Check cricket holds a singular place on this planet of cricket, identified for its wealthy historical past and status. In 2023, the second cycle of the ICC World Check Championship (WTC) got here to finish with Australia thrashing India within the last.
The WTC was launched with an purpose of revitalizing the longest format amid the growing recognition of T20 cricket. The newly topped champions, Australia, are showcasing their dominance in Check cricket with excellent performances within the ongoing Ashes sequence towards England.
The 2023-25 WTC cycle started with this Ashes leg. There have been some sensible particular person performances within the sequence together with that of Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Ben Stokes. With three Assessments remaining within the five-match rubber, the standard of sport will solely rise.
Following the conclusion of the second Ashes Check at Lord’s, the veteran sports activities journalist and commentator Ayaz Memon posted a question for his followers, asking them to call 5 present Check cricketers who could not solely be thought of the very best but in addition have the power to single-handedly change the sport.
“Who’re the 5 greatest Check cricketers on this planet right now? Not simply by way of ability , however game-changers, matchwinners, gamers more than likely to cone good on the ‘Large Event’. I’ll pitch 2 names: Ben Stokes. Pat Cummins. (certainly No dispute right here certainly!). Decide 3 others,” tweeted Menon.
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Who’re the 5 greatest Check cricketers on this planet right now? Not simply by way of ability , however game-changers, matchwinners, gamers more than likely to cone good on the ‘Large Event’. I’ll pitch 2 names: Ben Stokes. Pat Cummins. (certainly No dispute right here certainly!). Decide 3 others
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 3, 2023
Followers rapidly shared their selections, and former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh additionally weighed in on the subject. The 43-year-old, who final performed for India in 2016, named two Australians, two Indians and one Englishman amongst his alternative.
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Nathan lyon Steav Smith Rishab Panth Ravinder Jadeja Ben strokes https://t.co/joWrcVEE9X
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 3, 2023
The veteran off-spinner chosen Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja as the 2 Indian gamers on his record.
Pant has emerged as a vital participant for India in Check cricket, notably along with his excellent performances abroad. However, Jadeja’s exceptional enchancment as an all-rounder has been commendable, constantly making priceless contributions with each bat and ball in house in addition to abroad Assessments.
Harbhajan additionally named Smith and Nathan Lyon from Australia. Smith is presently the very best Check batter, which is clear from his spectacular profession statistics. Lyon, who sadly sustained a calf damage, had performed 100 consecutive Assessments for Australia because the lead spinner. His management and talent to supply wickets with spin bowling have helped Australia to go along with the potent tempo assault.
The fifth participant on Harbhajan’s record was Stokes from England. The England Check skipper got here near recreating his heroics from the well-known Headingley Check in 2019 through the fourth innings of the Lord’s Check.
Though Stokes has diminished his bowling workload lately, his golden arm stays able to taking essential wickets. His batting prowess has flourished, notably within the format often called the ‘Bazball.’ Nevertheless, Stokes’ worth to the England staff goes past his particular person performances, as his captaincy abilities deliver creativity and proactiveness which have been a major think about England’s latest success.
Whereas Harbhajan’s selections had been well-received, some followers expressed shock on the exclusion of Pat Cummins – Australia’s main strike bowler, and Ravichandran Ashwin – an distinctive finger-spinner in Check cricket.
