5 cricketers from the All Stars T20 who may still be good enough for international cricket

Are the All Stars still good enough for international cricket?The All Stars T20 tournament being played in the USA has been a revelation in more ways than one. Not only have we seen a host of cricket legends in action, we have also seen some players perform as well as they did, when they were playing and in their prime.Most of the players in the All Stars roster have had their moments in the series so far, however, there have been a chosen few who have been miles above the rest.Here are 5 cricketers from the All Stars T20 who we feel may still be good enough for international cricket:

#5 Shane Warne

Warney got the Man of the Match award in the inaugural All Stars match

There has been ample proof in the inaugural edition of the All Stars T20 for the fact that former Australian leg spinner Shane Warne may still be fit enough to fight a few more bouts in international cricket, preferably the Ashes. Warne has been exceptional in both games for his team, both as a bowler and the skipper. He bagged the Man of the Match award in the first T20 grabbing 3 wickets for just 20 and conceded just 19 in the 3 overs he bowled in the second match.

His umatched passion for the game and the ability to perform well, even at the age of 46, are some of the things which make him stand out among the rest. And considering Australia’s struggles in the spin department since his retirement, Warney could still stroll into Australian national team if he chooses to make a comeback

#4 Jonty Rhodes

Rhodes has been a revelation with the bat

One of biggest revelations of the All Stars T20 has been former South African batsman and arguably the greatest fielder to have played the game, Jonty Rhodes. Although we always remember Jonty more for his exceptional fielding skills, he was a pretty decent bat too and has played some terrific knocks for his country.

What we have seen from him with the bat in hand in the two matches of the All Stars event makes one believe that he could have been born in the wrong era. The reverse sweeps and hoicks over square leg, all look pretty familiar to the antics of one AB de Villiers.

The fitness is also top notch as it has always been in the case of Rhodes. From what is visible, he possibly has all the attributes of a modern-day limited overs cricketer and could have still played international cricket even at the age of 46.

#3 Ricky Ponting

Ponting has looked in superb touch in the series so far

We have seen many glimpses of the Ricky Ponting of old in the first two matches of the All Stars T20 and both his knocks proved to be vital for the success of Warne’s Warriors. In the first encounter, Ponting anchored his team chase of 141 with an enterprising 48, while in the second one, he played a blinder as he scored 41 off just 16 balls to give the Warriors’ innings some much-needed momentum towards the latter half.

The most notable aspect of Ponting’s performance in the All Stars has been the focus and determination he has shown out in the middle. You can almost sense that he is taking the tournament very seriously and wants to prove himself once again to the world of cricket. And judging by the way he has performed so far, it surely looks like he can still play some more international cricket.

#2 Virender Sehwag

Viru belts one to the fence en route to his 55 in the first game

Virender Sehwag has carried forward his rich vein of form in domestic cricket to the All Stars event as well as he smashed 55 off 22 balls in the inaugural T20 and hit 2 sixes in his 16-run innings in the 2nd game. Viru would not have been part of this tournament, had it not been for his retirement from international cricket late last month.

Since then, it looks like the Sultan of Multan has been on a mission to prove to the selectors and the entire cricketing world that he still had it in him to play for Team India. He has been one of the best batsmen in this season of the Ranji Trophy and has also set the All Stars T20 event on fire with his ballistic batting.

#1 Kumar Sangakkara

Sangakkara smashes one out of the park during his 70 in the 2nd T20

Kumar Sangakkara’s exploits in the first 2 matches of the 3-match All Stars T20 have left many wondering whether he retired a little too early from his national duties. In both his innings of 41 and 70, Sangakkara has literally toyed with the Blasters’ bowling attack comprising of the likes of Akhtar, McGrath, Pollock, Ambrose and his compatriot Muralitharan.

Admittedly, the bowlers he is playing against are past their prime, but what catches your eye most, is the manner in which he has gone about his business. The champion batsman from the Emerald Isle continues to possess his usual wide array of strokes. He still times the ball in much the same manner as he did in his heyday which was not too long ago.

Considering his current form and fitness, he could have given himself a couple of years, if not more to take a shot at some of the records that he was close to achieving. Unfortunately though, all his fans will now have to be content with seeing him in tournaments like the All Stars.