Waqar Younis names his modern day ODI World XI
Former Pakistan speedster Waqar Younis named 11 players from the modern generation who will constitute his modern day One Day International World 11, with an additional 12th man spot awarded as well.
Waqar went with David Warner and Rohit Sharma as his openers due to their sheer ability to destroy any bowling attack on their given day. The former Pakistani wants the dashing opening duo to take on the bowlers up front and give his team a dashing start.
After a quick-fire start, there is India’s mainstay in the middle order Virat Kohli to take charge of the proceedings. Virat Kohli has been in sublime form in the limited overs format and at the same time has the supreme ability to run away with the game. Over the years he has matured as a batsman and assess the match situation perfectly and goes about doing his job in a professional manner.
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Following Virat Kohli, there is Mr.360 AB de Villiers. The Proteas skipper is literally unstoppable and it’s very hard to define his batting at times. His class, his execution of shots and his value and importance in the team have no parallels. The Pakistani has chosen Steven Smith to lead his side. The Aussie captain hasn’t just grown in stature as a batsman but has earned immense respect for the way he has led Australia in both Tests and ODIs.
Then there is English wicket keeper batsman Jos Butler. He had a terrific season with the bat and has emerged as a successful finisher for England on many occasions in the ongoing season. Butler is also a safe man behind the wickets.
Following Butler, Waqar went with Ben Stokes. Stokes has been a find for the English ODI team and has provided them with the much-needed stability and balance both in the batting and the bowling department.
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Waqar went with Moeen Ali as his only all-rounder in the team and expects him to fulfil his responsibility as there is no other batsman in the top 6 other than Steve Smith who can be a reliable part time spinner.
The bowling department comprises of three left-arm pacers. Australia’s Mitchell Starc, Pakistani speedster Mohammad Amir and Bangladeshi sensation Mustafizur Rehman. Starc has been a stand-out performer for Australia and recently became the fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets. Amir has been out of the Pakistan team for 6 years due to involvement in spot-fixing but since his return, he has been very impressive.
Mustafizur Rehman has been in terrific form and ever since making his debut he has been a revelation for the Bangladesh team and has been an integral part of their setup.
The Former Pakistani legend was in a dilemma how to leave out Kiwis opener Martin Guptill so he named him as the 12th man.