The T20 World Cup is around the corner and cricket’s supreme governing organization is making sure that the masses are hyped. The ICC has been posting throwbacks and fun videos across all of its social media and on Monday, a video clip of Glenn Maxwell picking his top 5 T20 players was shared via their official Twitter handle.
While some fans are left fuming as there are no Indians in the list, we’re here to assess his picks which comprise a spin wizard, two world-class all-rounders, a wicket-keeper, and a gun pacer. Now then, let us have a look at all the individuals and what makes them stand-out performers.
1. Rashid Khan
Glenn’s primary pick is without a single speck of doubt, his best. Although just 23, the afghan wizard has already etched his name amongst the best spinners in the shortest format. Rashid, who made his T20 international debut back in 2015 is still a ‘mystery spinner’ and has scalped 91 wickets from just 56 international appearances. While playing for Sunrisers in the IPL, he accounts for 90 wickets, averaging 20.40 while giving away just 6.23 runs per over.
2. Andre Russell
Speaking about Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell said, “Bowls fast, hits the ball out of the park. Extremely powerful player and will add anything to a t20 side.” Sure, Dre Russ’ international record is a trainwreck. But he’s been an absolute sensation overall, playing 382 games, scoring 6405 runs at a blazing strike rate of 169.66.
His cunning variations with the ball have also helped him pick 340 wickets with best figures of 5 for 15; which came against a full-strength Mumbai Indians side. An automatic choice in everyone’s T20 side, isn’t he?
3. Ben Stokes
While the name may raise some eyebrows at first, it all makes sense when you look a bit closer. The Englishman has featured in 148 T20 matches, scoring 2865 runs at an average of almost 25 and a strike rate of 135.07. He’s also picked up 86 wickets with the ball. Add to that his acrobatics on the field, he’s more than worth his place amongst the top T20 all-rounders.
“Gives you so much on the field. Can do anything with the bat, scores all around the ground,” said Glenn Maxwell after naming Ben Stokes as his third pick.
4. Adam Gilchrist
A T20 intl strike rate of 141.67 and 3 T20 hundreds are no mean feat. Neither is lifting a franchise from the bottom of the table in one season to champions in the next. Deccan Chargers, you’re right. Gilchrist not only lead the team out of the rut but also starred with the bat; scoring 485 runs at an average of 30.93 and becoming IPL 2009’s Most Valuable Player.
Probably the most shocking picks of them all, Tait was an out-and-out pace bowler who’d consistently clock in excess of 150kmph. Speaking on his inclusion, Maxwell said, “Having played against him, I know how quick he was. Even at the back end of his career, he was bowling absolute rockets. I think he’d certainly strike fear into any batter at the other end.”
Tait represented the Kangaroos in 21 T20 internationals, averaging 21.03 for the 28 wickets he accounted for. Indeed, Tait was quite a character as long as he lasted.