Test XI with players who underperformed in 2018

Every player goes through ups and downs. It is part and parcel of their cricket career. They face a lot of heat if their bad form gets extended for a considerable period of time. They either get replaced or fail to make a comeback.

In 2018, there were a few players who suffered from a bad form in the Test matches. These players need to lift their game or else a difficult year is ahead of them. This list comprises of players from almost all the Test playing nations with their performances spread over 2018.

Here is the list of Underperforming Test XI in 2018.

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#1 Lokesh Rahul

Lokesh Rahul. England v India: Specsavers 5th Test - Day Five

Lokesh Rahul's form has been scratchy throughout the year. In the recently concluded Test series against West Indies and before that in England, he just managed a paltry 336 in last 13 innings. This included one century against England. Apart from that, his scores have mostly been in 10s and 20s. Rahul has been unable to negotiate the incoming ball properly.

His low self-confidence also hindered him in realizing his true potential and talent. Rahul needs to take some help from old-timers like Rahul Dravid or Sunil Gavaskar to improve upon his weaknesses.

#2 Kraigg Brathwaite

Kraigg Brathwaite, England v West Indies - 2nd Investec Test: Day Two

Kraigg Brathwaite scored 287 runs in the last 11 innings for the West Indies during 2018. This comprised two centuries which he scored against Bangladesh. Apart from this, his overall performance was below average. Brathwaite managed to go in double digits, only thrice, which was unacceptable by any standard.

The experts felt his footwork against the spin bowling was not up to the mark. Shakib Al Hasan managed to bowl him out five times in the last six encounters.

#3 Niroshan Dickwella

Sri Lanka v England - 4th One Day International

Niroshan Dickwella is known to be an impact player. He plays as an opener and a middle-order batsman depending upon the situation. However, Dickwella scored 167 runs in the last 10 innings at an average of 17. His highest score was 35 against England in the last six months.

The Sri Lankan batsman, also a wicket-keeper, had problems with the bouncers. He needs to go back to the nets and practice rigorously against the rising deliveries.

#4 Shaun Marsh

Australia v West Indies - 1st Test: Day 1

Shaun Marsh had a dismal year. He scored only 88 runs in his last 10 innings. The Australian struggled to find his groove. With the highest score of 16 in the last 10 innings, the Australian board and the fans were not mighty pleased with him.

Marsh had a fantastic 2017 in which he scored two centuries and four half-centuries.

#5 Ross Taylor

New Zealand Training Session

Ross Taylor suffered from a poor form throughout the year. He scored 160 runs in the nine innings he played in 2018. This included just one half-century. Taylor suffered from vision problems which could have played a major role in his dismal batting performances.

Being a pillar of New Zealand batting, he needs to raise his game and be consistent with his efforts.

#6 Sarfraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper)

India v Pakistan - ICC Champions Trophy Final

Sarfraz Ahmed has been an exceptional batsman for Pakistan from 2014 to 2017. His average was 67.54, 51.55, 33.05, and 35 respectively, in the last four years. In 2018, his form dipped, and he managed to average 28.09 in 12 innings. This is low by any standard.

Being the captain of Pakistan team in all the three formats, he needs to improve upon his batting skills and deliver consistently.

#7 Hardik Pandya

England v India: Specsavers 4th Test - Day One

Hardik Pandya did not perform to his potential in the Test matches. He scored only 354 runs in the last 15 innings with three half-centuries. Most of the time, he was dismissed ‘caught by a fielder.'

As a bowler, the Indian took 13 wickets in the last 14 innings which showed he has to go back and practice more variations in the nets.

#8 Ravichandran Ashwin

England v India: Specsavers 1st Test - Day One

Ravichandran Ashwin has been an outstanding off-spinner for India. His ability to bowl several variations in an over has reaped him huge rewards. He suffered from a poor form throughout 2018. Ashwin managed to take only 32 wickets in last 17 innings. This is abysmal by any standard.

However, Ashwin has been brilliant in the ongoing first Test against Australia in Adelaide where he has picked up 3/50 in 33 overs.

#9 Adil Rashid

England v Australia - ICC Champions Trophy

Adil Rashid is a leg-break bowler from England, who made his debut in 2015. In 2016, he took 30 wickets but did not play in 2017 due to the injuries and other stuff. Rashid made his comeback in 2018 but only managed to take 22 wickets in the last 14 innings.

He has only played 18 Test matches since making his debut. With the recent form, he may not be in the scheme of things as far as English cricket is concerned.

#10 Josh Hazelwood

Sheffield Shield - Bushrangers v Blues: Day 2

Josh Hazlewood only managed to take 17 wickets in the 11 innings he played in 2018. He missed the series against Pakistan in August, this year, due to a lumbar bone stress injury. Hazlewood has been a front-line medium-fast bowler for Australia in the past 3-4 years.

His poor show with the ball has impacted the Australian side considerably which is why he needs to find his form quickly.

#11 Wahab Riaz

Pakistan A v Australia: Tour Match - Day Three

Wahab Riaz only managed to take 14 wickets in the last 10 innings. He started out as a menacing fast bowler, but his consistency was always in question. Riaz has been playing for Pakistan since 2010 but has not been able to carve a niche for himself.

An exceptional talent, he needs to learn the nuances of bowling and apply them consistently in the Test matches.