Champions Trophy 2017: Team wise best batsman in English conditions

Champions Trophy has made a comeback this year after a gap of four years. It is the most awaited tournament of the year. The teams are hard at practice and are getting in the groove for the tournament that is just a few hours away.

The English conditions are one of the best for the fast bowlers but are equally dreadful for the batters. When the ball starts to seam and swing then even the best batters struggle. However, there are some batters who like the English conditions and enjoy batting there.

Every team has a specialist batsman who thrives in English conditions. Today we are going to look at the best batsmen from each team in English conditions.

India – Virat Kohli

There is no arguing over this one. He may have struggled in 2014 but since then the skipper of India has been in phenomenal form. He was the leading run-scorer for India during the home season this year. However, he couldn’t really perform against the Australians in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but was in good nick during the warm-up game against New Zealand.

The Indian superstar is extremely sound technically and has the ability to tackle seam and swing. He is one of the best batsmen in the world. Kohli is someone who thrives under pressure and is the king of chases. He will surely be the key to India’s success in the Champions Trophy.

Australia – Steve Smith

Steve Smith has an unusual technique when it comes to batting. He is not the orthodox batter who moves his feet rather well and drives the ball elegantly through the covers. Smith has his own technique which goes extremely well with his second to none hand-eye coordination.

Smith’s technique has done wonders to him as he averages 60 in Test cricket and is the number 1 batter in the world. The bowlers are yet to figure out the way to take down the Australian skipper. Anyhow, he is the best batsman Australia have got when we talk about English conditions.

New Zealand – Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson is one of the top four batters in the world. He is surely overshadowed by the Smiths and the Kohlis but he quietly making his mark in world cricket. The captain of the New Zealand side now, Kane Williamson is exactly opposite to Steve Smith.

He has a wonderful technique and is the textbook batsman. Every shot he plays comes right from the textbook. And if you go by the textbook you will surely suffice in English conditions. Williamson will be the hinge of New Zealand’s batting line-up. If he fails to perform there is a little chance of other’s rising to the occasion.

England – Joe Root

Joe Root has a tremendous record at home. He has scored 3 centuries at home and has scored 1480 runs at an average of 41. Root has proved himself time and again and needs no introduction. He is England’s specialist batter and is going to be pivotal in their success.

Root has performed in all conditions and being at home will make him even more comfortable. Seam and swing won’t be his problem as he has grown up playing such kind of bowling. The only thing Root needs to look after is his temperament. If he has that mental strength and determination, he can even be a contender for the golden bat.

South Africa – Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla recently became the fastest man to reach 7000 One-Day International runs. He surpassed Kohli and brought up the landmark in just 150 innings. Amla was questioned for his technique during his early days but now is one of the most prominent run-getters in world cricket.

He was said to be too slow for limited overs cricket but now has 2 centuries in T20Is. This shows the character of Hashim Amla. The right-hander has performed in all the conditions and his starts will be extremely important for South Africa.

Pakistan – Mohammad Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez has been struggling with his form. He has proven himself in the past but needs to pull up his socks. Hafeez has had a string of poor performances lately but is as unpredictable as the team he plays for are.

Hafeez has more than 5000 runs to his name in One Dayers and has scored 11 centuries. He has the ability to bat anywhere in the top-order. This flexibility and his experience are very much required to the team. Hafeez will be extremely important to Pakistan if they are to progress any further in the tournament.

Bangladesh – Tamim Iqbal

Bangladesh relies heavily on Tamim Iqbal. The explosive left-hand opener is extremely important to the Tigers. He has over 5000 runs in one-day internationals and averages just around 35. He has time and again proved a match-winner for Bangladesh and likes the ball coming onto the bat.

Tamim has got the quality to tackle pace, swing, and seam. He can handle the toughest of the tough bowlers. He is extremely strong mentally and has a calm head on his shoulder. His performances will decide how deep the Bangladeshis go in this tournament.

Sri Lanka – Angelo Matthews

Angelo Matthews is Sri Lanka’s main player. Whatever it may be, everything that the team does will revolve around this guy. Angelo is one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. He has the ability to up the ante when required and can anchor the innings as well.

Angelo is a utility player. He does his job quietly and has those little contributions which don’t mean a lot from the up but are very crucial. However, the skipper will have to perform out of his skin if Sri Lanka have to go deep in the tournament.