In the latest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly, Freddie Wilde of CricViz selected his all-star XI for the shortest format based on performances in domestic and international matches between November 15, 2017 and November 20, 2018.
To read Wisden Cricket Monthly‘s teams of the year in full, pick up a copy of the January 2019 issue
1. COLIN MUNRO
Runs 1,660, run rate 9.18, 13 fifties, 1 hundred; wickets 8, economy rate 8.96, strike rate 19
No player scored more runs in the last year than Munro and he did so at a rapid run rate. The Kiwi left-hander struggled in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but was dominant for New Zealand, Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Hampshire in the T20 Blast. Munro’s scoring can be restricted by spin but he is fearsome against pace. His useful right-arm medium-pace provides a sixth bowling option if required.
2. AARON FINCH (c)
Runs 1,307, run rate 10.38, 6 fifties, 3 hundreds
Like Munro, Finch struggled in the IPL but he was utterly dominant everywhere else. A T20 international record score of 172 against Zimbabwe preceded a stunning T20 Blast campaign for Surrey where he bludgeoned 589 runs in nine innings at an average of 147.25. One of the first names on the teamsheet, Finch is also our captain having led Melbourne Renegades impressively in the BBL (Big Bash League) before taking the reins of the national team as well.
10. PAT BROWN
Wickets 31, economy rate 7.64, strike rate 10
Worcestershire’s 19-year-old sensation was instrumental in the county lifting their first T20 title. Brown’s control of his knuckle ball, coupled with a skiddy bouncer, caused major problems for batsmen who struggled to read his variations. The right-arm paceman maintained an economy rate of under 8 despite bowling primarily in the powerplay and at the death, and his strike rate of a wicket every 10 balls was exceptional. Higher honours beckon.
11. ADAM MILNE
Wickets 18, economy rate 7.34, strike rate 10
Brown’s changes of pace will be complemented by the speed of Milne, who is arguably one of the most underrated bowlers on the T20 circuit. Like Brown, the Kiwi quick bowls largely in phases when batsmen are at their most aggressive but manages to maintain the holy grail of T20 bowling of a low economy rate and a low strike rate. Milne carried Kent’s bowling attack en route to qualification for the T20 Blast quarter-finals.
Who did we miss? Let us know on Twitter @WisdenCricket or email editorial@wisden.com
