Tri-Series 2016: Best XI of the series

With an Australian win in the final by 58 runs over the West Indies, the Tri-Series 2016 came to a close. At the end, it was Australian skipper Steve Smith and his band of merry men who held the trophy as night descended upon Bridgetown in Barbados. While this is certainly a terrific moment in Australian cricket, players from all three nations in the tri-series have had a stake in the entertainment. That said, here is the best XI of the recently concluded series. Usman Khawaja: Australia’s David Warner (L) and Usman Khawaja run between the wickets. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images) One of Australia’s best openers, Usman Khawaja has seen his spot in the opener’s slot extended following an injury to David Warner. The 29-year old, however, smashed 217 runs in 7 matches that he featured in. This also included a wonderfully compiled 98 in a losing cause against the West Indies at St. Kitts. Stats and records – Tri-series 2016, Final: West Indies v Australia – Statistical Highlights Johnson Charles: West Indies cricketer Johnson Charles. (Photo credit should read LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images) Johnson Charles was the mainstay of the West Indies opening batting as he usually was successful in giving the Windies decent starts in most matches. Of course, he had 199 runs to his name, but it was his positivity that took center stage. He had three scores in the 40s including a brisk 45 against the Australians in the final. Hashim Amla: South African cricketer Hashim Amla is congratulated by teammate Quinton de Kock. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) Hashim Amla was perhaps the best batsman for South Africa in the entire series. In spite of choking yet again in a Tri-Nation tournament, Amla was the shining light as far as the Proteas were concerned. With 241 runs under his belt and at an average of almost 48, he also scored a century in the series. The 110 against the West Indies was also a record-breaking one as he went on to eclipse Virat Kohli yet again. Steve Smith (C): Australian cricket team captain Steven Smith poses with their winning trophy. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) The Australian skipper led from the front as he concluded the tournament as the highest run-getter. With 264 runs to his name, Smith also boasts of a massive average of 52 including three half-centuries. His captaincy inspired the team to win the series and that was another huge contribution on his part. Marlon Samuels: West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) Arguably, one of the West Indies’ best batsmen in the tournament, Marlon Samuels has become a rejuvenated player since the triumph in the World T20. With 258 runs to his name, Samuels boasts of one fifty and one hundred, both made in causes that were literally terrible for the Windies. It seems as though the 35-year old certainly has some fight left ahead of him as the twilight zone approaches. Matthew Wade (wk): Australian cricketer Matthew Wade plays a shot. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) In terms of glovework and providing batting cover in the lower order, Matthew Wade is perhaps one of the best choices for playing the role of a wicket-keeper batsman. Of course, he just has a paltry 88 runs to his name. However, he showed sublime character in the final when he smashed a quick fire 52 to help the Australians to a decent score. Mitchell Marsh: Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) Mitchell Marsh may not have had the impact that he may have wanted in the opening few matches. However, when it comes to performing well with both bat and ball, Marsh is perhaps one of the most dependable. His performance in the final saw him score a few important runs and pick three top-order wickets. Jason Holder: West Indies cricket team captain Jason Holder. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) Jason Holder, the skipper of the West Indies has been one of the most outstanding bowlers in the tournament. Although Holder has just 7 wickets to his name, his impressive economy rate, and his leadership skills make him an automatic selection in the squad. Imran Tahir: South African bowler Imran Tahir celebrates after dismissing West Indeis cricketer Sulieman Benn. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) Apart from the obvious impact made by Sunil Narine, Imran Tahir was perhaps the best bowler in the context of the tournament. Moreover, the fact that he picked up 7/45 against the West Indies in what was perceived to be a crucial game in the context of the tournament makes him a giant of a man. He concluded with 13 wickets, the highest in the entire series. Adam Zampa: Australian bowler Adam Zampa celebrates after dismissing Wayne Parnell. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) 23-year old Adam Zampa for many is considered to be one of the better bowlers in world cricket today. Heavily tipped to become the next Shane Warne of Australian cricket, Zampa showed one and all his capability to perform overseas with astounding numbers. He concluded the tournament with 10 wickets. Josh Hazelwood: West Indies cricketer Carlos Brathwaite (L) is clean bowled off Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) While there was a merry-go-round in the bowling attack by the Australians courtesy of the chopping and changing between Starc and Coulter-Nile, Josh Hazelwood held his place for the most part. The final saw Hazelwood leapfrogs Zampa into the pole position with 5 wickets in the match and 11 wickets in the tournament.

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