All-rounders are an important component of any team in all the three formats of the game. In the past, ODIs had scope of having only specialists. However, due to the change in approach of most teams, depth in both departments are important. England is dominating world cricket because of the same. Therefore, the all-rounders become important. On that note, here, we take a look at a strong well-balanced ODI XI comprising only all-rounders.
Openers: Kyle Mayers and Sikandar Raza
Kyle Mayers and Sikandar Raza will open the batting for this ODI XI comprising only all-rounders. The West Indian opener might not have had a terrific run in ODIs so far but he is getting there. West Indies is seeing him as a regular member and is all set to play the ODI World Cup in 2023. Considering he offers medium pace bowling, the team shall benefit a lot by this.
Sikandar Raza is known as a middle order batter but in 118 innings so far, he has opened the batting in 21 games. His highest score of 141 came while opening the batting. For the balance of the squad, the Zimbabwe all-rounder will operate as an opener.
Middle-Order: Shakib Al Hasan, Glenn Phillips (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Hardik Pandya and Mohammad Nabi
Shakib Al Hasan is one of the legends of the game. He is the No.1 ranked ODI all-rounder at the moment. Therefore, he is an obvious inclusion at No.3. Glenn Phillips has played only few ODIs so far. However, he is a genuine wicketkeeper who can also roll his arm over. Hence, he finds a place in the XI.
The rest of the middle-order includes the experienced names. Glenn Maxwell has long been a fine all-rounder for Australia. The 2023 ODI World Cup will happen in India. Hence, the player will surely be a part of the Australian squad. Hardik Pandya has not featured in many ODIs since his return from injury. That said, he will be a vital part of Team India going forward. At No.6, for Team India, Hardik will have a crucial role to play. Mohammad Nabi will take part in his final ODI World Cup next year. The No.2 ranked ICC ODI all-rounder right now, Nabi’s experience will aid the Afghans in India.
Done and dusted 🏆🤙 Way to go #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/P2vkdawRJp
Advertisement— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 22, 2022
Lower-Order: Shadab Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey and Chris Woakes
It will be a core Asian spin attack and English pace attack for this ODI XI comprising only all-rounders. Shadab Khan and Wanindu Hasaranga will form the core of the spin attack of this XI. Shadab Khan has proved multiple times that he is no muck with the bat. Going forward, Pakistan will look to give more responsibility to the player with the bat. Wanindu Hasaranga’s bowling skills are known and he just needs to work on his consistency with the bat to come out as a better all-rounder.
England banked on a deep batting line-up to help them win trophies in the white-ball format. David Willey has been doing well for England in both the ODI and T20I formats for a while now. At times, he has played in the middle order as a batter for his franchises and that shows the depth England have in the team. Chris Woakes is more than handy customer with the bat. With the ball, he was extremely useful for England back in 2019. If Jofra Archer returns to fitness, he will also be a part of this XI.
