Don’t underestimate the importance of having a phenomenal all-rounder in your team. Batsmen and bowlers get most of the headlines for their standout performances, but a player with a mixed skillset can be hugely invaluable.
Cricket fans often debate about how many all-rounders should be in each team with one or two being viewed as an optimum amount. Anything more can upset the balance of the lineup. There may be occasions when a captain opts for more batsmen, especially during test matches. However, all-rounders are particularly useful when playing ODI games.
We’re blessed to watch a plethora of
stars perform every week. Whether you’re a punter looking for the latest cricket betting tips or a general fan of the
game, we think you’ll agree that the following players set the world alight
each time they appear on the field.
Shakib Al Hasan – The Bangladeshi all-rounder was a joy to behold
during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England. Shakib scored
606 runs and took 10 wickets for good measure. What’s more, the 32-year-old hit
more than 60 boundaries.
For perspective, only David Warner,
Jonny Bairstow, and Rohit Sharma hit more. However, they played more innings
than Shakib as Bangladesh were eliminated after the group stage. Al Hasan’s
performances over the summer cemented his name at the top of the all-rounder
world rankings. We’d take him in our team every day of the week.
Ben Stokes – This man has made the headlines for all the right reasons
this year. Ben Stokes has arguably been the best cricket player on the planet
for the last 6 months. His raw power and determination make him extremely
dangerous when he’s standing at the crease. Stokes played a pivotal role when England won the World Cup during the summer.
However, he also single-handedly rescued the third Ashes Test against the
Aussies in August.
Cricket players don’t come much
better than Stokes. He can score hundreds, take big wickets, and make
incredible catches in the field. That’s why he’s ranked as the second-best
all-rounder in the world right now behind Shakib Al Hasan.
Imad Wasim – Wasim has been a staple in the Pakistan team since he made
his debut in 2015. The left-hander has won 204 ODI caps for his country. What’s
more, he’s scored more than 900 runs and taken 40+ wickets.
The 30-year-old all-arounder is also
one of the best T20 players around. In 2017 he was voted as the PCB’s (Pakistan
Cricket Board) T20I Player of the Year.
Mohammad Nabi – This veteran all-rounder is a fan favourite. Nabi made his
ODI debut against Scotland in 2009 and hasn’t looked back since. The former
Afghanistan captain took his 200th wicket during the Cricket World Cup.
Additionally, the 34-year-old has scored more than 2,500 ODI runs for his
country.
We sincerely hope he’ll still be
around for the next World Cup in 2023. Nabi is an inspiration to cricket fans
all around the world.
