As the World Cup approaches, Third Umpire will be selecting a ODI World 11, with one player featuring every day. We continue with our number four, Kumar Sangakkara.
Kumar Sangakkara has surely deposed Adam Gilchrist as the finest wicket-keeper batsman in the game. Where Gilchrist’s batting rarely shies from attacking , Sangakkara is a stylish and highly left-hander who excels at assessing, and adapting to, the situation. In ODIs, Sangakkara bats at four and plays according to the circumstances; he is capable of rebuilding an innings or accelerating, using his off-drive and classy flick to the legside.
His ability as an elegant strokemaker is beyond doubt. Over 64 Tests, Sangakkara has averaged a remarkable 50, proving his worth in all conditions. He is also a highly intelligent man training to be a lawyer between tours. This much is apparent from his erudite sledging. As a keeper, Sangakkara has improved immeasurably of late. His adaptable batting and keeping to Muralitharan make him absolutely invaluable to the Sri Lankan cause.
4 comments:
A tough call this one. There are probably three WK's in the running, all very different in styles. Firstly there is the belligerent opening batsman in Gilchrist, the smooth stroke making middle order player in Sanga and then the huggety finisher in Boucher. I guess that ultimately the choice of wicket keeper is highly dependant on the balance of the rest of the side. With the powerful opener already present and I guess Hussey to come, the middle order is the area with an obvious vacancy and Sanga is probably the best batsman of the three, maybe though not the best gloveman, but still pretty fantastic!
i concur.....
I dont think Sangakara is the same class as some of the other keepers. His batting may be at par but hi keeping certainly isnt. Though another keeper for number four position doesnt come to mind..I would actually pick Dhoni for the number four place easily before Sangakara. Actually, nobody tops Gilchrist.
I think Sangakara is a fine choice. If he can keep to Murali then other players will be a breeze. Plus his batting and age is deffinalty on his side.
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