My 2009 XI's Part I

Well boys, as the New Year approaches I thought I would remember the cricket of the past year by making my Best XIs based on performances in the past year (January to December 2009). Each player will have his own reason for making the the team. Please enjoy and comment/write your own Best XI's.

2009 Test XI:

1. Shane Watson (Aus) - Despite his maiden Test hundred escaping him twice against the Windies, his good batting and valuable bowling makes Watson an important asset to a test side.

2. Virender Sehwag (Ind) - His 293 against Sri Lanka in Mumbai says it all. And he can bowl a bit too!

3. Sachin Tendulkar (Ind.) - Do I need to write a defense?

4. Ramnaresh Sarwan (WI) - A Class act. Though only against England, he hit three centuries in 2009, one of which reaching a milestone 295.

5. Tilakaratne Dilshan (SL) - The innovative TM Dilshan does everything! Bat, bowl, keep, field excellently, he deserves a spot on all formats' teams in 2009. And this year's numbers with bat and ball show his importance.

6. M.S. Dhoni (Ind) - Capt./Wk - He has shown his strengths as a keeper and captain tremendously and scored over 350 runs in 5 Tests in 2009. A true captain.

7. Shakib Al-Hasan (Bangl) - He has pounced on the cricketing scene with his deadly spin and raw batting. Made a definite impression against the West Indies.

8. Daniel Vettori (NZ) - One of the greatest Spinners of all time. Along with 31 wickets (including two 5-fors) he's made tons of runs including two centuries. He carries the NZ team entirely.

9. Mitchell Johnson (Aus) - Destructive against South Africa. Did not play the role expected of him for the Ashes. Still He's is one of the world's most dangerous bowlers and he may very well be turning into an All-rounder.

10. Stuart Broad (Eng) - Wrecker of the West Indies and Hero of the Ashes. Dangerous with the Bat at the tail as well.

11. Dale Steyn (SA) - 4 Tests, 20 Wickets. Dare I say anymore?

12th Man: Rangana Herath (SL) - His display of talent when called out of the blue against Pakistan earns him a mention at least.

On the next post - ODI's!