Sky Cricket presenter's XI features a South AfricanTest debutant and a possible future England star...
Friday 19 January 2018 05:18, UK
I've selected a well-balanced XI this week with a very strong top five, varied pace options and a wrist spinner.
English players are back in the mix after getting their ODI series in Australia off to a winning start as well as one fast bowler who could well be a future England star...
JASON ROY (England)
After having a poor Big Bash season not many in Australia were expecting Roy to have a big impact on the ODI series. One game in and there is now serious concern among Australian fans that he could win two or three matches single-handedly. To break the record for the highest score by an Englishman is an incredible achievement - England have played 698 ODIs so far!
AARON FINCH (Australia)
Overshadowed by Roy but he still underlined his importance to Australia's white ball side with a muscular century. It will be very interesting to see how he and Warner respond to the ultra-aggressive tactics of England's top three.
VIRAT KOHLI (India)
While India's old overseas failures with the bat have come back to haunt them in South Africa, their captain looked a class apart in Centurion. Since July 2016 he has passed 150 eight times in Test matches - the next best is Steve Smith with three.
JOE ROOT (England)
Root paced his innings at the MCG perfectly with Roy blazing the ball to all parts at the other end. Many think he should bat at three in the Test side but in the ODI team four may suit him, as he provides some stability after Roy, Bairstow and Hales have had a real go at the bowlers.
FAF DU PLESSIS (South Africa) - captain
He made gritty contributions of 63 and 48 as South Africa wrapped up the series in Centurion. In AB De Villiers' absence he has become an impressive leader; there is no doubt who the boss is.
COLIN DE GRANDHOMME (New Zealand)
CDG battered a quickfire 74 to rush New Zealand to a 4-0 lead against Pakistan in Hamilton. He plays one way and if given the chance could be a real danger man for England next month.
ALEX CAREY (Adelaide Strikers) (Wk)
Touted as a possible Test wicketkeeper before the Ashes, Carey has started to show real promise with the bat. At the moment though it looks like white ball cricket might be his most likely route into International cricket. Scored a hundred against the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash and averages 55 in his first 10 T20 matches.
JOFRA ARCHER (Hobart Hurricanes)
Archer has been a revelation for the Hurricanes and his spell of death bowling against the Strikers was one of the best seen in a long time. As it stands the ex-West Indian Under 19 may not be available for England until 2022 but if there is a way of fast tracking him, the ECB should take up the option. Surely the hottest fast bowling prospect in county cricket, in all formats.
SHADAB KHAN (Pakistan)
On a very disappointing tour for Pakistan so far, 19-year-old Shadab was their best bowler in the third and fourth ODIs against New Zealand. It's early days but he's had a fantastic start so far to both his ODI and T20 International career.
TRENT BOULT (New Zealand)
Embarrassed Pakistan in Dunedin after he ripped through the top order and tail to finish with 5-17. He is certainly enjoying his home summer with 19 wickets in his last six ODIs.
LUNGI NGIDI (South Africa)
What a debut! He ended the Indian resistance in the second Test with six second-innings wickets, including that of the in-form Kohli. Here's a question for you - if Philander, Steyn, Morkel, Rabada and Ngidi are all fit who do you pick? Talk about an embarrassment of riches.
Do you agree with Matt's XI? Let us know on Twitter @SkyCricket...