Current best non-Asian ODI XI

Steve Smith is the captain of the non-Asian ODI XITalk about all-time greats in cricket and the seemingly finite list is endless. There is no dearth of exceptional cricketers all over the world. This trend continues among the present day pool of cricketers – rich in talent, highly dedicated and never short of giving their best on the field.While the range of current cricketers varies from AB de Villiers, the Mr.360° who always treats the audience with his never-ending variety of shots, to the silent knight Joe Root whose calm but consistent performance serves as the backbone for the English side, it is a tough task to choose the best non-Asian ODI XI from the active pool.While there is always room for debate about why a particular player should or should not be included, here are 11 cricketers who make the cut in the list of best non-Asian ODI XI based on their performances in 2015.

#1 Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla has scored 973 ODI runs at an average of 60.81 in 2015

The humble, down-to-earth and without a doubt one of the best cricketers of all times – Hashim Amla – who has gotten into a hobby of breaking records, would be an ideal opener for the team. Known for getting big runs, Amla already has 4 centuries to his name this year – joint highest with Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor.

With 973 runs from just 18 matches in 2015, at a sound average of 60.81, Amla would provide the perfect start to the team. A man of few words and more action, he is an opener whom any team would yearn to have.

#2 Kane Williamson

Williamson is the leading ODI run-getter in 2015

The young and skilful Kane Williamson has slowly but steadily risen to the position of being one of the most sought-after batsmen in the world. Add to that his ability to spin the ball, and you have a perfect go-to player in tough times.

With a staggering 1317 runs from just 26 matches in 2015, Kane is in rock-solid form and also tops the leading run-getters table this year. An average of 57.26 pitches in favour of him being an able partner for Amla at the start. The two openers together would set a comfortable opening stand for the fiery middle order batsmen.

#3 Steven Smith (C)

Smith is arguably the best No 3 batsman in the world at present

Arguably the world’s best No.3 batsman, Steven Smith is also the best possible No.3 player in the non-Asian ODI XI team. For a person whose records speak for itself, little has to be said to vouch for his position in the team at the coveted spot.

With 805 runs from 19 ODI matches in 2015 at a classy average of 53.66, the Australian skipper has let his bat do the talking most of the times. His consistency and the selection of shots make him an ideal one-down player who is adept at firing up the team’s score in a systematic manner, and at the same time, at a quick pace.

#4 AB de Villiers

De Villiers can play shots all round the park

A man who has no haters and a man who has no limits to the variety of shots that he can invent – Mr.360º as he is popularly known, makes eyebrows raise only when he is NOT included as part of a team, be it country-level or world-level. The sheer orchestra of his shots whenever he comes into bat is a feast to the eyes for any cricket fan the world over.

There is not a shot which he cannot pull off, and there is not a type of delivery which he cannot connect – such is the brilliance of this man, who would serve as the perfect addition to the non-Asian ODI XI side.

He is a magnificent fielder and would also provide the required fireworks with the bat to increase the pace of the innings, which makes him the best bet at No.4. With 835 runs from just 15 matches in 2015, AB stands tall will a lofty average of 75.90.

#5 Joe Root

Joe Root is ideal at the No 5 positio

The dark knight of the English side, Joe Root has carved out a name for himself even though he is still in the early years of his career, through his discipline and dependability. His ability to play unfazed cricket & build up an evenly paced innings are traits that make him stand out.

That also makes him the best player at No.5 – his presence would establish a strong and stable middle order. Root has scored 578 runs from 16 matches this year at a net average of 44.46 which serves as an adequate indicator of his prowess with the bat.

#6 Sean Williams

Sean Williams is the all-rounder in the side

The classy all-rounder from Zimbabwe occupies a spot in the non-Asian ODI XI team. One of Zimbabwe’s finest players, Willams has so far had a fruitful 2015. With 496 runs from 14 matches at an average of 45.09, he is an able batsman who has the ability to carry forward the innings and stabilize it during the death. Also a handy bowler, Sean Williams has taken 8 wickets this year with best figures of 3/72.

Though he may not be one of the more economical bowlers, Williams has the knack of providing important breakthroughs to the team at critical junctures. His addition would hence give an extra bowling option as well as a dependable hand with the bat at the fag end of an innings.

#7 Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell has picked up 19 ODI wickets this year

The Big Show as he is popularly known, Glenn Maxwell is never shy of providing the viewers with attention-grabbing spectacles in any match that he plays. The recent screamer of a catch that he took in the ODI series against England stands testimony to this fact.

A sensational fielder and an even more sensational batsman, Maxi is the whole package – a player whom any team wouldn’t think twice to get hold of. His stellar performances on the field with the bat and the ball leaves little to doubt about his addition to this ODI side.

Maxwell has scored 644 runs from 19 matches this year at a striking average of 46.00, and has also picked up 19 wickets with best figures of 4/46 – a sign that he has been enjoying sky-high form in 2015. At No.7, he is the perfect material to steamroll over the bowlers and steeply increase the inflow of runs during the death.

#8 Mitchell Starc

Starc played a crucial role in Australia’s 2015 world cup campaign

One of the most feared bowlers of recent times, Mitchell Starc’s tantalizing spells with the ball, more often than not leave the batting side in a state of bother. His infallible speed and stunning accuracy are enough to cause jitters among the batting line-ups.

With 41 wickets from just 18 matches at a bowling average of a mere 16.26, Starc tops the charts in 2015 so far – both in the number of wickets and in the average. Such a fiery bowler is a must-have for any team, any day. With his accurate and toe-crushing yorkers, Starc also serves as a threatening death bowler.

#9 Steven Finn

Finn has picked up 31 ODI wickets in 2015

One of the better performers in England’s otherwise fruitless ODI side of 2015, Steven Finn is in terrific form at present. With 31 wickets from 18 matches in 2015, and his best figures reading 5/33, Finn is a useful addition to the side.

Known for his accuracy and persistence, Finn has more or less been successful in causing important breakthroughs at key moments for the English side. Also one of the best death over bowlers at present, Finn is quite talented at keeping the scoring rate low when it matters. His addition would bolster the side and also provide with a good depth in bowling.

#10 Trent Boult

The duo of Boult & Starc will prove a deadly combinatio

The crafty speedster from New Zealand occupies the penultimate spot in the XI. Trent Boult has steadily risen in form and fame, with his disciplined, yet fiery bowling. With 36 wickets from 17 matches in 2015, he stands second only to Mitchell Starc. Boult’s best figures of 5/27 in 2015 at a measly average of 19.77 validates his spot in the side.

In combination with Starc, the duo would appear to one and all as a formidable pair at the start of the innings. Their bowling in tandem is enough to wreck havoc with any batting line-up and cause much-needed early breakthroughs.

#11 Imran Tahir

Tahir is the lone frontline spinner in the side

Last, but not the least, is one of the world’s best leg-spinners at present. Though he may be known for his unique wicket-celebration style, he occupies the final spot in this side for something more than that. Tahir has to his name 30 wickets from just 17 matches in 2015 and tops the charts as far as spin bowling is concerned.

His effective leg-break googly is a nightmare to any batsman, most of whom succumb to his crafty skills with the ball. His addition to the side would not only give a strong spin option but also bolster the side throughout, making it well-balanced.