In a five-day game in which both teams play twice, the rookies play an important role in laying the groundwork. For the first hit team, you want your players to get off to a great start so that the others can take advantage of that and put pressure on the opponent. One of the most important roles in converting a team's fortune to test cricket is the starting batsmen. No wonder why the teams with the best beginners at their disposal are so successful in the longer format.In Test Cricket, if a beginner falls early, it gets really hard on the mid-ranking to driveRecovery against the red ball. Beginners play against the opposing team's best shootersFace the toughest spells in Test Cricket. Test cricket has, over the years, witnessed many world-class beginners who become an inspiration for the younger generation.Gautam Gambhir and Virender SehwagGautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag have been hailed as one of Test Cricket's Best Indian Opening Pairs. It was super fun to watch the two hit together, regardless of the format. The two share a great bond and played for Delhi Ranji Team. Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir participated in several surprising opening partnerships during the period 2004-2012, where they wrestled together at the starting position in 87 events and scored 4,412 points with an average of 52.52. They participated in 11 federations of a hundred races in Test Cricket.Marvan Atapattu and Sanath JayasuriyaMarvan Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya ended their careers with a lot of jobs under their belt. Both scored numerous rounds in all formats and shared excellent Test Cricket partnerships. Together, they scored 4,469 points in 118 rounds when they began for Sri Lanka in the test. They scored matches with an average of 40.26 healthy and participated in 9 100 entries in the longest-running form of the game.Alastair Cook and Andrew StraussFrom 2006 to 2012, England was blessed with strong starting partner Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook. Both were prolific run-scorers for England. Alastair Cook is, in fact, England's number one run-scorer on auditions. Cook and Strauss scored many kicks together as beginners and contributed significantly to England's Test victories.They are currently the third-best starting pair on Test Cricket, having scored 4,771 passes together with an average of 40.96. Additionally, they shared 14 race partnerships when they opened for England in the test.Matthew Hayden and Justin LangerDuring the period 2000 and 2007, Australia was considered invisible. They boasted strong leadership, including a world-class starting pair of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. Langer and Haynes had the ability to build a great partnership and tire opposing bowlers.Both leftists have enjoyed an excellent cricket career. They formed many associations that helped the team win matches. Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer are currently the second-best starter duo on Test Cricket. The duo fought together in 113 rounds, scoring 5,655 rounds with an average of 51.88.Gordon Greenidge and Desmond HaynesThe West Indies staring couple Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes are still the best starting duo in Test cricket. Greenidge and Haynes love to work together and have come together in numerous partnerships. Greenidge and Haynes played one of the biggest roles in making the West Indies a formidable test unit during the 1990s, starting together in 148 rounds, scoring 6,482 points with an average of 47.31. Sew up to 16 assemblies for hundreds of executions.Also Read: India vs Australia 1st Test | IND vs AUS Probable XI | Fantasy Playing Tips | More
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.
Overview of Cricket World Cup WinnersThe 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup saw Australia emerge as the champions. Here’s a comprehensive look at the winners of both the ODI and T20 Cricket World Cups. The ICC ODI Cricket World Cup first took place in England in 1975, featuring 60-over one-day matches per side. The format changed in 1987 when the tournament was hosted outside England for the first time in India and Pakistan, and the number of overs per side was reduced to 50.The ICC Men's ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 commenced on October 5, 2023, and concluded with the final match on November 19, 2023, where Australia defeated India by 6 wickets. As cricket fans seek details on World Cup winners from the inception to this year, we have compiled a complete list of ODI Cricket World Cup winners from 1975 to 2023.Cricket World Cup Winners ListThe ICC Men's World Cup 2023 took place from October 5 to November 19, 2023, in India. The final featured a match between India and Australia, with Australia winning by 6 wickets. To date, there have been 13 World Cup tournaments, including the 2023 edition. Australia stands as the most successful team, having won the World Cup 6 times. Notably, in 2007, Australia became the first team to secure three consecutive World Cup titles. India and the West Indies are the only other countries to have won the World Cup twice each—India in 1983 and 2011, and the West Indies in 1975 and 1979. England won the most recent 50-over World Cup in 2019.ODI Cricket World Cup Winners ListBelow is a detailed list of Men's 50-over ODI Cricket World Cup winners from 1975 to 2023, including the winners, runner-ups, host countries, total scores, and final results.Cricket World Cup Winners List (ODI)YearHostWinnerScoreRunner-upScoreResult1975EnglandWest Indies291–8Australia274West Indies won by 17 runs1979EnglandWest Indies286–9England194West Indies won by 92 runs1983EnglandIndia183West Indies140India won by 43 runs1987India and PakistanAustralia253–5England246–8Australia won by 7 runs1992Australia and New ZealandPakistan249–6England227Pakistan won by 22 runs1996Pakistan and IndiaSri Lanka245–3Australia241Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets1999EnglandAustralia133–2Pakistan132Australia won by 8 wickets2003South AfricaAustralia359–2India234Australia won by 125 runs2007West IndiesAustralia281–4Sri Lanka215–8Australia won by 53 runs2011India and BangladeshIndia277–4Sri Lanka274–6India won by 6 wickets2015Australia and New ZealandAustralia186–3New Zealand183Australia won by 7 wickets2019England and WalesEngland241New Zealand241–8The Match tied after regular play and super over and England won on a boundary count2023IndiaAustralia241-4India240Australia won by 6 wicketsAustralia Wins the Cricket World Cup 2023The ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 concluded on November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, where Australia claimed the title. In the final, Australia faced India, with India batting first and scoring 240 runs. Australia successfully chased down the target in 43 overs, losing 4 wickets. Australian opener Travis Head was named Man of the Match for his outstanding 137 runs off 120 balls, which included 15 fours and 4 sixes. Virat Kohli of India, who scored the most runs in the tournament with 765 runs in 11 matches, was named Player of the Tournament. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami led the wicket-taking charts with 24 wickets in 7 matches.Cricket World Cup 2023 Prize MoneyAustralia, the 2023 Cricket World Cup winner, received $4 million in prize money. They also earned an additional $280,000 for winning seven of their nine group-stage matches, bringing their total earnings to $4.28 million. In the semifinals, India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs on November 15, 2023, in Mumbai, while Australia won against South Africa by 3 wickets on November 16, 2023, in Kolkata.Cricket World Cup Winners List: Results by CountryAustralia stands as the most successful team in the ICC ODI World Cup history, having won the title 6 times and finishing as runners-up 2 times. India and the West Indies have each won the World Cup twice. Here is the list of ODI Cricket World Cup winners by country.TeamFinal AppearancesWinnersRunnersYears WonYears RunnersAustralia7621987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, 20231975, 1996England41320191979, 1987, 1992India3221983, 20112003, 2023New Zealand202-2015, 2019Pakistan21119921999Sri Lanka31219962007, 2011West Indies3211975, 19791983Also Read: Who is the richest cricketer in the world 2024?
