Just over five years on now, we are more than half way through the decade. I am a little embarrassed by some selections as the way I look at cricket has changed quite a bit. I still set a lot of store by all-format players as generally being just the best players, but you need to think pretty carefully about when performances come in the shorter formats. And be less impressed by players who have just had a good tour of England.
Current working grades:
1. Tamim Iqbal
2510 runs at 44.03, 6 hundreds
Prediction Grade: D
An acceptable entry into the discussion of world class openers, Tamim is mostly held back by the fixture list only allowing him to shine at home, and not very often. Can't really be considered against those who rack up centuries all over the world but might be a goer in the world's top second XI, and has been a big part of Bangladesh getting a working batting order over the last few years.
Should have picked: Dave Warner
2. Alastair Cook
6229 runs at 49.04, 18 hundreds
Prediction Grade - A
The decade's leading run scorer has gone from a maybe to the most prolific opening batsman of all time. It's hard to ask for more (though people will insist on doing so.) Also a resurgent team captain with multiple ashes wins to go with tours to India and SA. Win for me, loss for all the non believers that left him out in their responses.
3. Hashim Amla (c)
4566 runs at 60.07, 17 hundreds
Prediction Grade - C+
Having just come off a phenomenal tour of India it was an easy pick, one that I tried to **** up by giving him captaincy, which it's safe to say didn't work out. Still a goer for this team, which will enjoy his scoring a century in every third match this decade so far.
4. Ross Taylor
3588 run at 47.21, 9 hundreds
Prediction Grade: C-
Ross Taylor is showing his class as the finest batsman modern New Zealand has produced, a man who is going to break all their batting records and score many of their finest innings in situations his team needs him the most. This update comes to you from a universe where Kane Williamson doesn't exist.
Should have picked: Kane Williamson
5. AB de Villiers+
4863 runs at 58.93
Prediction Grade: B
An obvious and ultimately correct prediction somewhat let down by giving him the gloves, although that is only because he doesn't want to do it. Seeing as this list was intended to be about all formats he is probably going to be the first name on the team sheet.
6. Suresh Raina
768 runs at 26.48, 1 hundred
Prediction grade: F
Didn't happen. Next.
Should have picked: Steve Smith or Virat Kohli
7. Shakib Al Hasan
2109 runs at 44.85, 3 centuries, 99 wickets at 35.75, 9 five-fors
Prediction Grade: C-
Has kept doing what he has doing. Not a failure - he has maintained a top allround ranking in both Tests and ODIs - but will need to do a fair bit more to convince by the end of the decade. Could start, like Tamim, by playing a few more Tests.
Maybe should have picked: Angelo Mathews
8. Stuart Broad
1754 runs at 23.39, 1 hundred, 257 wickets at 26.89, 12 five-fors
Prediction Grade: A-
For those who call this an obvious pick, this was six months before a certain thread arguing about whether or not he was better than Sreesanth. He is, for the record. Only problem is calling him an allrounder, but no need to nitpick.
9. Umar Gul
72 wickets at 34.62, 0 five-fors
Prediction grade: F
His international career appeared to end the moment I clicked 'post'. At least he's back in international colours this season, though there's no chance of him making this side.
Should have picked: Any of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Wahab Riaz, even Steven Finn for all I know
10. Dale Steyn
234 wickets at 21.48, 14 five-fors
Prediction Grade: B+
Like De Villiers, an obvious selection at the time that paid off. Became seriously talked about as the best strike bowler ever to play. Here's hoping he carries on.
11. Ajantha Mendis
26 wickets at 43.69, 2 five-fors
Prediction grade: F
Of the many Sri Lankan spinners floating around their limited overs sides, Mendis appears to have decided to be the one who turns it the least and plays the fewest Tests. Came back to Earth with a bump.
Should have picked: Rangana Herath or Nathan Lyon