DHAKA: UK-based British newspaper The Guardian has included Bangladesh Test Captain Shakib Al Hasan and batsman-wicket keeper Mushfiqur Rahim in the best Test squad for the year 2017.
The news outlet published their best XI, a yearly selection, on their news web Tuesday (December 26). Following are the cricketers excelled for the long-form cricket, picked up by the Guardian’s sport journalists:
David Warner (Australia), Dean Elgar (South Africa), Cheteshwar Pujara (India), Steve Smith, (Australia), Virat Kohli (India), Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Nathan Lyon (Australia), Jimmy Anderson (England), and Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
Australia has the highest numbers of cricketers in the squad while Bangladesh is similar to India and South Africa toppling down England with the least number of only one player. Australian hard-hitter Warner has become the top run-earner with 808 runs to his credit, with average 44.88
There is no scope to see Bangladesh’s Test feat for the year 2017 in meagre as Bangladesh outplayed Australia in home and Sri Lanka in its own land in the year. Tiger all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim constructed a 359-run partnership in New Zealand, in the beginning of the year. Shakib’s 217-run contribution became the highest for any Bangladeshi Test batsman while 159 came from Mushfiq’s willow.
In the Dhaka Test against Australia, Shakib scored 84 runs in the first innings and ensured 5-wicket hauls twice. For 2017 Test book, his total stands at 665 with an average of 47.5 and the wicket is 29.
‘Mr Dependable’ of Tiger cricket Mushfiq became the highest Bangladeshi run-earner for 2017, securing 766 runs. He scored 127 against India and collected two 50’s against Sri Lanka and Australia. Besides, 12 wickets were dismissed after being trapped under his gloves while 2 others became run-out by his stampings.
However, Shakib Al Hasan was named Bangladesh's Test captain replacing Mushfiqur Rahim on December 10. His first assignment will be the series at home against Sri Lanka in January. Middle order batsman Mahmudullah will be Shakib's deputy.
BDST: 1346 HRS, DEC 27, 2017
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