World Test XI: Looking Ahead to a Great Season

Over the next couple of months we will see some of the best test cricket. The South Africa vs. England and India vs. Sri Lanka matches have already begun.

But there is still more to come with what seems to be the World Test Championship—Australia taking on No. 2 South Africa down south.

Some say it will be the biggest test for the two teams. Both are keen to prove their rankings. So let's take a look at some of the top players who made it to my World Test XI 2008.

G Smith

M Hayden

M Jayawardene

H Amla

M Yousuf

M Boucher

D Bravo

B Lee

M Muralidaran

D Steyn

C Vaas

There are many top players who are left out of this, but that is simply because they haven't performed recently.

Looking at India and the thumping they received from Sri Lanka in the last test, I couldn't find one player who stood out in front of their international competitors. I am not saying they don't have talented players, I just think they haven't proven themselves in 2008...yet.

After seeing today's game and the excellent performance and thundering strikes from Sehwag, I think he deserves some credit. But the likes of Hayden and Smith have played well so far, and have gotten the recognition until now.

Jayawardene has performed exceptionally well in recent times and is maturing into a world class cricketer. Many cricket critics would say Kallis has to be in the team.

Being a South Africa and Kallis fan, I think we haven't seen the best of him this season. Yes, last season he was outstanding. Let's just hope he gets back to normal soon.

If you ask anyone out there, Hashim Amla has proved himself over and over again. A player with excellent test characteristics, he has the patience and concentration to bat for long hours, waiting on bad deliveries and scoring big 100s. His recent performance has been phenomenal.

Although Pakistan hasn't played much test cricket lately, I still believe Muhammad Yousuf deserves to be on the list. He's another player with brilliant technique and great test qualities, able to block the entire day and come out with the goods.

Looking at world wicket keepers in both forms of the game, Mark Boucher is undoubtedly the best and has shown his ability to bat, taking the Proteas to many victories. His has solid hands and excellent leadership skills.

Dwayne Bravo, a young player with enormous cricket talent, showed his leadership in the test series against South Africa. He proved his commitment and dedication when he bowled long spells.

Looking at the bowling attack, there are no surprises. All four bowlers have worked hard in recent times, and have picked up numerous wickets. Many have won matches for their nations. Brett Lee, an outstanding, fast, and energetic bowler, has proven that he is one of the best in the world with his pace and consistency.

Now that Warne is out of international cricket, Muralidaran is the world's best spinner. With a unique arm action and big eyes he has terrorised top and lower order batting lineups. His recent performance against India showed how good he is, picking up 11 wickets in the test match.

Dale Steyn, jumped to the top of the ICC Reliance Test Bowling Ranking last summer when he punished the likes of Pakistan, New Zealand, and West Indies. He will hope to continue his brilliant form this season, although he has picked up a thumb injury in England last week.

If you're looking for consistency, dedication, swing, and pace you've got Chaminda Vass. The Sri Lankan has always delivered and bowled superbly in any form of the game.

If I were to choose a captain it has to be Grame Smith, and it's not because I'm South African. It's because for a man who was trusted with captaincy of the South African side at the age of 22, he has performed well and matured as one of the most successful captains of South Africa.

He has also won the last couple of series against New Zealand, West Indies, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, drawing a series against India. So his record speaks for itself.