India’s captain in all three formats, Virat Kohli has been named captain of Cricket Australia’s Test XI of the decade. In an eleven that consists of the biggest names in world cricket in the last 10 years, Virat was hailed by CA for evolving into “One of the game’s most respected figures over the years” apart from being a run machine.
Cricket Australia’s official website has written –“India began the decade worshipping Sachin Tendulkar and ended it with Kohli having assumed the mantle as the cricket-mad country’s demigod, and it is little wonder; through the 2010s, the India skipper topped the Test centuries tally with 27, seven of which were doubles. Be it via his wonderfully-timed cover drives or his wristy whips through mid-wicket, Kohli has dominated spin and pace of all kinds in all conditions”
“He has multiple hundreds against all the Test nations he has faced, while like Williamson, he and his country have gone to new heights since he became captain in 2014; he averages 63.80 in charge and his win percentage of 62.26 is the best of any India skipper.
The once self-described brat has also evolved into one of the game’s most respected figures, recently speaking out about mental health and ushering in a new standard of fitness within his country’s cricket ranks.”
In the same list, former England skipper Alastair Cook was selected as the opener with Australia’s David Warner as his second fiddle at the top. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will bat at number three, followed by Australian stalwart Steve Smith and Kohli at number four and five respectively.
Number five was given to Kohli while the sixth batting slot was awarded to former South African great AB de Villiers, followed by Ben Stokes, Dale Steyn, Stuart Broad, Nathan Lyon and James Anderson in order.
Cricket Australia’s Test XI of the decade:
Alastair Cook, David Warner, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Ben Stokes, Dale Steyn, Stuart Broad, Nathan Lyon, James Anderson
