Name your Best XIs from all participants in the ICC Champions Trophy

[dildildalwalla]

Well, quite self explanatory. Let's have an all round discussion of all the teams taking part and what their best XIs would be (imagine everyone is fit and in form and the selectors aren't politiking).

I'll start off with Australia and Pakistan (add in the others later)

Australia ODI XI:

1. D. Warner
2. A. Finch
3. S. Smith c
4. G. Maxwell
5. S. Marsh (I know he's been used as opener but Finch and Warner strike it far better and Maxwell needs some time at the crease to fire, so 5 it is)
6. M. Stoinis (new but he can strike it and bowl well too)
7. J. Faulkner
8. T. Head wk
9. M. Starc
10. A. Zampa
11. J. Hazlewood

There's about 7 bowling options in there and legitimate batting all the way down to 8 or 9. A very well rounded Aussie unit, theer are 2 or 3 players that can be switched around. They are going to have a good squad if all fit.

Pakistan ODI XI:

1. A. Shehzad (if all goes well in the Windies)
2. F. Zaman (can play elsewhere but theres an opener issue)
3. B. Azam
4. S. Malik (provided he gets to bowl, is wasted lower down)
5. S. Ahmed c/wk
6. S. Khan
7. I. Wasim
8. M. Amir
9. W. Riaz
10. H. Ali
11. M. Asghar

The flakiest team to pick with so much up in the air but based on potential, some of these young guns should do well in the Windies. I think Pakistan should be looking at the champs trophy to see which players step up because honestly, they have not prepared for it at all and are not going to win.

 

[The_Odd_One]

SA is the team to beat in CT. They have beaten every team in bilaterals.

QDK, Du Plessis, Devilliers, and Miller have been in great form. Tahir is the number#1 ODI bowler.

 

[Pete Rose]

So here's my two bits, Babar Azam will have a very successful but largely irrelevant to team's fortunes CT.
He will aggregate well at a strike rate of 79 or something.

 

[Mamoon]

SA is the team to beat in CT. They have beaten every team in bilaterals.

QDK, Du Plessis, Devilliers, and Miller have been in great form. Tahir is the number#1 ODI bowler.

They are always the team to beat, but they won't win as usual. Too many soft players in there.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Best XI from pakistan for CT is

1. Shehzad/Kamran (if all goes well in WI) if no bring back Azhar ali...
2. Haris sohail (since no.3 is for babar haris being good against pace he should open i guess)
3. babar azam
4. malik
5. sarfraz (c&wk)
6. Talat
7. Shadab khan
8. Amir
9. Sohail Khan
10. Hasan ali
11. Asghar

reserves: saad ali, fakhar zaman, usama mir, shinwari, wahab riaz

 

[Citizen4]

Pakistan ODI XI:

1. Ahmed Shehzad
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Babar Azam
4. Sarfraz Ahmed
5. Shoaib Malik
6. Imad Wasim
7. Shadab Khan
8. Mohammad Amir
9. Hasan Ali
10. Junaid Khan
11. Mohammad Asghar

If Malik fails at 5 then Kamran should be tried there. Hafeez will be useless with the bat in England.
Shadab can play aggressively at 7 I think. Can't include Wahab after the beating he got in the last England ODI series. Nawaz did okay as a 5th bowler in that series but he's not in the ODIs so Asghar will fill his shoes, a lot of potential there.

 

[Citizen4]

NZ have become really strong, won't be surprised f they win it.

 

[Ellipsism]

Why is Travis Head batting at eight and keeping wickets?

Australia will go with the same XI that faced Pakistan in the 5th ODI.

 

[HitWicket]

England's fairly easy :

Hales
Roy
Root
Morgan
Stokes
Buttler
Ali
Woakes
Rashid
Willey
Plunkett

Bowlings the only debatable part with Finn being a possibility and Wood potentially as a last minute wild card with his recent return from injury.

 

[Ellipsism]

England's fairly easy :

Hales
Roy
Root
Morgan
Stokes
Buttler
Ali
Woakes
Rashid
Willey
Plunkett

Bowlings the only debatable part with Finn being a possibility and Wood potentially as a last minute wild card with his recent return from injury.

There surely has to be better bowlers in England than Plunkett.

 

[HitWicket]

There surely has to be better bowlers in England than Plunkett.

Liam Plunkett since his 2015 comeback :

ODIs : 20 games - 34 wickets @ 30.20 Econ 5.69
T20I : 10 games - 12 wickets @ 21.75 Econ 7.28

Considering some of the scores that have been racked up in England games in the last 2 years and the fact that Plunketts regularly been in and out of the side those are fairly respectable figures to be honest.

Fairly irrelevant given he'll be at 10 or 11 usually but he also hits the ball damn hard! Average of 24.00 @ 171.42 in ODIs since his comeback.

 

[Sachin136]

Rohit
Dhawan
Kohli
Rahul
Dhoni
Jadhav/Pandey
Pandya
Ashwin
Jadeja/Yadav
Bhuvi
Bumrah

 

[proud_pakistani]

1-Ahmed Shehzad
2-Hussain Talat
3-Babar Azam
4-Sarfraz Ahmed (c/wk)
5-Shoaib Malik
6-Imad Wasim
7-Shadab Khan
8-Fahim Ashraf/Anwar Ali Khan
9-Wahab Riaz
10-Hasan Ali
11-Mohd Aamir

 

[Ellipsism]

Liam Plunkett since his 2015 comeback :

ODIs : 20 games - 34 wickets @ 30.20 Econ 5.69
T20I : 10 games - 12 wickets @ 21.75 Econ 7.28

Considering some of the scores that have been racked up in England games in the last 2 years and the fact that Plunketts regularly been in and out of the side those are fairly respectable figures to be honest.

Fairly irrelevant given he'll be at 10 or 11 usually but he also hits the ball damn hard! Average of 24.00 @ 171.42 in ODIs since his comeback.

Jake Ball has done reasonably well in Asia, thus far.

Plunkett just seems a limited bowler, apart from pace there is nothing in his armoury.

 

[Sarfarazian92]

Ahmed Shehzad
Hussain Talat
Babar Azam
Saad Ali/ Sarfraz
Saad Ali/ Sarfraz
Malik
Shadab
Imad Wasim/ Roman Reigns
Hassan Ali
Amir
Sohail Khan (if fit)

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Sharjeel
Haris/Babar
Babar/Haris
Sarfraz (captain)
Malik/Umar/xyz
Shadab
Yameen/xyz
Imad/xyz
Sohail
Amir
Hassan

 

[MMHS]

Our team should be a very good one for English condition, which brings Mash into bowling.

Tamim
Liton
Soumya
Mushi
Sakib
Mosaddek
Sabbir
Mash
Miraj
Taskin
Mustafiz
--------------------
Kayes, Mahmudullah, Shanto, Shubhahish/New pacer

 

[Justcrazy]

Pakistan
fakhar
Sharjeel
Babar
harris
sarfaraz
Hamad Azam
Imad
Shadab
sohail khan
amir
hassan.

 

[Rayyman]

Our team should be a very good one for English condition, which brings Mash into bowling.

Tamim
Liton
Soumya
Mushi
Sakib
Mosaddek
Sabbir
Mash
Miraj
Taskin
Mustafiz
--------------------
Kayes, Mahmudullah, Shanto, Shubhahish/New pacer

I think Bangladesh pace attack is too weak to do well in England. Probably the worst fast-men in the tournament along with India.

 

[Ellipsism]

I think Bangladesh pace attack is too weak to do well in England. Probably the worst fast-men in the tournament along with India.

Both India and Bangladesh have stronger pace attacks than Pakistan...

 

[Rayyman]

Both India and Bangladesh have stronger pace attacks than Pakistan...

Yes because Taskin Ahmed is better than Wahab Riaz and Mashrafe Mortaza is better than Mohammad Amir.
LOL
[MENTION=136079]ahmedwaqas92[/MENTION] what do you think here?

 

[Ellipsism]

Yes because Taskin Ahmed is better than Wahab Riaz and Mashrafe Mortaza is better than Mohammad Amir.
LOL
[MENTION=136079]ahmedwaqas92[/MENTION] what do you think here?

Keyword- attack.

 

[Rayyman]

They are always the team to beat, but they won't win as usual. Too many soft players in there.

I think they might actually win now. They seem quite determined atm.

 

[MMHS]

I think Bangladesh pace attack is too weak to do well in England. Probably the worst fast-men in the tournament along with India.

SRL has the worst pace attack of the tournament, while I think Indian pace attack is much under-rated. BKumar, Ishanth, Shami, Umesh & Pandeya actually makes a decent attack that knows the use of new ball & the old ball as well.

Bangladesh attack isn't pacy, but it has skills to perform in English condition. Not the best attack for Australia, but in UK early summer it should swing. Mashrafee has lost his pace but still can reach 130s, which is more than enough for his experience & skill. Also, if it's a green top or gloomy day, Soumya'll bowl few decent overs. If he is healthy, Mustafiz will be difficult to go after in any condition. Sakib & Mustafiz makes a very good pair for last 6 overs.

Bowling was never our strength, but it's a very balanced attack with every options there. Besides, Sakib is the only cricketer in world who actually makes it a 12 men team - can play either as a specialist bowler or batsman, which makes our attack 50 overs of regular bowlers. Batting depth is excellent, if we consider Mahmudullah or Nasir at 8 instead of Miraj - it'll compete every team, particularly, if we owl first.

 

[kingusama92]

SA is the team to beat in CT. They have beaten every team in bilaterals.

QDK, Du Plessis, Devilliers, and Miller have been in great form. Tahir is the number#1 ODI bowler.

Biggest bottlers of them all.

Worst part is they believe they're bottlers and it shows when they tense up in big games. Kind of like Pakistan vs. India in World Cups.

 

[Rayyman]

Oh wow forgot SL were playing.

 

[Brilliance]

Pakistan.

1 Tallat/Aslam.
2 Sharjeel.
3 Babar.
4 Malik.
5 Sarfaraz.
6 Khushdil.
7 Shadab.
8 Imad.
9 Amir.
10 Hassan.
11 Ehsan.

SA.

1 De Kock.
2 Amla.
3 Du Plesis.
4 AB D.
5 Duminy.
6 Miller.
7 Morris.
8 Maharaj.
9 Steyn.
10 Rabada.
11 Morkel.

ENG.

1 Roy.
2 Hales.
3 Root.
4 Morgan.
5 Stokes.
6 Butler.
7 Moeen.
8 Woakes.
9 Willey.
10 Plunkett.
11 Finn.

 

[Rayyman]

SA.

1 De Kock.
2 Amla.
3 Du Plesis.
4 AB D.
5 Duminy.
6 Miller.
7 Morris.
8 Maharaj.
9 Steyn.
10 Rabada.
11 Morkel.

You forgot

 

[Brilliance]

You forgot

OMG ! How did I miss him ! He is the first name on the list any day.

 

[Rayyman]

OMG ! How did I miss him ! He is the first name on the list any day.

Maharaj LOL.

 

[Ellipsism]

Maharaj LOL.

He's the best test off-spinner in world cricket; yep, he's better than the overrated Ashwin.

 

[Brilliance]

Maharaj LOL.

Yeah , for a moment I had completely forgotten Tahir . Maharaj is a very good spinner too.

 

[KhalidRafi]

Pakistan.

1 Tallat/Aslam.
2 Sharjeel.
3 Babar.
4 Malik.
5 Sarfaraz.
6 Khushdil.
7 Shadab.
8 Imad.
9 Amir.
10 Hassan.
11 Ehsan.

SA.

1 De Kock.
2 Amla.
3 Du Plesis.
4 AB D.
5 Duminy.
6 Miller.
7 Morris.
8 Maharaj.
9 Steyn.
10 Rabada.
11 Morkel.

ENG.

1 Roy.
2 Hales.
3 Root.
4 Morgan.
5 Stokes.
6 Butler.
7 Moeen.
8 Woakes.
9 Willey.
10 Plunkett.
11 Finn.

Maharaj is good but is used almost exclusively for Tests. They go with Tahir and Shamsi in ODIs.

Plus, Ehsan Adil and Sami Aslam will never make the squad, let alone the side and the latter doesn't even deserve to. Khusdil Shah is too inexperienced. Didn't get much game time in the PSL either.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Yes because Taskin Ahmed is better than Wahab Riaz and Mashrafe Mortaza is better than Mohammad Amir.
LOL
[MENTION=136079]ahmedwaqas92[/MENTION] what do you think here?

I am not too entirely sure about lineups from other countries since I am not aware of their playing XI from the last or current season but I'll try to answer my lineup for Pakistan XI.

1) Shehzad / Kamran (I can only have either one of the evils - Although I would personally prefer Shehzad; can't believe I am even saying this , ahead of Kamran since we at least get someone young who isn't a total dud on the field.)
2) Mukhtar or Nauman (I am aware this sounds out of the blue but we need a hack who can clear 90 m even when he miscues - Both of them are not in contention at the moment but you need to take chances in tournaments like these to actually make an impact and go all the way. I am sorry to say this but you cannot afford to be a chicken and expect to win world tournaments).
3) Babar Azam (Default #3 - Need I even explain this but just to let everyone know he is the guy who everyone plays around; i.e. THE ANCHOR)
4) Mian Malik (Kinda skeptical with Malik as of right now but in light of his previous performances and how he's basically been a revelation since his comeback I'll give him one more go until the CT. Malik also provides an insurance policy if there is a Top order collapse from the openers and #3.)
5) Sarfraz (WK + Capt) (The middle over and spin specialist who can milk and keep the score board ticking even if we're tottering with more than a couple of wickets down from the other end. Furthermore, with PSL Sarfarz showed how he does indeed have a power game and can give it a kitchen sink if it's extremely necessary - He's everything, minus the wicket keeping part, of what we hoped Fawad would've done with his career)
6) Hafeez (In my ideal team, Hafeez plays as the first All rounder who basically shepherds the lower middle order. I firmly believe that if Hafeez puts his ego aside and drops down to Number 6, he will become the most decisive player in the lineup, a pure MVP. For starters he won't face his nemesis i.e. THE NEW BALL while this guy comfortably still has the best power game out of the options we have currently. Wipes the floor at striking with players like Imad, Nawaz and of course the Tailunted Umer Akmal)
7) Shadab/ Yamin - Depending on conditions (Shahdab makes it to my lineup easily; plays as the second All rounder but since he's a leg spinner he offers very less control so therefore he is the swap-able option, at the moment i.e. with what the conditions offer)
8) Imad (Maddy is the third All rounder in my lineup and is the guy who I look to initiate the choke, along with Hafeez, during the middle overs; From him I expect tight lines during bowling and pure slogging at the death while batting. Also the fact that his wicket celebrations are just MMMMMUUUUAAAAHHH !! )
9) Amir (First Alpha in our lineup - Strike Bowler and can wield the willow)
10) Hassan (Second Alpha and bowling partner for Amir during the death - Plus that first pump / explosion celebration )
11) Junaid Khan (Brings in reverse swing to the table, an art our current lot is absolutely hopeless at - Plus that gold chain )

 

[KhalidRafi]

Weakest bowling attacks in the tournament are easily those of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Can't really name a single pacer that their teams can rely on take the big wickets. Pakistan and India both have mediocre bowling attacks but are not exactly bad. Whereas, RSA is arguably the best bowling unit, followed by Australia and New Zealand, with England somewhere in the middle.

 

[dildildalwalla]

Best XI from pakistan for CT is

1. Shehzad/Kamran (if all goes well in WI) if no bring back Azhar ali...
2. Haris sohail (since no.3 is for babar haris being good against pace he should open i guess)
3. babar azam
4. malik
5. sarfraz (c&wk)
6. Talat
7. Shadab khan
8. Amir
9. Sohail Khan
10. Hasan ali
11. Asghar

reserves: saad ali, fakhar zaman, usama mir, shinwari, wahab riaz

Sohail but no Zaman in the starting line up?

Why is Travis Head batting at eight and keeping wickets?

Australia will go with the same XI that faced Pakistan in the 5th ODI.

Because Travis keeps wicket and he bats

I think they might actually win now. They seem quite determined atm.

No. SA have too many players who shirk responsibility on the biggest stage.

Weakest bowling attacks in the tournament are easily those of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Can't really name a single pacer that their teams can rely on take the big wickets. Pakistan and India both have mediocre bowling attacks but are not exactly bad. Whereas, RSA is arguably the best bowling unit, followed by Australia and New Zealand, with England somewhere in the middle.

Pakistan's bowling line up, if picked correctly, is bettert han Indias by some distance but I agree, SA and probably England have the best of the lot. Especially in ODIs.

I'm just thinking back to my team and windering if Shah should get a shout.

 

[dildildalwalla]

England and South Africa

England ODI XI:

1. A. Hales
2. J. Roy
3. J. Root
4. J. Buttler wk
5. E. Morgan c
6. B. Stokes
7. S. Billings
8. M. Ali
9. C. Woakes
10. D. Willey
11. S. Finn

I've stuck Billings in there as an extra batsman but I could easily have gone for another bowler (Plunkett maybe, Jordan even). Buttler or Billings can keep wicket. Who knows, Mills might even get a go or Duckett could slot in with the batting if he gets picked. Of all the teams, I think England have the best options and the best possible squad. A formidable side.

SA ODI XI:

1. Q.D. Kock wk
2. H. Amla
3. Du Plessis c
4. AD Devilliers
5. F. Beherdien
6. J.P. Duminy
7. C. Morris
8. A. Phehlukwayo
9. I. Tahir
10. K. Rabada
11. V. Philander

It's remarkable that Philander hasnt played an ODI in so long yet has a terrific record. NO idea where sTeyn is at but could get in instead of Phehlu. The team is a bit all over the place tbh with players out of form and not showing full committment. On paper they should be good but in reality, they aren't all that.

 

[dildildalwalla]

I am not too entirely sure about lineups from other countries since I am not aware of their playing XI from the last or current season but I'll try to answer my lineup for Pakistan XI.

1) Shehzad / Kamran (I can only have either one of the evils - Although I would personally prefer Shehzad; can't believe I am even saying this , ahead of Kamran since we at least get someone young who isn't a total dud on the field.)
2) Mukhtar or Nauman (I am aware this sounds out of the blue but we need a hack who can clear 90 m even when he miscues - Both of them are not in contention at the moment but you need to take chances in tournaments like these to actually make an impact and go all the way. I am sorry to say this but you cannot afford to be a chicken and expect to win world tournaments).
3) Babar Azam (Default #3 - Need I even explain this but just to let everyone know he is the guy who everyone plays around; i.e. THE ANCHOR)
4) Mian Malik (Kinda skeptical with Malik as of right now but in light of his previous performances and how he's basically been a revelation since his comeback I'll give him one more go until the CT. Malik also provides an insurance policy if there is a Top order collapse from the openers and #3.)
5) Sarfraz (WK + Capt) (The middle over and spin specialist who can milk and keep the score board ticking even if we're tottering with more than a couple of wickets down from the other end. Furthermore, with PSL Sarfarz showed how he does indeed have a power game and can give it a kitchen sink if it's extremely necessary - He's everything, minus the wicket keeping part, of what we hoped Fawad would've done with his career)
6) Hafeez (In my ideal team, Hafeez plays as the first All rounder who basically shepherds the lower middle order. I firmly believe that if Hafeez puts his ego aside and drops down to Number 6, he will become the most decisive player in the lineup, a pure MVP. For starters he won't face his nemesis i.e. THE NEW BALL while this guy comfortably still has the best power game out of the options we have currently. Wipes the floor at striking with players like Imad, Nawaz and of course the Tailunted Umer Akmal)
7) Shadab/ Yamin - Depending on conditions (Shahdab makes it to my lineup easily; plays as the second All rounder but since he's a leg spinner he offers very less control so therefore he is the swap-able option, at the moment i.e. with what the conditions offer)
8) Imad (Maddy is the third All rounder in my lineup and is the guy who I look to initiate the choke, along with Hafeez, during the middle overs; From him I expect tight lines during bowling and pure slogging at the death while batting. Also the fact that his wicket celebrations are just MMMMMUUUUAAAAHHH !! )
9) Amir (First Alpha in our lineup - Strike Bowler and can wield the willow)
10) Hassan (Second Alpha and bowling partner for Amir during the death - Plus that first pump / explosion celebration )
11) Junaid Khan (Brings in reverse swing to the table, an art our current lot is absolutely hopeless at - Plus that gold chain )

Solid breakdown!

I like you going for guys who are uncapped, we definitely need big hitters, especially in England where ODI pitches are dead flat and the weather may be very hot in June.

As for Junaid, I liekd him in his first run but his come back has been ok-ish and I think Riaz deserves a call before him.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Solid breakdown!

I like you going for guys who are uncapped, we definitely need big hitters, especially in England where ODI pitches are dead flat and the weather may be very hot in June.

As for Junaid, I liekd him in his first run but his come back has been ok-ish and I think Riaz deserves a call before him.

I love Wahab as much as any other poster out there but the fact that irks me is his slingy action makes it almost impossible for him to bowl aggressively to a left handed batsmen and since most teams these days have multiple L/R combinations in a single lineup up; all Wahab can do is bowl a shortish length to minimize damage.

Also given how he absolutely losses the plot during a phainta is another aspect of his game that made me choose Junaid over him - Junaid is natural death bowler and has bowled many death overs for Pakistan during the 2012 - 2014 era. You might loose bowling form over the years but as an athlete you never forget what to bowl and when to bowl.

I understand that Wahab is pacier that Junaid by almost 10 kph but Junaid is the smarter bowler and puts on a thinking cap when he's up against folks like Warner / Smith /Khawaja etc etc. For these very reasons I choose Junaid in my lineup.

 

[The_Odd_One]

They are always the team to beat, but they won't win as usual. Too many soft players in there.

They have already won one CT.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Yes because Taskin Ahmed is better than Wahab Riaz and Mashrafe Mortaza is better than Mohammad Amir.
LOL
[MENTION=136079]ahmedwaqas92[/MENTION] what do you think here?

Last time both couldn't stop England from scoring 444

 

[dauntless]

I will be supporting s.Africa and backing them to win champions trophy they won't choke this time around !!
I m expecting them to field this team
Qde kock
H amla
Faf du plesis
AB deviliers
JP duminy
D miller
D pretorius
W Parnell/morkel
Chris morris/steyn
K rabada
I tahir

England's 11
Jason Roy
Alex hales
Joe root
Eoin Morgan
Ben stokes
Jos Butler
Moeen Ali
Chris woakes
Liam plunkett/mark wood
David Willey
Adil Rashid

 

[Executioner]

Yes because Taskin Ahmed is better than Wahab Riaz and Mashrafe Mortaza is better than Mohammad Amir.
LOL
[MENTION=136079]ahmedwaqas92[/MENTION] what do you think here?

Our pace attack in ODIs in last couple of year actually has good statistics. Infact probably the best in the world infact. Fizz Taskin Mashrafe has been really good.

 

[Executioner]

Tamim
Soumya
Mushfiq
Riad
Shakib
Mosaddek
Sabbir
Miraz
Mashrafe
Fizz
Taskin

Formidable side if you ask me. We have genuine batsman till no. 8, 5 genuine bowlers. Fielding wise good but the pacers are poor fielders.

It's going to be tough in the champions trophy tho. but we did well in world cup and with a more experienced side we can repeat it in CT

 

[Mamoon]

They have already won one CT.

Yes in 1998 when it was called the ICC Knockout Cup or something, don't remember exactly. However, that hasn't stopped them from choking in other Champions Trophy editions. Nonetheless, that doesn't have any bearing now and I fully expect them to fall short once again. England, Australia and India are the three favourites in IMO, although England has a strong choke gene as well.

 

[Rayyman]

Last time both couldn't stop England from scoring 444

England can easily score 350+ against Bangladesh too.

 

[Ab Fan]

Unfortunately, all comes down to only two country's in odis- Australia and India.Other teams look good at times but fail to cross the line.

Pakistan and SL looks weak. SA, Eng and NZ doesnt give the assurance of winning a big tournament. WI are poor.Basically it comes down to two teams- India and Australia. Let's see what happens.

I hope SA turns the corner this time around.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

For Pakistan:
Ahmed Shehzad
Kamran Akmal
Babar Azam
Fakhar Zaman
Sarfraz Ahmed(C)(WK)
Shoaib Malik
Shadab Khan
Imad Wasim
Mohammed Amir
Hasan Ali
Junaid Khan

 

[The_Odd_One]

Yes in 1998 when it was called the ICC Knockout Cup or something, don't remember exactly. However, that hasn't stopped them from choking in other Champions Trophy editions. Nonetheless, that doesn't have any bearing now and I fully expect them to fall short once again. England, Australia and India are the three favourites in IMO, although England has a strong choke gene as well.

Australia is going to win CT. Their ODI batting is a powerhouse and they do not choke. On paper and current performance, SA is the #1 team. Beat NZ twice, whitewashed Australia, beat India in India and defeated England after losing a test series. These are no small feat.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

For Australia:
David Warner
Travis Head
Steven Smith(C)
Peter Handscomb
Glenn Maxwell
Marcus Stoinis
Mathew Wade(WK)
Mitchell Starc
Patrick Cummins
Adam Zampa
Josh Hazlewood

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

For Pakistan..

Ahmed Shehzad
Kamran Akmal(last tour) / Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Haris Sohail
Hussain Talat / Fakhar Zaman
Shadab Khan
Imad Waseem
Sohail Khan
Hasan Ali
M.Amir.

 

[dildildalwalla]

I love Wahab as much as any other poster out there but the fact that irks me is his slingy action makes it almost impossible for him to bowl aggressively to a left handed batsmen and since most teams these days have multiple L/R combinations in a single lineup up; all Wahab can do is bowl a shortish length to minimize damage.

Also given how he absolutely losses the plot during a phainta is another aspect of his game that made me choose Junaid over him - Junaid is natural death bowler and has bowled many death overs for Pakistan during the 2012 - 2014 era. You might loose bowling form over the years but as an athlete you never forget what to bowl and when to bowl.

I understand that Wahab is pacier that Junaid by almost 10 kph but Junaid is the smarter bowler and puts on a thinking cap when he's up against folks like Warner / Smith /Khawaja etc etc. For these very reasons I choose Junaid in my lineup.

Good stuff. I won't argue with your reasoning but my only concern is that Junaid's come back just has not been that good. He does not seem like the type of bowler we saw years ago.

 

[dildildalwalla]

I will be supporting s.Africa and backing them to win champions trophy they won't choke this time around !!
I m expecting them to field this team
Qde kock
H amla
Faf du plesis
AB deviliers
JP duminy
D miller
D pretorius
W Parnell/morkel
Chris morris/steyn
K rabada
I tahir

England's 11
Jason Roy
Alex hales
Joe root
Eoin Morgan
Ben stokes
Jos Butler
Moeen Ali
Chris woakes
Liam plunkett/mark wood
David Willey
Adil Rashid

Parnell doesnt fill me with any confidence.

As for England, I doubt Wood will play. He has been away from the side too long and had to recover from injuries. Even in the fantasy element that I pushed of everyone being fit, I don't see why he should be picked over any of the regulars.

 

[HitWicket]

Parnell doesnt fill me with any confidence.

As for England, I doubt Wood will play. He has been away from the side too long and had to recover from injuries. Even in the fantasy element that I pushed of everyone being fit, I don't see why he should be picked over any of the regulars.

Wood played his first professional game back on Friday for England North against England South in the UAE which is promising.

 

[dildildalwalla]

Wood played his first professional game back on Friday for England North against England South in the UAE which is promising.

I'm glad. I like him as a bowler and I hope he can stay fit but I'm not sure if he fits into the current side but with his potential and different angle compared to other bowlersi n the set up, he is definitely one to watch.