The GCW Test XI

I have decided to announce the inaugural GoodCricketWicket Test XI, a selection of test match performers who I deem to be worthy of praise.  This XI will be updated on a rolling basis, although there is no time limit.  Players will be selected according to, but not limited to, their recent test performances.  Other factors will include noteworthy events and achievements, sporting behaviour and so on.  Or it could just be because I like their style.

So, here we go:

  1. Andrew Strauss (ENG) – His performances in the West Indies, under difficult circumstances, showed that Strauss has what it takes to lead by example for England.  By being willing to make difficult decisions, such as dropping Bell, Harmison and Panesar, he also showed that he is strong enough.
  2. Philip Hughes (AUS) – After an inauspicious debut innings that lasted just four deliveries, Hughes vindicated the Australian selectors faith by hitting a century in each innings in the 2nd test, a major factor in the series win against South Africa.  A long and fruitful career beckons.
  3. Gautam Gambhir (IND) – After several years on the fringe of the Indian team, he has now made an openers berth his own with a superb 2008.  Started 2009 in similar vein with two centuries in New Zealand.
  4. Ramnaresh Sarwan (WI) – The main reason why West Indies were able to hold on to their series lead as England tried to hit back at them.  Three hundreds in six innings, including that mammoth 291 in Barbados.
  5. Thilan Samaraweera (SL) – Scored consecutive double hundreds against Pakistan before being injured in the terrorist attack.
  6. Jesse Ryder (NZ) – Centuries against India at Hamilton and Napier give Ryder the 6th batting spot.  A New Zealand team badly in need of new talent took a chance on Ryder in spite of disciplinary problems.  This gamble seems to have paid off.
  7. Denesh Ramdin (WI) – Ramdin has been an international since the age of 19, but has not been reknowned for his batting.  In the series against England, a first test hundred was impressive, but also the manner in which he batted calmly to save the 5th test under pressure.  His keeping, however, is not under question.
  8. Mitchell Johnson (AUS) – The man of the moment in every sense.  In the space of three tests, Johnson went from promising backup to world class all-rounder.  The discovery of the inswinger to the right hander has elevated his bowling, and his reputation was enhanced by injuries caused to Graeme Smith (twice) and Jacques Kallis.
  9. Graeme Swann (ENG) – Swann had been one of the nearly men as far as England were concerned, having failed to impress Duncan Fletcher when he was first selected.  However, Swann has come back and shown that he has what it takes, taking 19 wickets at 24.05 in three tests against South Africa.  May well have overtaken Monty Panesar as the leading spinner for England, and also offers more with the bat.
  10. Peter Siddle (AUS) – Whilst Mitchell Johnson has taken most of the plaudits, Peter Siddle has also impressed in South Africa, with 20 wickets at 19.15 in 2009 so far.  After overcoming serious shoulder injuries, Siddle is one of Australia’s brightest prospects.
  11. Zaheer Khan (IND) – 13 wickets in the series against New Zealand took Zaheer past 200 test wickets.  Not as quick as he used to be, but canny and able to swing the ball.  Established as India’s premier fastman.

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