Top 5 performers in 2018
2019 has started, and 2018 has come to an end. We can proudly remember 2018, as the year for Test Cricket. We were able to witness some mouth-watering contests and some fantastic match-ups. As usual, there were some memorable performances in all the three formats of the game. The time has now come to pick the contenders who had exceptional performances across the formats.
India almost played 13 Test matches and a few ODI and T20 tournaments. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Kuldeep Yadav were undoubtedly the top performers in the shortest formats. England had a very successful year when it came to white ball cricket.
Jos Buttler cemented his reputation as one of the best finishers in recent times. It was also a year when New Zealand's Kane Williamson and Henry Nicolls helped the Black Caps win a Test series against Pakistan. Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan slipped further in the rankings whereas South Africans had a triumphant year.
Let's look at five such players who were the top performers last year.
#5 Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan had one of his best years in international cricket. He had a significant impact on the shorter formats picking up 48 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 14.45 at an economy of 3.89. Rashid extended his form the shortest format as well scalping 22 wickets in eight games at an average of 8.68 and an economy of 6.36.
Afghanistan was granted Test Status and had a poor game against India. Rashid Khan failed to live up to the expectations and couldn't find his mojo in the game's toughest format and ended up with two wickets at an average of 77.
A few might argue, he played against weaker teams, but nevertheless, with 72 international wickets to his name, he is one of the top performers.