Matt Floyd picks out his Team of the Week in world cricket
Monday 27 February 2017 15:51, UK
Who have been the standout performers in world cricket this week? Sky Sports' Matt Floyd picks our team of the week...
It's hard to see any weaknesses in this team. It's packed full of pace, spin, and batsmen who can adapt to all forms of the game.
Do you agree with our team? And who was the MVP from the XI this week? Tweet us @SkyCricket...
1) Matt Renshaw (Australia)
A vital 68 in tough conditions in Pune as Australia won the first Test win against India underlined Renshaw's immense promise as a Test opener. He could be a real thorn in England's side in the Ashes at the end of the year.
2) Quinton de Kock (South Africa) - Wkt
His good form continues with three half-centuries in a row against New Zealand. Has played a big part in South Africa's superb ODI run.
3) Steve Smith (Australia) - Capt
What a century that was from the skipper in Pune, arguably Smith's best-ever Test knock. Also, he out-captained Virat Kohli in conditions that should have favoured India heavily.
4) AB de Villiers (South Africa)
He has been steady, if not spectacular, since his return as ODI captain, but he cranked things up with 85 in the third ODI in Wellington as the Proteas got back to winning ways.
5) Ross Taylor (New Zealand)
A record-breaker in the second ODI in Christchurch, scoring his 17th century - the most by a New Zealander - and he joins a group of just six batsmen to have made hundreds against all full member teams. Is it the right decision to keep him out of New Zealand's T20 side?
6) Liam Livingstone (England Lions)
Livingstone's stock has risen considerably this winter after an impressive tour of Sri Lanka with the Lions. Centuries in both innings of the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A will have catapulted him into the thoughts of the England selectors.
7) Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Took the crucial first-innings wickets of Kohli and Pujara in Pune, but it was his powerful hitting that really caught the eye. He scored 91 runs across both innings, more than any Indian batsman.
8) Steven O'Keefe (Australia)
The surprise package of the week after the left-arm spinner demolished India with match figures of 12-70. Bowled with near perfect pace and accuracy, evoking memories of Monty Panesar in 2012.
9) Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
In Afghanistan the average yearly salary is still only around £330, while in the IPL auction Rashid Khan was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for an astonishing £480,000! A hugely talented 18-year-old leg-spinner, he celebrated by helping Afghanistan to an ODI series win over Zimbabwe and may surprise a few in India in April.
10) Umesh Yadav (India)
India may have been hammered by Australia in the first Test, but through no fault of Yadav. He has been one of the unluckiest bowlers of the winter with a few dropped catches and bad decisions, but finally got some reward for a lot of hard work, taking 6-71.
11) Tymal Mills (England)
Two years ago Mills was facing an uncertain future after being diagnosed with a congenital back problem that meant he could only play T20 cricket. Now he is the most expensive bowler in IPL history! I can't wait to see how he goes for an RCB side in need of an incisive bowler.
