Best current non-Asian ODI XI

When Australia defeated New Zealand in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup in March, the cricketing fraternity got an old but a new champion.Teams from the sub-continent had dominated the game in the last decade.

With teams like South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, West Indies, England and other associate nations rising to the occasion, every match is giving rise to modern day legends and promising youngsters.With the game reaching new heights and extending its boundaries, here is a compilation of the best non-Asian ODI XI:

1. Brendon McCullum - New Zealand (Captain):

Brendon McCullum

If there is one man who can guarantee us total entertainment, it is Baz. Be it batting, keeping or fielding, he always gives his best for the team. McCullum is one of the major reasons for New Zealand’s remarkable turnaround as he led them to their first World Cup final ever.

His fireworks are crucial at the top of the order and can rattle any opposition. He holds combine 5808 runs from 250 matches at a strike rate of 94.57, is an astute captain and has some amazing fielding. Naturally, any team would want him to open the match for them.

2. Hashim Amla - South Africa:

Hashim Amla

There is no better person than Hashim Amla to have at the start of innings. He is a legend in his own right and one of the chief architects of the South African team. He is the fastest to reach 2000,3000,4000 and 5000 ODI runs.

Amla is a brisk scorer and his strike rate of 89.92 stands testimony to it.With 5692 runs from 112 innings at an average of more than 50 and 20 centuries, Amla will be the ‘go-to man’ for any team and an ideal opener to set up things for the rest.

3. Steve Smith - Australia:

Steven Smith

He is Australia’s next boy-wonder and is certainly living up to the tag.While Smith had shown a lot of promise previously, he is currently converting them into performances. The 26-year-old has dazzled in every role he has taken up and his stats speak volumes of his ability.

With four 50 plus scores in his 5 previous outings, his unorthodox batting style at No.3 is be highly useful to tackle power plays during the initial overs. He has also claimed 27 wickets from 58 matches with his leg-break. So, here is a match-winner in the making.

4. AB de Villiers - South Africa:

AB de Villiers

Well, the name is enough. Need we say more? With the No.1 spot in ICC ODI rankings, this modern day legend will find a place in any line-up across all formats. With gravity-defying shots and calculated onslaught, Mr.360 can accelerate the team’s run rate while batting at No.4.

With no Burden of captaincy, he can score freely. With 7941 runs from 187 matches at an average of 53.65, he lends stability to the team. He will win matches on his own with his stupendous batting(remember the 162 off 66 balls Vs. WI?) and exhilarating fielding skills.

5. Jos Buttler - England (Wicket keeper):

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler has been a revelation in a rather struggling English outfit that is just a shadow of its own past. His recent exploits vs. New Zealand has earned him much praise from many experts.

Though he is not a natural keeper, he is a quick learner and is ready to adapt and evolve. At No.5, he can serve as the ideal anchor for the team who can hold the end at one moment and shift gears instantly. With 1509 runs from 56 matches at a strike rate of more than 114 and 83 dismissals, this pleasing stroke maker has everything going right for him.

6. Glenn Maxwell - Australia:

Glenn Maxwell

With the advent of T20 cricket and domestic leagues all over the world, Maxwell has become synonymous with power hitting. He ended Australia’s long wait for an explosive finisher who could also send in some decent spells when required.

He has grabbed the spot left vacant by Andrew Symonds and is in no mood to let it go. With a strike rate of 126.69, he is capable of demolishing any attack on his day and can play absolute blinders. With an economy of 5.46, he can also get some breakthroughs at right moments.

7. James Faulkner - Australia:

James Faulkner

Genuine fast bowling all-rounders are arguably the rarest and the most exciting breed of species and Faulkner has sealed his place among the best in the business.This line-up will be incomplete without featuring the Man of the Match of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final.

With 60 wickets from 43 innings and 814 runs at a strike rate of 113, he is every team’s dream and an absolute game changer. His useful contributions with the bat and ball make him the all-rounder to watch out for.

8. Trent Boult - New Zealand:

Trent Boult

Teams that strike early are the teams that win matches. Trent Boult seems to be relishing this job for the Black Caps. He had an exceptional World Cup and finished as the joint highest wicket taker along with Mitchell Starc with 22 scalps.

The left arm pacer can deceive batsmen with his subtle pace changes and can swing the ball both ways. With 44 wickets from 26 matches, his variations make him the ideal bowler for all situations and can provide the ideal foil for the other bowlers.

9. Dale Steyn - South Africa:

Dale Steyn

Here is a man who has single-handedly won matches for South Africa with his fiery spells. He is every batsman’s nightmare and few escape his deathly stare. Despite a lacklustre World Cup, his hunger for wickets remains the same.

He has captured 162 wickets from 103 innings and is one of the few gifted bowlers who can generate pace, swing and accuracy, all at once. With his toe crushing yorkers and bouncers, he is the ideal strike bowler that any team would love to have.

10. Mitchell Starc - Australia:

Mitchell Starc

Following a stellar show in the ICC World Cup which won him the coveted ‘Man of the series’ trophy, Starc is on cloud nine. He was the tournament’s highest wicket taker with 22 wickets, is currently the best limited overs bowler in the world and has learned the knack of adapting to any match situation.

He has scalped 83 wickets from 41 matches and can hit the ball a long way. He can be used as an effective bowler at the death and can provide some breakthroughs during crucial points.

11. Imran Tahir - South Africa:

Imran Tahir

There is no better sight than a spinner who isn’t afraid to toss the ball up to the batsman. Imran Tahir is one such cricketer who is fearless and a genuine wicket taker. He has solved South Africa’s never ending search for an attacking spinner.

The leg-spinner had a reasonable World Cup with 15 wickets. He has 70 wickets from 37 matches to his credit and attributes it to the experience he gained by playing all around the world. He will pick up crucial wickets at important junctures in the middle overs and turn the table towards his team.