Former Australia captain Ricky Bunting questioned Joe Root's comments about English bowlers during the Ashes and said that as the captain of the traveling team, it was his responsibility to make changes if necessary.Former Australia captain Ricky Bunting questioned Joe Root's comments about english bowlers during the Ashes and said that as the captain of the traveling team, it was his responsibility to make changes if necessary.After a crushing nine-wicket defeat in Brisbane's opener, England fell to the second Test by 275 runs in Adelaide on Monday to track the five-game streak 2-0.After the pink ball test, Root said his players needed to play more and "be braver."Australia's massive 275-round win gave Australia a 2-0 lead in the #Ashes series as the team headed to Melbourne."When I heard this, I almost fell out of my seat," Bunting told Cricket Australia. "So it's their job to take their place? So why are you the captain?" he said.“If you can't influence bowlers at the length required to throw them, what do you do on the court?"Joe Root can go back and say whatever he wants, but if you're the captain, you have to be able to understand that bowlers aren't bowling where you want them to. That's what the captain is all about."Ponting also noted that the English bowling attack was the best when Root left the field with a thigh injury and the captain was handed over to Ben Stokes."The interesting thing for me is that when he gave the whole game, Joe Root wasn't on the field," Ponting said."From day four, when they met on the field before the match started, Stokes took charge of the team, and that was the only time in the game that he took the ball."The third Ash Test will take place from December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.For the previous Article - Virat vs BCCI: We'll deal with it, says Ganguly
Becoming the Best cricketer in the world in 2020 is a more difficult challenge than in the history of the game. Proving mastery of a title like this isn't enough, nor can core ball specialists claim enough.To be considered the best cricketer in the world, success in all three formats is a must.The cricket factor is important for betting on T20, 50 over and Tests and this was the main factor when creating this list.Top 10 Best Cricketers in the World:1-Kapil Dev - Best Cricketer in the WorldKapil Dev has played over 130 Tests for India and was considered the best cricketer in the world during his long career.Dev has a good record roster, including being the only player to score 4,000 test runs and take 400 test wickets.Along with Ian Botham, Ben Stokes, Richard Hadley, and Jack Callis, Dave is in solid talks as the second-best player in an overall test (after the Garfield Supers).A brilliant captain, talented batsman, and competent pitcher, Dev beat Gavaskar and Tendulkar for first place.2 - Sunil Gavaskar - Best Cricketer in the WorldNot only was Sunil Gavaskar a prolific running player and arguably the greatest player of all time, but he also set standards for Indian cricketers, taking the team to new levels of professionalism and introducing a work ethic never seen before.Gavaskar drove from the front in more ways than one. He was a handsome shooter when needed and his extensive defensive technique, combined with his steely mindset, made him a very difficult person to write off.3 - Sachin Tendulkar - Best Cricketer in the WorldSachin Tendulkar's net worth is believed to be over $100 million, making him the richest player in India. The teacher is seen in all audiences, loved more than anyone else in the country.Tendulkar was a technical perfection. Viv Richards hits the pillow and Ricky Ponting carefully draws his straight line.He has made many astonishing records in both Test and ODI. Tendulkar may have to be content with the third place in this list, but there is no doubt that he is number one in the eyes of the Indian public.4 - Virat Kohli - Best Cricketer in the WorldPlaying in the IPL era, the era of celebrity makes Virat Kohli's net worth an unimaginable figure for cricketers over the past few decades.Kohli is still at his peak but has already established himself as one of the best cricketers India has ever produced. Some say the quarter is generous, though Kohli's influence as a hitter and captain is enormous. India is by far the most powerful country.Historically prolific in all three forms, Kohli could end his career as the greatest hitter of the 21st century.5 - Anil Kumble - Best Cricketer in the WorldIt is only 619 proof wickets for Anil Kumble. Patience, determination, and clever variations propelled Kumble to pursue a career beyond his natural talent.The player who broke his leg was not just a football player, but changed his pace quite well, making most of his throws faster than regular bowling. The lateral movement was never great, but it did enough to engage the hitters.There are more talented Indian spinners than Kumble, but no one can match his demand. He has created magic on more than one occasion in front of the biggest cricket grounds in the world...6 - Raul Dravid - Best Cricketer in the WorldWhile Sehwag was explosive, Rahul Dravid was a traditional cricketer's dream come true. With high elbows, a straight face, and good leg speed, The Wall is the fourth-highest Test scorer of all time.Though considered a Test specialist, Dravid has developed his game throughout his career to become an effective ball hitter. He was the fifth Indian cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.7 - Varinder Sehwag - Best Cricketer in the WorldVirender Sehwag was not the editor of the textbook. His technique didn't come from a training manual, but he was as entertaining as any Test player and was arguably the most destructive player in the game.Sehwag made a triple horn in running with the ball and played two horns at the same pace. The bowling attack was wiped out an hour after Sehwag crashed: hitting him consistently to the limit was exciting and effective.8 - MS Dhoni - Best Cricketer in the WorldA World Cup winner and one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the game, MS Dhoni is the epitome of the modern game, a true 3D phenomenon.Dhoni is known for his white-ball sensation, and rightly so, with an ODI average of over 50 and countless heroic chases, but he was also an elite Test player. He was selected thrice in the ICC Test XI and has a career average of 38.Wicketkeeping skills should also not be overlooked. Donnie could whip Bell faster than he could have imagined. The guy who brought us the picture of the helicopter was locked in the top ten.|9 - Javagal Srinath - Best Cricketer in the WorldJavagal Srinath is one of the lowest-rated Indian cricketers. When spin was the name of the game in the 90s, Srinath, an aggressive fast-paced high-voltage shooter, used to charge on the wrong courts.If needed, Srinath could have released it in the mid-90s. Like many intercontinental pace bowlers, he can spin up, making him an effective player at any time.At the time of his retirement in 2002, only one fast Indian player (Kapil Dev) had more than 236 wickets in Srinath.10 - Bishan Bedi - Best Cricketer in the WorldOutspoken and often controversial, Bishan Bedi has had a tough time with Indian cricket. Gaining a foothold as a test country during the 1960s and 1970s, it is far from being a global power today.Pedi was the star of the time. He completed his Test run at the age of 29 with 266 wickets, his effective control of left-arm rotation leaving batsmen stuck at one end.Bedi is second in every ancient tour test, and though it is not just a spinning ball, its graceful versatility of flight throws batsmen out of balance.More Read - Who is the IPL God of 2020?
As we look ahead to a momentous year of cricket, featuring marquee events like The Ashes and the Cricket World Cup, the question on everyone's mind is: Who are the best cricket players in the world right now? These tournaments will undoubtedly showcase the skills and prowess of some of the finest athletes on the planet. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the performances of the best cricket players in the world, as they vie for glory and cement their names in the annals of cricketing history. It's a thrilling time for cricket fans, as we witness these exceptional athletes push the boundaries of their sport and vie for the title of the best cricket player on the global stage.Indeed, determining the best cricket players in the world is a complex task, given the diverse formats and demanding schedules they face. While the ICC rankings offer some insight, they don't provide the full picture. Creating such a list involves a delicate balance, considering T20 specialists alongside established Test legends and factoring in current form as well as historical performance.The debate also brings into question whether all-rounders enjoy a natural advantage in these rankings. Should multi-format stars be ranked differently than red-ball masters or short-form experts? These are crucial considerations when compiling a top 10 list of the best cricket players in the world. It's a comprehensive evaluation that recognizes the diverse skills and contributions of these athletes across the spectrum of cricket formats.For all the statistics at our disposal to analyse modern cricketers, this list is still subjective. All cricket fans will have their own view on who should be included and in which order.10. Shaheen Shah AfridiSince making his debut for Pakistan as a teenager, Shaheen Shah Afridi has wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the best cricket players in the world, especially in the bowling department. Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches, Afridi boasts exceptional pace and has the ability to extract tricky bounce, even on the flattest of pitches in Pakistan and the UAE.What sets him apart is his versatility as a bowler across all three formats of the game. In Test matches, Afridi showcases remarkable control and swing, effectively constraining the scoring rate and keeping batsmen under constant pressure. Transitioning to the white-ball arena, his repertoire includes a deadly mix of yorkers and hostile short deliveries, making him a formidable force both with the new ball and during the crucial death overs. Afridi's prowess with the ball makes him a vital asset in the world of cricket and a player who consistently ranks among the best.9. Suryakumar YadavSuryakumar Yadav, an established T20 sensation, particularly with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, presents an intriguing challenge when it comes to ranking the best cricket players in the world. Widely regarded as the finest T20 batsman on the planet, Yadav's limited exposure in just 20 ODIs and no Test matches complicates his ranking.Yadav's rise to the global stage occurred relatively late in his career, owing in part to being a late-bloomer and, to some extent, India's delayed call-up. However, what he has unequivocally demonstrated in the IPL and his brief stint in international cricket is his status as a genuine 360-degree hitter. Once he finds his rhythm, he becomes an unstoppable force and a nightmare for bowlers. Suryakumar Yadav's ability to consistently deliver exceptional performances in T20 cricket has solidified his reputation as one of the best cricket players in the world.8. Steve SmithSteve Smith's cricketing record unquestionably establishes him as one of the best cricket players in the world. With a Test batting average of over 60, his prowess in the longest format is truly remarkable. While his white-ball cricket contributions are relatively limited, he boasts an impressive record in ODIs.Notably, after averaging over 110 during the 2019 Ashes series, Smith's Test performances have seen a slight dip, but he remains firmly in the upper echelon of Test batters. What sets him apart is his ability to excel on all types of cricketing surfaces, making him a prominent figure in the world of cricket. When the time comes for his retirement, Steve Smith will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest batters of the 21st century.7. Kagiso RabadaSimilar to Afridi, Kagiso Rabada burst onto the international cricket scene at a tender age and has since consistently proven himself to be among the best cricket players in the world. Rabada's exceptional skills transcend all three formats, characterized by his pace and bounce, which make him a potent force even on surfaces that offer limited assistance to fast bowlers.In the wake of a golden era for South African fast bowling spearheaded by legends like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, Rabada has seamlessly assumed the role of the team's bowling leader. His performance statistics are nothing short of outstanding, with a historically remarkable Test match strike rate further solidifying his status as one of the premier cricketers in the world today.6. Babar AzamBabar Azam's cricketing journey began with a stellar performance for Pakistan in white-ball formats, but he has since evolved into one of the nation's all-time greatest batters. Azam boasts impressive statistics across Tests, ODIs, and T20s, often shouldering the burden of carrying a subpar Pakistan batting lineup.Drawing inevitable comparisons to the illustrious Fab Four, Babar Azam has, in recent years, eclipsed several members of that quartet. Remarkably, he won't even turn 30 until October 2024, setting the stage for what could be an all-time great career, placing him in the esteemed company of past Pakistani icons like Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Yousuf. In the current cricketing landscape, Babar Azam undoubtedly stands as one of the best cricket players in the world, with a bright future ahead.5. Joe RootWhile Joe Root's batting averages may not shine as brightly as some of the other elite batters around the world, it's important to consider that a significant portion of his cricket career has unfolded on the challenging pitches of England. Despite this, Root has unquestionably established himself as one of the finest players of his generation, making a strong case as England's greatest ever batter.It's worth noting that his absence from England's white-ball teams could potentially be used against him in discussions about the best cricket player in the world. However, this is more a reflection of the depth and quality of England's batting options in shorter formats rather than a limitation of Root's talents. Root's remarkable cricketing skills and consistent performances in Test cricket have solidified his place among the cricketing elite.4. Jasprit BumrahWhen Jasprit Bumrah is in peak form and fitness, he undeniably stands as the most complete fast bowler in world cricket. His unique, jerky action, combined with a short run-up, poses a formidable challenge for batters, making it exceedingly difficult for them to read his deliveries. Bumrah's repertoire of skills allows him to torment batters in various ways.Whether it's swinging and seaming the red ball to create awkward angles or deploying a hostile bouncer with the white ball, Bumrah exhibits a remarkable range of variations and an uncanny ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers. His unorthodox approach is precisely what makes him the quintessential modern pace bowler, capable of adapting to different formats and conditions. In discussions about the best cricket player in the world, Jasprit Bumrah's diverse skillset and consistent performance rightfully earn him a prominent spot among the cricketing elite.3. Shakib Al HasanShakib Al Hasan's cricketing journey has often been overlooked, making him one of the most underrated players in the sport's history. Using a traditional and somewhat simplistic measure of an all-rounder, it's notable that Shakib boasts a higher batting average than his bowling average in Tests, ODIs, and T20s. Furthermore, he holds the coveted position of the number one all-rounder in both T20Is and ODIs, and he's ranked third in Tests according to the ICC rankings.Despite moments of controversy in his career, Shakib's true value may only be fully appreciated once he decides to retire from the game. He remains the standout performer for Bangladesh and has consistently delivered exceptional performances, making him not only one of the best cricket players in the world but also a symbol of inspiration for his nation.2. Rashid KhanRashid Khan, while not relying on significant spin, has masterfully wielded his leg-spinners to become one of the most lethal weapons in white-ball cricket. His red-ball career has also shown remarkable promise, particularly with Afghanistan's newfound Test status.Known for his pinpoint accuracy and a googly that is notoriously hard to read, Khan has excelled across various short-form leagues and boasts a stellar record in over 150 white-ball matches for Afghanistan. In addition to his bowling prowess, Rashid Khan has demonstrated his worth as a versatile all-rounder, often contributing valuable runs to the team when wielding the willow. His consistent performances have rightfully earned him recognition as one of the best cricket players in the world, particularly in the limited-overs formats.1. Ben StokesBen Stokes may not hold the title of the best batsman or the best bowler in the world, and he might not even top the statistical charts as the best all-rounder. However, when the pressure is at its peak, Stokes is undeniably the man you want with either bat or ball in hand. His career is punctuated by headlines such as two World Cup triumphs and the nearly unbelievable heroics at Headingley in 2019. Yet, beyond these historic moments, Stokes has consistently been the match-winner for his team on countless occasions.In 2022, when he took on the Test captaincy, the Christchurch-born all-rounder orchestrated a remarkable transformation, turning England from one of the world's weakest teams into an unstoppable force. In the process, he reinvented the way the world perceives the five-day game.Although Stokes's statistics may not always stand out, and he has recently retired from ODI cricket, he has remained a match-winner across all formats throughout his illustrious career. His leadership has proven transformative, making him a captain who can reshape a team's destiny. When assembling a lineup for a one-off match in any format, few cricketers can stake a claim to inclusion as firmly as Ben Stokes. He is, without a doubt, one of the best cricket players in the world.
