Picking an Elite ODI XI of Players from the 2010s So Far
England's recent rain-affected clash with Ireland was the 712 ODI of the decade so far, which began with Sri Lanka beating Bangladesh way back on 4 January 2010.
But which players have dominated the format during that time and would make a "Best XI"?
Some names, such as Kumar Sangakkara and MS Dhoni, are obvious choices, seeing as though they continue to dominate the game today.
However, selection for the rest of the team isn't quite as straightforward. Read on to find out who made the cut.
Note on the Selection Process
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Choosing the players for this team was predominantly based on their cumulative performances in ODI cricket since the beginning of 2010 to the present day.
However, given that during that time period India played more than 140 matches compared to, for example, Bangladesh, who contested less than a 100 ODIs, pure volume of runs and wickets isn't strictly an accurate device of measure.
Thus, a player's batting and bowling average sustained over a significant number of games was the key selection criteria.
Please note, the listed statistics only cover matches that took place in the current decade up to 8 May and, unless specified, are courtesy of ESPN Cricinfo.
12th Man
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Of course, some players are very unlucky to miss out on being selected for this side, but, as a consolation prize, they do get to carry the drinks.
Mohammad Hafeez: With both bat and ball, the Pakistani all-rounder has excelled over the last few years and, as well as scoring nearly 4,000 runs, boasts the lowest economy rate out of all bowlers.
Mahela Jayawardene: One of the most elegant batters on the eye, the Sri Lankan ace could fit into this middle order with ease if required.
Angelo Mathews: If a seam-bowling all-rounder was required, then Sri Lanka's current skipper could do the job as he has over the last few years, when taking 80 wickets and scoring 3,408 runs.
Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh's best player has 112 wickets and can also be a match-winner with the bat too, as evidenced by an average of 33.81.
Morne Morkel: The South African paceman has 135 wickets at 22.86 in the decade and is a very capable first reserve for the seam-bowling ranks.
1. Tillakaratne Dilshan
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ODIs: 143
Runs: 5,802
Average: 46.04
Strike rate: 86.96
50s/100s: 27/17
Best: 161 not out
At the top of the order is Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan who has played a staggering 143 ODIs, the joint-highest amount with Virat Kohli, in the decade so far.
Impressively, despite his advancing years, the 38-year-old has managed to maintain an average of over 46 during that period, while scoring at a rapid rate too.
Throw in his underrated spin bowling, which has claimed 55 wickets and produced an economy rate of 4.87, and Dilshan can rightly claim to still be one of the most effective ODI cricketers in the game.
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2. Hashim Amla
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ODIs: 93
Runs: 4,844
Average: 56.98
Strike rate: 91.32
50s/100s: 22/19
Best: 159
Hashim Amla has a reputation as being a classical, accumulator of runs rather than the type of brutal shot-maker who quickly finds himself on the end of a large Indian Premier League contract.
But in reality, as well as averaging more than a half-century every time he bats, the South African has scored his ODI runs faster than most, including, for example, David Warner.
Perhaps the current Proteas skipper's most impressive statistic, however, is his incredible haul of 19 tons or one every 5.6 innings in ODI cricket.
3. Kumar Sangakkara
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ODIs: 142
Runs: 6.356
Average: 52.96
Strike rate: 84.70
50s/100s: 42/15
Best: 169
Kumar Sangakkara's skills were on display for all to see during the 2015 World Cup, where he scored 541 runs, including four consecutive tons, in just seven innings to help his side reach the quarter-finals.
Of course, the vastly experienced Sri Lankan has actually been at the top of the tree for many years and has scored nearly 900 more ODI runs than anyone else in the current decade.
Sangakkara retired from ODI duty in March after the World Cup and currently sits second only to Sachin Tendulkar in the list of all-time ODI run-scorers.
4. Virat Kohli
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ODIs: 143
Runs: 6,053
Average: 52.18
Strike rate: 90.87
50s/100s: 30/21
Best: 183
With 305 runs in eight innings, Virat Kohli travelled a little under the radar during the World Cup, but he has been in irresistible white-ball form for a long time.
In fact, the 26-year-old has scored 1,000-plus ODI runs in each of the last four years and, for good measure, was just five short in 2010.
Kohli recently took over as India's Test captain, and given that MS Dhoni isn't getting any younger, it might not be long until he's in control of the limited-overs teams too.
5. AB de Villiers
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ODIs: 94
Runs: 4,849
Average: 69.27
Strike rate: 109.06
50s/100s: 26/16
Best: 162 not out
As evidenced by the latest ICC ODI Player Rankings, AB de Villiers has established himself as the consummate limited-overs batsmen in the world and has been for some years.
The 31-year-old's wide array of shots and rapid bat speed have helped to produce some staggering innings, such as his unbeaten 162 from just 62 balls against the West Indies in the World Cup.
Even when his side aren't batting, De Villiers' electric fielding skills make him a threat, and the South African is the first name on this teamsheet.
6. MS Dhoni (capt and Wk)
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ODIs: 108
Runs: 3,366
Average: 55.18
Strike rate: 88.53
50s/100s: 24/3
Best: 139 not out
MS Dhoni remains the best finisher in limited-overs cricket, and no target is out of bounds until the legendary wicketkeeper is back in the hutch.
Averaging north of 50 while batting in the lower-middle order is no mean feat but, as evidenced by 127 dismissals, the cool-headed veteran also remains a high-quality glovesman.
A 61 per cent win ratio from 178 ODIs makes MS Dhoni the most successful Indian ODI skipper of all time, with the icing on the cake being the 2011 World Cup victory.
7. Shahid Afridi
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ODIs: 110
Runs: 2,234
Average: 24.82
Strike rate: 136.80
Wickets: 126
Economy rate: 4.65
Shahid Afridi narrowly gets the nod over the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Angelo Mathews in the all-rounder role due to his incredible strike rate and ability to take wickets in clutches with his spinners.
A batting average of 24.82 doesn't sound too high, but, coming to the wicket late in the order, the Pakistani can be lethal whether adding the finishing touches to an innings or chasing a target.
With six five-wicket hauls—second only to Lasith Malinga—and a miserly economy rate, Afridi would also prove to be a more-than-useful back-up to the main spinner.
8. Mitchell Johnson
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ODIs: 153
Wickets: 239
Average: 25.26
Economy rate: 4.83
Best: 6/31
Across all formats of the game, Mitchell Johnson's sheer presence on the pitch seems to add a level of menace to any side that he represents.
With his high-velocity and in-your-face aggression, even if he isn't taking wickets himself, the 33-year-old keeps every batsman on his toes, helping his colleagues to pick up scalps.
Johnson would be the spearhead of this team's pace-bowling unit and would do a job with the bat at eight with his lusty, late-innings blows.
9. Dale Steyn
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ODIs: 69
Wickets: 111
Average: 23.89
Economy rate: 4.59
Best: 6/39
While Mitchell Starc is arguably the premium seam bowler in the world right now, Dale Steyn has been on or near the top for many years.
Only two bowlers have a better average than the South African in this decade so far, and the 31-year-old's economy rate is evidence of his control and composure under pressure.
With his incredible intensity and in-your-face aggression, Steyn would form a partnership with Mitchell Johnson that would give the world's batsmen many sleepless nights.
10. Saeed Ajmal
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ODIs: 91
Wickets: 157
Average: 21.90
Economy rate: 4.24
Best: 5/24
Saeed Ajmal returned for Pakistan against Bangladesh recently after the ICC suspended him from bowling for using an illegal action.
But prior to his exile, Ajmal was probably the best ODI bowler in the world and, as well as taking wickets for fun, was also very difficult to score off.
Despite not playing internationally until he was 30 years old, Ajmal already has 447 top-level scalps across all formats, and Pakistan will be hoping he can regain his magic.
11. Lasith Malinga
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ODIs: 120
Wickets: 193
Average: 26.41
Economy rate: 5.32
Best: 6/38
There are few more intimidating sights for a batsman than seeing Lasith Malinga steaming in at the end of an innings, looking to bowl his vicious toe-crunching yorkers.
The Sri Lankan has been doing it for years and has significantly more wickets than anyone else who has played ODI cricket over the last five years or so.
Malinga has long since retired from Test matches, but judging from his performance in the World Cup and at the IPL, he shows no sign of slowing down in the white-ball formats.
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