GCW Test XI

A selection of test match performers who I deem to be worthy of praise. This XI will be updated on a rolling basis, although there is no time limit. Players will be selected according to, but not limited to, their recent test performances. Other factors will include noteworthy events and achievements, sporting behaviour and so on. Or it could just be because I like their style.

1. Andrew Strauss (ENG) – Captaincy has been the re-making of Strauss.  The leading run-scorer in the world this year, he has lead England to an Ashes win and held together their fragile batting order.  Four centuries and over a thousand runs at 56 so far in 2009.
2. Tillekeratne Dilshan (SL) – Made a name for himself at the World Twenty20, having patented the DilScoop.  But he has also been very impressive as an opener for Sri Lanka in Test matches, with 4 centuries in 13 innings so far in 2009.  The smallest of those was 123 not out against New Zealand in Galle, and the only time he has not converted 50 into 100 was in the 1st innings of that match, when he scored 92.
3. Ramnaresh Sarwan (WI) – The main reason why West Indies were able to hold on to their series lead as England tried to hit back at them.  Three hundreds in six innings, including that mammoth 291 in Barbados.
4. Thilan Samaraweera (SL) – Has scored over a thousand runs in 2009 and is second only to Strauss.  But, he has only played 8 Tests, and has the incredible average of 88.  Two double-centuries against Pakistan have been followed by two more centuries against New Zealand, 159 at Galle and 143 at Colombo.
5. Michael Clarke (AUS) – Australia’s man of the series during the Ashes, Clarke scored two centuries and averaged 64.  Both centuries came in the 2nd innings, first at Lord’s in a big partnership with Brad Haddin, and then at Edgbaston as Australia saved the game.
6. Matt Prior (ENG) – Prior was always capable of scoring runs at Test level, but his keeping was much debated.  He has now improved to the point where he was virtually flawless at times during the Ashes, and the doubts can now be dismissed over this aspect of his game.  Scores his runs quickly, and always looking to take the initiative away from the bowlers.
7. Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) – When Bangladesh won their first series victory overseas, albeit against an emergency West Indian squad, Shakib was the catalyst.  In the decider in Grenada, he took 3/59 and 5/70 and then scored 96* in the 4th innings to win the match.  To top it off, he was standing in as captain after injury to Mortaza.  The main reason to be cheerful about the progress of Bangladeshi cricket.
8. Stuart Broad (ENG) – A coming of age during the Ashes.  After 3 mediocre Tests, and with calls for him to be dropped, Broad took career best 6/91 in a losing cause at Headingley, but then struck the decisive blow at the Oval, with 5/37 reducing Australia’s 1st innings to 160.  Scored useful runs batting mostly at no 8, but will likely feature at 7 now that Flintoff has gone.
9. Graeme Swann (ENG) – Statistically had a poor Ashes series with only 14 wickets at 40.50, but did contribute in both of England’s victories, with 8 wickets at the Oval.  Also scored vital runs with the bat, finishing 4th in England’s averages with 249 runs at 35.57 with two half-centuries.
10. Peter Siddle (AUS) – Did just enough in the Ashes to keep his place in this XI.  20 wickets at 30.80 in that series, he also contributed Australia’s only 5 wicket haul in the series.  Impressed with his work-rate and attitude.
11. Ben Hilfenhaus (AUS) – Australia’s leading Ashes wicket-taker with 22 scalps at 27.45, mostly due to his accurate swing bowling.  Kept Australia competitive whilst Mitchell Johnson was badly misfiring.