Waqar Younis announces modern XI; two Indians make it
Legendary Pakistani pacer Waqar Younis has announced his modern-day World XI - two Indians, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have made it to the team. He has chosen Australian skipper Steve Smith to lead the side, but Indian ODI skipper MS Dhoni did not find a place in his XI, as did any Indian pacer.
Joining the trend of picking the world XI, legendary Pakistani bowler Waqar Younis picked an XI consisting of modern-day cricketers. Three England players made it to the XI, while Mohammad Amir was the only player from Pakistan in the XI.
Waqar chose the devastating left-right combination of David Warner and Rohit Sharma as the openers of his team.
Younis went with Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli to walk in at No.3, whereas he picked Protea’s Test captain AB de Villers for the No.4 spot.
Australian captain Steve Smith, coming in at No. 5, was also chosen to lead the side. For the wicketkeeper's role, Waqar opted for a controversial choice going for Englishman Jos Buttler over Indian ODI captain MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who averages more than Buttler in each format of the game and is inarguably the better wicketkeeper than Buttler, could have made to the XI without any doubt.
English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who has impressed in recent times with his superb all-round displays, was selected alongside Moeen Ali, who can double up as a useful spinner.
Australia's Mitchel Starc has been selected to spearhead the attack and will be partnered by Pakistan’s Mohammed Amir. Bangladesh's young Mustafizur Rahman was chosen as the side's third bowler.
Kiwi opener Martin Guptill has been selected as the twelfth man of the team.
Waqar Younis’ World XI: - 1. David Warner (Australia), 2. Rohit Sharma (India), 3. Virat Kohli (India), 4. AB de Villiers (South Africa), 5. Steve Smith (Australia, Captain), 6. Jos Buttler (England), 7. Ben Stokes (England), 8. Moeen Ali (England), 9. Mitchell Starc (Australia), 10. Mohammad Amir (Pakistan), 11. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh), 12. Martin Guptill (New Zealand)