2015 ICC World Cup Best XI

The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup wrapped up last Sunday, when the Australians were able to overcome their competition co-hosts New Zealand in the final to claim their fifth title.

With the competition spanning across two months, 49 games and involving 14 teams, it’s now time to look back at the competitions best performers and pick our own 2015 world cup XI.

Without further ado here is my best team based on their World Cup performances.

1.)    Brendan McCullum (VC) – New Zealand

He lived and ultimately died by the sword, failed in the most important game of his career but was blistering all throughout the World Cup. He didn’t score a century and he only averaged 36, however what he did do was put fear into bowlers standing at the top of the mark. He consistently got his  country off to a brilliant start, and ultimately played a major role in taking his Country further than they have been in any previous World Cup. His attacking captaincy and brilliant work in the field has got him over the line as Vice Captain.

2.)    Martin Guptil – New Zealand 

Finished the tournament as the number one run scorer with 547 runs, including a scintillating unbeaten double hundred against the West Indies in the finals. He may not be the world’s most polished batsman but his numbers can simply not be ignored.

3.)    Steve Smith – Australia 

Started the summer off as  Australia’s 12th man in their opening tri series game but the rest is history. Smith actually had a relatively slow start to the tournament before winding up into five consecutive half centuries, headlined by his effortless 100 in the semi final against India. Fittingly hit the winning runs of the tournament to finish his summer over a life time.

4.)    Kumar Sangakarra

What can you say? He makes batting look easy, an absolutely phenomenal player of all forms of cricket, finished his One Day career on top. Four consecutive centuries throughout the tournament just shows the champions ultimate class.

5.)    AB Devilliars  (C)– South Africa 

Perhaps the only batsman in the world more terrifying for bowlers to line up against than Brendan McCullum. Well known for his outstanding hitting, Devilliars did not disappoint this world cup. Providing the fans with a great spectacle against the West Indies in Sydney with his record breaking 162 not out.

6.)    Glenn Maxwell – Australia

Finally lived up to his label of the ‘big show.’ Looked dangerous every time he picked up a bat throughout the tournament. His 100 in Sydney against Sri Lanka was simply amazing. Not only contributed with the bat but took key wickets with the ball and was dynamite in the field.

7.)    James Faulkner – Australia

Missed the beginning of the tournament with a side strain.  However there is no doubt he is an outstanding finisher with ball or bat.  Consistently delivered at key stages in the tournament for his country, none more so then his three wicket haul in the final.

8.)    Daniel Vettori – New Zealand

Arguably the smartest  bowler in the world, many believe the 36 year old would be more than capable of playing the next world cup as a 40 year old. A tough tournament to be a spin bowler but Vettori gets the nod ahead of South Africa’s Imran Tahir, with his crafty and very economical spells changing the flow of multiple games.

9.)    Mitchell Starc – Australia

A much deserved man of the series, the leading wicket taker was a cut above. No batsman looked comfortable facing him through the entire tournament. Managed to not only bowl with extreme pace but also keep a great economy rate at the same time.

10.)    Morne Morkel – South Africa 

The best performing right arm bowler in a tournament that seemed to be dominated by left arm quicks. Probably used to playing second fiddle to his fellow countryman Dale Steyn, but proved to be more effective on Australian pitches.

11.)    Trent Boult – New Zealand

Would have been the outstanding bowler in any other tournament. Had the ball swinging beautifully on the other side of the Tasman all throughout the tournament. His spell against Australia in the group stages was seriously impressive.

12^th man: Wahab Riaz – Pakistan 

Can probably consider himself fairly unlucky not to get a spot in the starting XI. Statistically performed better than Morkel, however picking four left arm quicks in one team just simply doesn’t work. Gained a lot of admirers after his fiery spell to the Australian captain and his troops in Adelaide.