2018 World Test XI

[Fuller Pilch]

I know that there are still 3 BDTs to be played, but it is getting to time when we start thinking about teams of the year. This year a lot of the usual batting suspects can't be considered with AB and Cook retiring, Warner and Smith's bans, and fairly underwhelming/poor performances from the likes of Root, Amla, Bairstow, and QDK.

My team:
Karunaratne
Pujara (as an opener)
Williamson (c)
Kohli
Nicholls
M Rahim (wk)
Holder
Curran
Rabada
Lyon
Abbas

Thoughts?

 

[Adders]

No Jimmy Anderson? Give yourself an uppercut.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

I had already put Curran in there as a token to keep the English happy

 

[Adders]

Well if your picking Curran over Anderson (even allowing for his batting) then this might not be the right forum for you

 

[trundler]

Elgar?

 

[trundler]

Jimmy has to be in there. Also shout out to Maharaj.

 

[trundler]

It's actually pretty hard. There has been some quality bowling this year, terrible batting notwithstanding. Hazelwood, Abbas, Anderson, Rabada obviously and even Bumrah were terrific.

Watling vs Mushfiq? Better keeper Vs better bat arguably.

 

[Flem274*]

watling is better with bat and gloves than the uppity little shrieker

i'd select a dead cow over mushfiqur behind the stumps tho. anything not to hear *batsman middles forward defensive shot* AHHHHHHHH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AHHHHHHHHHHHHH BOWLING SUCKY SUCKY

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Unfortunately the lack of Australian representation is justified this year. Aside from Lyon nobody really deserves it this year

 

[Fuller Pilch]

watling is better with bat and gloves than the uppity little shrieker

i'd select a dead cow over mushfiqur behind the stumps tho. anything not to hear *batsman middles forward defensive shot* AHHHHHHHH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AHHHHHHHHHHHHH BOWLING SUCKY SUCKY

I agree but thought I'd be struggling to get away with NZers at 3, 5 and 6

 

[trundler]

Unfortunately the lack of Australian representation is justified this year. Aside from Lyon nobody really deserves it this year

Haze!

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Spent a large chunk of the year injured. Granted he only missed two tests in that time though

Not far off but probably needed more games to be in the top XI

 

[trundler]

Also Shakib should get the all rounder spot, no contest.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Also Shakib should get the all rounder spot, no contest.

Holder in 2018

Batting average of 37
Bowling average of 12

 

[trundler]

Different roles. Shakib bats 6. Holder 8. Both get in the team.

 

[TheJediBrah]

I agree but thought I'd be struggling to get away with NZers at 3, 5 and 6

Putting Watling in there would be a lot more justified than shoehorning Nicholls in lol

edit: based on their abilities as players. I understand that with NZ only playing a handful of games in 2018 there are going to be some outlying stats

 

[mr_mister]

Different roles. Shakib bats 6. Holder 8. Both get in the team.

Holder generally bats top 7

 

[trundler]

Shakib
Watling
Holder


What a fine batting order that'd be.

 

[marc71178]

Holder generally bats top 7

Except when he bats 8 which happens more often that is.

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Holder vaires between 7 or 8 depending on what team balance the West Indies go with. Don't think he has ever batted ahead of wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich though