Inbox World XI

From Kunal Talgeri, India
Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter Roebuck has put together a World XI based on performances in 2008. It is statistically accurate, and therein lies a problem: Team composition can't be determined by numbers alone. And 2008 epitomised that spirit. For instance, Roebuck keeps Virender Sehwag out because Gautam Gambhir hit a purple patch, and Graeme Smith scored better than Sehwag in crucial fourth-innings situations. In my estimate, all three would have to play on form, and Gambhir would play at No.3 because he can contribute more than Hashim Amla against quality opposition.

The other glaring bloomer is omitting Sachin Tendulkar. Statistics don't show how well Tendulkar played in 2008. Perhaps his performance in Sri Lanka kept him out. But the quality and thrust of a Tendulkar innings was most in 2008. Not only was it his finest season since 2005, but it also played to the team's advantage at venues like the WACA. Again, both - Pietersen (from Roebuck's side) and Sachin - must play in the world side. And so, Chanderpaul in my reckoning must make way though he has more runs to show.

Lastly, how can anybody leave out Ishant Sharma? Even if the wickets column don't show it, Ishant created enough pressure at one end to benefit the bowler steaming in from the other. Both Ishant and Zaheer Khan would have to play. It's a toss up between Zaheer and Steyn who has also had a fabulous year. Experience does count here, and so Steyn must wait. It's one of cricket's oldest propositions: numbers don't supply the complete picture. And 2008 has vindicated that.

What a year it has been for Test cricket. Rarely does an Australian captain lose two Tests in Perth, leave alone that both occurred in the same year. It is unbelievable that Pakistan doesn't produce world-class cricketers anymore. It's even more staggering that there are six Indians in the squad of 12. India have come a long way. This year may turn out to be the tipping point of a wonderful battle between Sri Lanka, South Africa and India, each of whom are eroding Australia's advantage as incumbents. Ashes 2009 could throw up another new fighting unit.

Here is my team for 2008: Virender Sehwag, Graeme Smith, Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen, Mahela Jayawardane, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Ishant Sharma, Ajantha Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Zaheer Khan, 12th man: Dale Steyn.