In a meticulous and elaborated analysis featured on CricTracker, former South African and Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowler Wayne Parnell has disclosed his definitive all-time ODI playing XI. The choices showcase a profound respect for some of the most impactful figures in the history of the sport, constructing a squad that is not just talent-laden but also remarkably well-rounded, encompassing a combination of explosive hitting, technical expertise, and intimidating bowling.
An unstoppable batting lineup with three ODI greats of all-time in Wayne Parnell’s ODI’s XI
Parnell’s opening partnership is a flawless synthesis of traditional and aggressive approaches, featuring the ‘Little Master’ Sachin Tendulkar from India and the refined Hashim Amla from South Africa. Tendulkar’s career statistics are truly iconic, with an incredible 18,426 runs and 49 centuries in 463 games, while Amla concluded his career with an exceptional average of almost 50, accumulating 8,113 runs in 181 appearances.
The core of the batting lineup is equally formidable. Parnell positioned India’s run-scoring phenomenon Virat Kohli at No. 3, a selection vindicated by Kohli’s record-breaking 51 ODI centuries and his status as the third-highest run-scorer in the format with 14,181 runs. He is followed by South African icon AB de Villiers at No. 4, whom Parnell is familiar with from their shared time.
De Villiers is the sole batter in ODI history with a 50+ average and 100+ strike rate among those with a minimum of 5,000 runs, rendering his inclusion a logical decision. The lower middle-order showcases the Australian mainstay Michael Hussey at No. 5, recognized for his reliability and finishing skills, and the unparalleled MS Dhoni at No. 6, who is also designated as the team’s captain for his unmatched tactical brilliance and World Cup-winning experience.
A world-class all-rounder and bowling attack in Parnell’s ODI’s XI
To ensure equilibrium, Parnell selected Pakistan’s dynamic all-rounder Shahid Afridi at No. 7. Afridi’s capacity to influence a contest with both his destructive batting and his useful leg-spin positions him as an essential pick for any all-time XI. The bowling attack is where Parnell’s choices genuinely excel, highlighted by a collection of Asian legends who collectively redefined the craft of bowling. The new ball is assigned to the esteemed Pakistan duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who hold the second and third positions on the all-time ODI wicket-takers list with 502 and 416 wickets, respectively.
The spin attack is spearheaded by Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, the all-time leading wicket-taker in ODIs with an astounding 534 scalps. Rounding out this imposing bowling unit is Australia’s intimidating fast bowler Brett Lee, who claimed 380 wickets in his career. The squad is a genuinely international amalgamation, featuring three players from India, three from Pakistan, two from South Africa, two from Australia, and one from Sri Lanka, all guided by the composed and assured leadership of MS Dhoni.
