The ICC Cricket World Cup reaches its climax on Sunday after an enthralling month of action. Fans from across the globe have been treated to some exquisite shots exhibited by the best batsmen in the game. With the tournament being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and both those sides also making it to the final in Mumbai, now seems an appropriate moment for Sport.co.uk to name check the sub-continents finest willow-wielders...
Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Worshipped as a cricketing God in his home country, Tendulkar, known to many as the ‘little master’, is arguably the modern era’s answer to Donald Bradman. Although his average is not as high as the pre-eminent Australian, he is still considered to be the prized wicket for bowlers in all forms of the game to capture. With a Test average of nearly 57 and an ODI average of 45.13, Tendulkar is the complete batsman in terms of mastering his crease. Moreover a very humble man away from the field of play he wisely chooses to eschew the media glare as much as possible.
Rahul Dravid (India)
A contemporary of Tendulkar and dubbed ‘The Wall’ for his ability to defend his wicket, Dravid has rightly claimed his place as a batting great. His sheer hard work and concentration along with his technique made him a force to be reckoned with. Though he will be most remembered for his part in the remarkable 376 run partnership with VVS Laxman in the ‘Eden Gardens’ Test. A test average of 52.44 underlined his importance to the Indians.
Sourav Ganguly (India)
Making up the Indian triumvirate in this list, Ganguly has lived up to his ability since exploding on the test scene in 1994 with 95 runs against England. His leadership skills were unquestioned and he was arguably one of India’s finest captains- only 13 losses from 49 test matches would suggest so.
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Known in many quarters as ‘Boom Boom’ for the way he lights up cricket grounds with his brilliant stroke-play he has come a long way since a disappointing 10 run score on his debut against Australia in 1998. While widely praised for shining in the ODI arena, it’s interesting to note that his test average of 36.51 is actually higher than that achieved in the shorter format.
Inzamam Ul-Haq (Pakistan)
A larger than life character in many ways, Ul-Haq has never been afraid to stand up to the best bowlers in the world. In many ways his ability to combine sheer power with subtle stroke-play and consistent run scoring makes him the W.G. Grace of his day. A Pakistan national icon for the way he brought together his team during his spell as test captain, Ul-Haq’s test average of 49.60 and an ODI average of 39.52 underlined his importance.
Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka)
Known for the ingenious ‘Dilshan scoop’, this opening order batsman has excited cricket fans all over the world with his batting flair. This panache with the willow has been highlighted in ODIs and he is currently the leading run scorer (467) at this year’s World Cup. At 34, expect this man to be around for a while yet.
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Arguably one of the best wicket keeper-batsmen at the moment, this fiery Sri Lankan has flourished in all forms of the game. A test average of 57.25 and an ODI average of nearly 38 is very impressive. Sangakkara has been an integral part of Sri Lanka’s charge to the final of the World Cup- he produced a mature performance with the bat, scoring 108 not out during his team’s emphatic victory over England.
Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
At the age of 22, Iqbal is already starting to make waves on the international scene with his fearless batting. This was in full view when he single-handedly tried to run England into the ground during a test match against at Old Trafford last summer. Though he hit a ton, his efforts were in vain as his team crumbled under the pressure. With 1445 runs to his name from 36 test match innings, the future looks bright for Iqbal.
Virender Sehwag (India)
Far from living in the shadow of the great Tendulkar, Sehwag has established himself as a formidable batsman. He made an instant impact on his test debut against South Africa in Bloemfontein scoring 105 in his first innings. He has amassed 7694 test runs from 87 matches at an average of 53.43. Still only 32, Sehwag is at the peak of his powers and can continue to play at the highest level for a number of years to come.
Younis Kahn (Pakistan)
Kahn has proved to be a valuable asset for Pakistan over the last decade. He has an enviable record as a middle order batsman- a test average of 50.60 with his highest score of 303 and an ODI average of 32.19. He has been a mainstay of the international team and at 33, time is still on his side.