Pure left-handed ODI XI
Brian Lara – The epitome of the modern left-handed batting greatThere is something inherently graceful about the way a left-handed batsman plays his innings. Fluid, almost lazily elegant (as one is apt to describe the way former England captain David Gower wielded the willow in the 80s) and a surgical precision in finding the gaps – it’s surreal at times, and leaves any ardent lover of the game salivating for more. While exponents of the other hand have also managed to generate huge fan followings across the cricketing world, the impeccable style, lightning-fast footwork and the refined beauty of a southpaw’s batting are some striking characteristics that a connoisseur might relish even more. I refuse to be drawn into the perennial debate of whether this particular breed of cricketers is better with the willow or not; it’s eerily similar to Batman vs Superman or Sachin vs Lara. However, I do acknowledge the fact that to my eye, left-handed batsmen are a shade more pleasing to watch.Keeping that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of eleven such players who have enthralled the game’s supporters with their exploits over the years. While it may ruffle some feathers (sincere apologies in advance!), this was not an easy task. For one thing, there were limitations, such as the fact that everyone on this list, except wicket keepers, must both bat and bowl with their left hands.Secondly, the wicket keeper is absolutely not allowed to bowl in any circumstances whatsoever. Hence the current compilation came into being, with players who have retired after the 2007 ODI World Cup also making the grade.RE Wasim Akram and Michael Bevan: The criteria stipulate that players who retired before the 2007 World Cups are not considered. Hence, Akram and Bevan missed out, and so did Saeed Anwar. They're legends in the true sense of the word and are definitely gems for their respective national sides.
#1 Quinton de Kock (RSA - Opener & Wicket Keeper)
Youth is always a good choice at the top of the order, and having a wicket keeper who can get the ball rolling almost immediately is another asset. In that sense, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock is ideal for the first opener’s slot in this side. His form may have tapered off a bit in recent times, but there’s no denying the fact that the 22 year old Johannesburg native is one for the future.
Blessed with immaculate hand-eye coordination, deft footwork, a remarkable ability to place the ball exactly in the direction he wants it to go, and quicksilver reflexes, de Kock is a nightmare for rival bowling lineups. Because he’s still quite young, he plays with a sense of freedom, tempered at times by a hint of maturity, which makes him even more dangerous as an opponent.
It isn’t every day that your regular, wet-behind-the-ears (in cricketing parlance, strictly) future superstar cricketer scores three consecutive ODI centuries against a side that has triumphed at the 50-over World Cup twice. His conversion rate is amazing too – as of March 2015, QDK has scored six hundreds and five half centuries – thus underlining his importance to the Proteas’ limited-overs set up.
Training with former SA wicket keeper Mark Boucher has also led to improved glovework for this young player. Although he has exciting times ahead in his career, his youthful exuberance can also lead to rash shot selection at times. Nevertheless, he has worked upon those areas to a large extent, and thus secures his spot in this lineup as a pure left-handed batsman who can keep wickets without bowling.