All ICC Teams of 2021 unveiled

As part of the 2021 edition of the ICC Awards, The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the ICC Teams of the Year across men’s and women’s international cricket across their channels today. 

The ICC Women’s T20I Team of 2021 (in batting order) features openers Smriti Mandhana (IND) and Tammy Beaumont (ENG) followed by Danny Wyatt (ENG), Gaby Lewis (IRE) and is captained by Nat Sciver with wicketkeeper Amu Jones (ENG) along with Laura Wolvaardt (SA), Marizanne Kapp (SA), Sophie Ecclestone (ENG), Loryn Phiri (ZIM) and Shabnim Ismail (SA). 

About the ICC Women’s T20I Team of 2021

With 255 runs at an average of 31.87, Smriti Mandhana was India’s highest scorer in the format in 2021. She scored two fifties in the nine matches she played this year, and got her team off to rapid starts regularly, as evident up by her strike-rate of 131.44. Tammy Beaumont’s reliable presence at the top of the order helped England off to steady starts regularly. She played nine matches and amassed 303 runs at an average of 33.66, including three fifties. Danni Wyatt amassed 252 runs in nine matches, at an average of 31.50. While her opening partner in England, Beaumont was a solid presence at one end, Wyatt took the attack to the bowlers, as her strike-rate of 133.33 suggests. Gaby Lewis became the first Ireland Women’s player to score a century in international cricket in 2021, with her knock of 105* against Germany on the opening day of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. 

In all, Lewis amassed 325 runs in the year at an excellent average of 40.62. The experienced England all-rounder, Nat Sciver (C) produced many impactful performances throughout the year batting in the middle-order, she scored a total of 153 runs, including one fifty, and she also picked up 10 wickets at an excellent average of 20.20. England wicketkeeper-batter, Amy Jones impressed everyone with her scoring range and power hitting ability in 2021. Jones batted mainly in the lower middle-order and helped England with quick runs regularly. She accumulated a total of 151 runs, which came at a superb strike-rate of 142.45. 

Laura Wolvaardt was one of the best performers among middle-order batters in 2021. She gave South Africa much-needed acceleration in the middle-overs, scoring her runs at a mind-boggling strike-rate of 161. She was extremely consistent at that too, as her runs came at an outstanding average of 53.66. Her compatriot Marizanne Kapp played only six matches in 2021 but still delivered an impactful, all-round performance in those games. Kapp amassed exactly 100 runs and picked up eight wickets as well, at an excellent average of 15.00. 

England spinner Sophie Ecclestone was one of the most effective bowlers in T20Is last year. Ecclestone picked up 11 wickets in nine matches, at an excellent average and strike-rate of 17.18 and 17.9 respectively. Loryn Phiri played nine T20I matches for Zimbabwe, and claimed a stunning 16 wickets, including best figures of 5/6. Her bowling average stood at a stunning 7.18. Shabnim Ismail, the experienced South African pacer played only six matches last year and picked up 11 wickets at a mean average and strike-rate of 13.00 and 12.0 respectively. This includes a five-for, which came in the home series against Pakistan in January.

The ICC Men’s T20I Team of 2021 features (in batting order) openers Jos Butler (ENG) and Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) and is captained by Babar Azam (PAK) followed by Aiden Markram (SA), Mitchell Marsh (AUS), David Miller (SA), Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Tabrez Shamsi (SA), Josh Hazlewood (AUS), Mustafizur Rahman (BANG) and Shaheen Afridi (PAK). 

About the ICC Men’s T20I Team of 2021 

Jos Butler was in top form throughout the year in the shortest form of the game, scoring 589 runs in 14 matches at 65.44 with one century. He made quite an impact at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in UAE and Oman, ending as England’s leading run-scorer with 269 runs, including a memorable century against Sri Lanka in Sharjah. Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan had a prolific 2021 in T20I cricket. Aggregating a staggering 1326 runs in only 29 matches, Rizwan struck at an average of 73.66 and a strike-rate of 134.89. He was as solid as ever behind the stumps, playing a key role in Pakistan’s run to the semis during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, where he ended up as the third-highest run-scorer. The Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam was at his classy best in 2021, where he ended the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as the leading run-scorer. Overall, Babar played 29 matches in 2021 and aggregated 939 runs at an average of 37.56 with one century and nine half-centuries. He also led his team to the semi-finals of the tournament. 

Aiden Markram’s limited-overs game grew by leaps and bounds in 2021, especially his power-hitting game in the middle-order. In 18 matches, Makram notched up 570 runs at 43.84 with six half-centuries, striking at 148.82. He was also a very useful spin bowling option, chipping in with 5 wickets. Australia’s success at the Icc Men’s T20 World Cup can be traced back to the decision to move Mitchell Marsh up the batting order to No.3, instead of designating him the role of being a finisher lower down. Throughout the calendar year, he was their best batter in the shortest format, improving his game consistently especially against spin and when it came to rotating the strike. He scored 627 runs in 21 matches at 36.88 and also chipped in with 8 wickets. 

South Africa’s finisher, David Miller also enjoyed a fruitful year in 2021, playing some impactful innings. He played 17 matches, scoring 377 runs at 47.12 with two half-centuries. He also scored at a brisk pace, striking at 149.60. His marvelous innings against Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Sharjah further cemented his position as a match winner for this team.  

Wanindu Hasaranga has had a breakthrough in 2021, as he established himself as one of the best spinners in the shortest format while also being a player who could contribute with the bat. A consistent performer throughout the year, Hasaranga shone the brightest during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, ending the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets. Overall, in the year, he picked up 36 wickets in 20 matches at 11.63, while also scoring 196 runs. 

Tabraiz Shamsi showcased all his class in 2021, by taking a wicket or holding the flow of runs, Shamsi delivered more often than not. In 22 matches, he scalped 36 wickets at an average of 13.36 and a miserly economy of 5.72. 

Josh Hazlewood made a telling impact in the shortest format, bowling in all the three phases of the game. He was crucial in Australia winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, being consistent in their bowling attack. In 15 matches, he picked up 23 wickets at an average of 16.34 and an economy of 6.87. 

The Bangladesh left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman, hashad fantastic 2021 in T20I cricket with his clever variations and change of pace. He scalped 28 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 17.39. He also proved tough for the batters to get away as proven by his economy rate of 7.00.

It was a year to remember for Shaheen Afridi, especially in T20I cricket. Extracting brilliant movement with the new ball and reversing it with the old, Afridi picked up 23 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 26.04 and an economy of 7.86. 

In the ODI category in men’s cricket, the ICC Men’s ODI Team of 2021 features (in batting order) openers Paul Stirling (IRE), Janneman Malan (SA), captained by Babar Azam (PAK), Fakhar Zaman (PAK), Rassie van der Dussen (SA), Shakib Al-Hasan (BANG), wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim (BANG), Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Mustafizur Rahman (BANG), Simi Singh (IRE) and Dhushmantha Chameera (SL)

About the ICC Men’s ODI Team of 2021 

Ireland’s Paul Stirling with 705 runs in 2021 finished as the highest run-scorer in ODIs. His runs came in only 14 matches at an average of 79.66 with three centuries and two half-centuries. South Africa’s Janneman Malan established himself as a vital part of the top-order scoring 509 runs in eight matches at an average of 84.83 with two centuries and two half-centuries. Be it in home or away conditions, Malan maintained his consistency throughout the calendar year, having only made his ODI debut in 2020. 

Despite having played only 6 ODI matches in 2021, Babar Azam still managed to score 405 runs at an average of 67.50 with two centuries. The Pakistani skipper made vital contributions in tough away tours of South Africa and England, ending up with the Player of the Match awards in both their victories in the former. He also scored a memorable ton in Birmingham in conditions that assisted the seamers. 

His compatriot, Fakhar Zaman continued his stellar run in Pakistan’s ODI team in 2021. Playing 6 matches, he aggregated 365 runs at an average of 60.83 with two centuries. One of the centuries came against South Africa, in a match winning innings which will be remembered for ages scoring 193, aiding Pakistan home in their chase of 342 in Johannesburg.

Rassie van der Dussen, he South African middle-order batter continued to be a pillar of rock for the Proteas in the 50-over format. Playing impactful knocks, masterfully rotating the strike, he scored 342 runs in 8 games at an average of 57. He also had a century to his name which came against Pakistan in Centurion. 

Bangladeshi veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan continued to showcase his top class for Bangladesh in the 50-over format in 2021. In nine matches, he managed to score 277 runs at an average of 39.57 with two half-centuries. He also claimed 17 wickets at an average of 17.52. His teammate Mushfiqur Rahman also continued to be a solid contributor to Bangladesh’s cause in the year 2021. Playing 9 ODI matches, he aggregated 407 runs at an average of 58.14 with one century. 

A vital contributor with both the bat and the ball, Wanindu Hasaranga continued to establish himself as a top performer of the Sri Lankan team in the shorter formats of the game in 2021. He scored 356 runs at an average of 27.38 with three half-centuries in 14 ODI matches. Hasaranga was also impressive with the ball, picking up 12 wickets at an economy rate of 4.56. 

Bangladesh left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman had a fantastic year in ODI cricket. With his clever variations and change of pace, he claimed 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 21.55 with an economy rate of 5.03. Ireland’s Simi Singh picked up 19 wickets at 20.15 in 2021 in 13 ODI matches in 2021, this included one five-for. He also contributed 280 runs at 46.66, which included one century and one half-century. 

Impressing one and all with his pace, Dushmantha Chameera has had a fabulous 2021 in ODI cricket. Playing 14 matches, he claimed 20 wickets at an average of 29.30 with one five-wicket haul. 

The ICC Women’s ODI Team of 2021 features (in batting order) openers Lizelle Lee (SA) and wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy (AUS), with Tammy Beaumont (ENG), Mithali Raj (IND), captained by Heather Knight (ENG), Marizanne Kapp (SA), Hayley Matthews (WI), Fatima Sana (PAK), Jhulan Goswami (IND), Shabnim Ismail (SA) and Anisa Mohammed (WI). 

About the ICC Women’s ODI Team of 2021

With 632 runs, Lizelle Lee finished as the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs in 2021. The South Africa wicketkeeper-batter played only 11 matches in the calendar year and recorded an outstanding batting average of 90.28, with one century and five half-centuries. Wicketkeeper and batter Alyssa Healy had a great year once again as she accumulated 267 runs in just six ODIs in 2021, at an excellent average of 44.50. She scored two fifties, including a best of 77 which came against India at home in September.

Tammy Beaumont, the English opener had one of the best years of her career as she amassed 503 runs at an average of 62.87, and thus finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the format in 2021. Beaumont scored one century and four fifties, thus playing a crucial role in England’s success as a team.

Mithali Raj, India batter and captain, amassed the same number of runs as Beaumont and at exactly the same average. But her runs came when the Indian team struggled as a unit, thus making her contribution even more important. She didn’t score any century this year but made a total of six half-centuries.

England Women’s captain Heather Knight has been vital in their middle order for a number of years now and she was one of the top performers in that role once again in 2021. Knight accumulated a total of 423 runs this year, at an average of 42.30, including one century and three fifties. She also played a key role with the ball, chipping in with five wickets at an average of 19.80. 

South African all-rounder, Marizanne Kapp, has been one of the best performers with both the bat and ball in 2021. Kapp has played the role of an attacking middle-order batter brilliantly, scoring her runs at an outstanding strike-rate of 98.91. She amassed a total of 183 runs in 2021 at an average of 61, including a best of 68* which came against Pakistan in Durban in the month of January.

West Indies all-rounder, Hayley Matthews was in peak form in 2021. She accumulated a total of 380 runs in the year, including one century and a fifty. With the ball she made an equal impact, picking up 18 wickets at an outstanding average of 22.44. Pakistani all-rounder Fatima Sana finished the year as the joint-highest wicket-taker, with 20 wickets to her name in just 13 ODI matches. Sana picked up her wickets at an excellent strike-rate of 26.6. She did well as a lower-order batter too, amassing a total of 132 runs at an average of 14.66.

Indian veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami claimed a total of 15 wickets in 2021 and maintained an excellent economy rate of 3.77 as well. An experienced bowler who can keep runs in check, and pick up wickets at the same time, is a valuable asset in any side. With 18 wickets, Shabnim Ismail finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in 2021. A reliable pacer both with the new-ball and at the death, Ismail was a consistent performer for South Africa throughout the course of the 12 matches she played. 

West Indies off-spinner Anisa Mohammed finished as the other joint-highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets to her name at an outstanding average of 18.00. She was one of the most economical bowlers in the year once again, conceding only 3.61 runs per over.

Lastly, in the Test category the ICC Men’s Test Team for 2021 features (in batting order) openers Dimuth Karunaratne (SL), Rohit Sharma (India), Marnus Labuschagne (AUS), Joe Root (ENG), captained by Kane Williamson (NZ), Fawad Alam (PAK), wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant (IND), Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Kyle Jamison (NZ), Hasan Ali (PAK) and Shaheen Afridi (PAK). 

About the ICC Men’s Test Team of 2021

The Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne consistently got his team off to solid starts during the calendar year. He scored 902 runs in 7 matches at an average of 69.38 with four centuries. Some of his memorable innings included a double-century against Bangladesh in Pallekele and a gutsy hundred against South Africa at Johannesburg. For his performances, he was also nominated for the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year award. 

Rohit Sharma came into his own as an opener in the longest format of the game. He cracked 906 runs in 2021 at an average of 47.68 with two centuries. Both of the centuries were memorable knocks in contrasting conditions against England, one at home in Chennai and the other in overcast conditions away from home at the Oval. Marnus Labuschagne has had a memorable year as Australia’s no.3. His exploits also led him to ascend to the top of the charts of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings for batting. 

It was a year for the ages for England skipper Joe Root as he cracked 1708 runs in 15 Test matches at an average 61. His 1708 runs are the third-most scored in a calendar year in the history of Test cricket. 

Leading the 2021 ICC Men’s Test Team of 2021, Kane Williamson was an influential leader for New Zealand, leading them to glory at the inaugural World Test Championship Final against India in Southampton. He was also steady with the bat, scoring 395 runs in 4 matches at an average of 65.83 with one century. 

Fawad Alam of Pakistan has established himself as a vital member of the Pakistani batting lineup in Test cricket. He scored 571 runs in 9 matches at an average of 57.10 with three centuries. His tons came in tough situations against South Africa, Zimbabwe, and West Indies. 

Rishabh Pant further established himself as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in all the three formats, with his continuous development especially in the Test format. He scored 748 runs in 12 matches at an average of 39.36 with one memorable ton against England at Ahmedabad. He also accounted for 39 dismissals in 23 innings as a wicketkeeper. Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took 54 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 16.64 making a big impact in the home series against England and New Zealand. He also chipped in with 355 runs at an average of 25.35, which included a vital century against England in Chennai. 

Kyle Jamieson emerged as a brilliant bowling option in 2021 for New Zealand, perfectly complementing the trio of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner. Extracting great pace and bounce off the surface, he picked up 27 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 17.51. He also scored 105 runs at 17.50 and was adjudged the Player of the Match in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final against India held at Southampton. 

Hasan Ali always delivered with the ball for Pakistan in 2021, be it as a strike bowler or when it came to holding one end up. By far his best year in the longest format, Ali scalped up 41 wickets in 9 matches at a sensational average of 16.07. He also picked up one five-wicket haul and registered best bowling figures in a match of 10/114. Shaheen Afridi, has had a brilliant year overall, especially in the longest form of the game. Extracting fantastic movement with the new ball and reversing it with the old, Afridi picked up 47 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 17.06, including three five-wicket hauls.

The ICC Awards 2021 in the individual category for excellence in women’s and men’s international cricket will be revealed on all ICC channels beginning Sunday 23 and Monday 24 January. 

 Players that have had the most impactful performances in the period under consideration – 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 were nominated for these awards.