March was filled to the brim with cricket all around the globe, and it was a good month for Indian players and fans, but not so great for Australians or Englishmen. Zimbabwe will also not look back on the month with fondness, while South Africa will be glad of an ODI series escape.
1. Peter Fulton (New Zealand)
Close, but no: Hamish Rutherford (New Zealand)
The Kiwi batsman last played a Test in 2009 before facing England, and he took his second chance with both hands. The 34-year-old 'Two-Meter Peter' scored 55 upon his return to the side in Dunedin, and then added maiden twin tons to his records in the third Test at Eden Park, helping to secure a series draw.
2. Murali Vijay (India)
Close, but no: Shikhar Dhawan (India)
The India opener stepped into the void left by out-of-form Gautam Gambhir and made sure he'd be sticking around. He was the top scorer in the four-Test series against the Aussies, recording knocks of 157, 163 and 57 to help his side to a whitewash, while also anchoring Shikhar Dhawan to a dream debut in Mohali.
3. Cheteshwar Pujara (India)
Close, but no: Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka)
India's newest cult hero averages over 65 in just 13 Tests, and this series was no different as he finished second behind Vijay on the lists. He played a superb knock of 204 in Hyderabad, before adding 52 and 82 not out in Delhi to lead his side to a fourth win in four games. His technique and temperament continues to impress as his role at number three looks certain to remain cemented as long as he stays fit, providing India's top order with needed stability.
4. AB de Villiers (South Africa, captain)
Close, but no: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
The Proteas captain was in astonishing form against Pakistan in the one-day series, backing his wicketkeepping and skippering duties with knocks of 128, 75 and 95 not out, the latter of which secured the series for his side. South Africa went into the final ODI with the games tied at 2-2, so De Villiers showed his mettle as he scored most of the 206 runs required.
5. Shiv Chanderpaul (West Indies)
Close, but no: Misba-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
The Windies veteran didn't have the stiffest competition, given they were playing against Zimbabwe, but one still has to score the runs, and his 108 in the second Test was a masterclass in patient batting. The Windies won both Tests with ease, and would have been encouraged by their stalwart's form.
6. Matt Prior (England, wicketkeeper)
Close, but no: Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
If not for Prior's final day century in the third Test in Auckland, England would have left the Antipodes with a shock series defeat. He held out for an entire day against the Black Caps, adding 110 not out to his previous scores of 73 and 82. He was second on the batting list behind Fulton, and we haven't even mention the numerous catches he took behind the wickets. He was England's bright light on an otherwise poor tour.
7. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Close, but no: Moises Henriques (Australia)
If not for Ravi Ashwin's continued good form, Jadeja would have been the top wicket-taker against the Aussies. Often ridiculed by the pundits for not living up to his potential, Jadeja and his permanent sunglasses were superb overall, taking at least two wickets in each innings and five-fer in the final Test. He also contributed with the bat in Delhi, scoring 43.
8. Neil Wagner (New Zealand)
Close, but no: Stuart Broad (England)
The former South African was a thorn in England's side for much of the Test series, finishing the three matches as the top strike bowler. He was much improved from his debut series against the West Indies, were his pace didn't match up with much accuracy. The first Test was particularly good for him, taking three and four wickets in the respective innings.
9. Ravi Ashwin (India)
Close, but no: Sohag Gazi (Bangladesh)
As has been the case for much of the past year, Ashwin emerged at the top of the wicket list for the series against the Aussies, taking advantage of their dire ability against spin and good home conditions to pad his records. He took seven wickets in the fourth Tests, adding to the 12 he took in the first, and ended the series with an average of 20 and four five-fers.
10. Mohammad Irfan (Pakistan)
Close, but no: Ryan McLaren (South Africa)
The seven-foot fast bowler was a revelation against the Proteas in the ODI series, doing much better in the shorter format than he did in the Tests. His four for 33 in Centurion, destroying the South African top order within the first 10 overs, ensured a victory for his side as the hosts could not recover. He continued to take wickets throughout the series, and was unlucky to end up on the losing side. His efforts bode well for the Champions Trophy though, where his impact on England's swinging decks should be large.
11. Shane Shillingford (West Indies)
Close, but no: Trent Boult (New Zealand)
Called up to the side ahead of glamour boy Sunil Narine, Shillingford was determined to prove his worth in the series against Zimbabwe. The African side didn't provide the staunchest opposition, but the spinner made sure to stick to his basics and took a ridiculous amount of wickets, recording three five-fers in four innings to reduce the Zimbos to dust.
0 comments:
Post a Comment