Similar teamsWarner
Vijay
Sangakkara
Smith
ABdV
Mathews
McCullum (wk)
Johnson
Harris
Steyn
Herath
Wanted Amla in there, but Smith and AB have had arguably better years.
And to think people used to think Kohli was better than himJust scrolling thru the stats for 2014 and see Root averages nearly 100 from 7 tests.
Missed the last Ashes test then feasted on India.Just scrolling thru the stats for 2014 and see Root averages nearly 100 from 7 tests.
Nah. Herath won a series against Pakistan off his own ball, Shakib basically dominated Zimbabwe and that's it.Shakib > Herath too
Steyn, Harris, Johnson, Shakib and Mathews should be the attack unless you want to bump Shakib up and drop a batsman so either Herath or Southee can come in depending on the conditions.
ABdV has kept in about 4 matches this year, and he's actually had a quiet year with the bat (for his standards, and compared to the top run-scorers of the year - and yeah, he hasn't played as many Tests). Ahmed had a gun year with the bat; also had the most stumpings.Sarfraz can't catch. Surely you have to be a bit cheaty and pick ABdV or go with Watling?
Yeah, that's why I didn't pick him Flem.Nah. Herath won a series against Pakistan off his own ball, Shakib basically dominated Zimbabwe and that's it.
Panyangara unlucky to miss out TBHZimbabwe are underrated obvz.
His feasting on India was kinda important though. The bigger point for me is that all his Tests were at home. It's away where he has a lot to prove.Missed the last Ashes test then feasted on India.
I understand your point, but he *is* significantly better than anyone else when he plays. The worst thing you can say about a Harris spell is he went for bugger all runs when the ball wasn't doing much and still asked questions of the batsmen. Aside from Steyn, he'd be first bowler I would pick.It depends on how this team is determined. If it's the best players to play a one off test with everybody fit then yes sure. If it's based on performances over 2014 I'd say probably not.
Missing a 1/3 of his teams games in the year is no insignificant number. Especially as 2 came in a tough overseas series which Australia lost. It's not like this year has been an anomaly either - He's missed more games than he's played since debut. Fitness has to be taken into account. Imo he's got to be a distance better than those who've played every game for their country to gain selection.
Durability and staying injury free is a massively important quality.