament with respect to speeds. He has taken 12 wickets and averages a mind boggling 10.16 with an economy rate of 3.77! Needless to say he can be called the bowling spearhead of the All Star XI.
11. Tim Southee (New Zealand)
With career best figures of 7/33 against England and picking up a total of 13 wickets, Tim Southee has been the biggest revelation this World Cup. Everyone was aware of his potential but he lived up to his name and created havoc with his devastating swing and seam bowling. He is the ideal man to back up the likes of Boult and Starc and complete the All Stars.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section.
