Former Pakistan cricket team captain Misbah-ul-Haq picks his ODI World XI. The playing eleven has been picked, is full of surprises, as multiple star Indian cricketers are not placed there, but there are two Pakistani cricketers in the combination. However, the team contains Virat Kohli.
Misbah-ul-Haq named his ODI World XI while talking on the Zalmi TV podcast. In this over an hour video, the former cricketer has discussed various aspects of modern cricket, including the evolving past pace nature of modern cricket.
Why is strike rate important in modern cricket?
Modern cricket, especially the Twenty20 format, demands a healthy strike rate from all of the batters these days. A portion of the cricket fans and experts believe that because of the tendency to score runs at a quick pace, the quality of the game has decreased. The former Pakistan batter did not think so. He believes now the strike rate matters because of the demand, and there is nothing wrong with it.
“So, this is necessary. If you want to compete with the world, then you have to increase it. Who will increase it in what way? This is necessary. You are running a race where the competitive level is minimal. You have to run at a speed of 170. And you say, I can't run above 120. So, how will you compete? So, you have to increase it,” Misbah-ul-Haq explains.
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Misbah mentioned Virat in the discussion
“But, it is different for every person. It is possible that someone, like Andre Russell, can only hit sixes. He has his own way. Virat Kohli has a different way. So, that same thing, as a whole team, then it happens in the team that you see how the composition is made in the team,” the 51-year-old explains how a team deserves to be formed, mentioning Virat Kohli and Andre Russell as examples.
Virat Kohli in, but no Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli finds his place in Misbah’s ODI World XI as well. Along with Virat, Jasprit Bumrah is another Indian cricketer who is in the playing combination. However, there is no room for Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill.
For the opening spots, Misbah chose Travis Head and Kusal Mendis. For the number three batting spot, instead of leaving it for Virat, he placed Babar Azam there. Virat Kohli is at number 4 in the batting line-up. Harry Brook and David Miller are the other two batters in the middle order.
For a strong all-round department, Misbah goes for Marco Jansen and Mitchell Santner. Jofra Archer is also in the team, who can add some valuable runs as well. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed is there to help Santner in spin bowling. For the pace works, Mishabh’s favorite is Bumrah and Archer.
ODI World XI of Misbah-ul-Haq:
Travis Head (Australia), Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka), Babar Azam (Pakistan), Virat Kohli (India), Harry Brook (England), David Miller (South Africa), Marco Jansen (South Africa), Mitchell Santner (New Zealand), Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan), Jasprit Bumrah (India), and Jofra Archer (England).
