ODI XI of above 34 active international players

Age is just a number but, it need not be true in sports. It is very tough to cope up with the mental and physical fitness a sport demands, especially after the age of 30. Cricket is no different. It is evident from the fact that most of the players struggle to keep their spot in the team after 30.

But some players get better with age, just like wine. Have you ever wondered how the playing 11 for ODIs would look like if all the active players across teams aged 34 or more were put together? Let's have a look.

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Openers :

#1 Chris Gayle

It looks like the 39-year-old T20 superstar from Windies will never get tired of punishing the bowlers. He still looks as ruthless as he ever was with the bat, and a good run of form in the last edition of IPL which includes a century is proof to that. Dispute with the Windies Cricket Board meant he spent most of his time playing T20 leagues around the world. But in recent times he is playing more games for Windies and he was part of the ODI team in the World Cup Qualifier as well.

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#2 Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla

Determination is Amla's middle name. He averages 49.65 in ODI cricket and is easily one of the best batsmen South Africa has ever produced. Even though his form has taken a dip in recent times evident by his average in 2018 which is a mediocre 28.64, he is still a potent force to give a solid start.

He is an active member of South African team in all the three formats. He will pair up with Chris Gayle as an opener in this line up.

Middle Order Batsmen :

#3 Shaun Marsh

The new No.3 for Australia

The 35-year-old Australian batsman has had a start-stop international career so far and he could never make his presence felt in international arena. Even after enjoying a good run of form in most seasons of IPL, he struggled to live up-to the expectations in Green and Gold.

But the after-effects of the ball tampering saga has made him a permanent member of the team and he is finally showing good form with the bat for Australia. He can be an exciting option as a No.3.

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#4 Faf Du Plessis (c)

South Africa's Captain

AB de Villiers has been the poster boy of South Africa cricket team for this generation but, it is Faf who is always there for the team as a constant force. He is a perfect No.4 that any team can ask for, he can come in and smash the opposition bowlers if the top-order batsmen give a good start and he is a master in anchoring the innings. He will captain this team as he is still the captain of his international team - South Africa.

Wicket-keeper :

#5 MS Dhoni (wk)

MSD

Probably the coolest player this game has ever seen, MS Dhoni has achieved everything a professional team's captain/player can dream of. But the hunger and passion towards the game has never died. He is an integral part of India's limited over setup as a mentor to captain Kohli and his bowlers, and is much more than just a wicket keeper - batsman. One has to agree that he is struggling with the bat in recent times but he has not given up yet. He is one of the oldest member of this team but adds great value with his finishing skills.

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All-rounders :

#6 Jean-Paul Duminy

Jean-Paul Duminy

Aged 34, Duminy is one of the key players whose form pretty much defines how successful South Africa can be in the 50-overs World Cup next year. With AB's retirement from international cricket, Duminy has to play the role of an explosive batsman in the middle overs for South Africa. His bowling ability adds value to any team he plays for.

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#7 Shoaib Malik

The Pakistani All-rounder

The only player from Pakistan in this team, Malik has been the go-to man for his team under pressure situations. He gets a place in this team ahead of Ross Taylor for his bowling abilities. He can pair up with Duminy to finish the 5th bowler's quota. Shoaib Malik made his debut at the age of 17 but, most of his memorable performances have came after the age of 30 which is a rare thing in this sport. He still has few more years left in his long career.

Bowlers :

#8 Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir

The Pakistan-born leg-spinner is one of the late entrants into the international arena - he made his international debut at the age of 32! Tahir's career has seen a lots of ups and downs since then but when he is on song, he is one of the trickiest bowler to face. Even at the age of 39, he is ranked No.10 and No.9 in ODI and T20I rankings,, respectively which exemplifies his effectiveness. He is a great wicket-taking option in this team.

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#9 Mashrafe Mortaza

Mashrafe Mortaza

Bangladesh team is full of young and energetic players and always it is the experienced Mortaza who brings in a certain amount of calmness into the team. He is Bangladesh's most successful captain and the most influencing one as well. The captain who mastered the art of getting the best out of his players has never failed to lead from the front with the ball, especially as a new-ball bowler. He is an asset to any team with clinical bowling and leadership qualities.

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#10 Dale Steyn

Dale Styen

Arguably one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Dale Steyn has recently made a comeback into the ODI team of South Africa after recovering from a year-long injury. As expressed by himself, he wishes to play the 2019 World Cup before hanging up his boots in this format. He has the rare combination of pace and accuracy which makes him a lethal option any team would like to have. He is the 5th South African in this team.

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#11 Lasith Malinga

The yorker king

Without any doubts Malinga is in the fag end of his career but he is still good enough to play for Sri Lanka at least till the next World Cup. He comes as a ray of hope to a mentally-depleted Lankan team with his experience. The toe-crushing yorkers which he produces at will is what every team wishes for in the death overs. With Sri Lanka having very few options in the fast bowling department, he might be having few more games left in his career.