Best XI across all formats in 2016

Steve Smith

After scoring over 2,000 runs across all formats in 2015 at an average of over 60, few thought that Steve Smith could do better in 2016. Even if his average isn't as good it was last year, Smith still managed to finish 2016 with his personal-best tally of runs and fifties in a calendar year.

Australia may have had a mixed year in 2016 after losing five consecutive Tests and being whitewashed in South Africa in the ODI series but it was a memorable year for Smith with the willow. His captaincy may still need some work but having become the first batsman to average over 60 in Tests after 90 innings, it is fair to say his batting certainly doesn't.

Not only did Smith score 2,406 runs at an average of 53 with seven centuries and 13 fifties but he was also the only batsman to score more than 1,000 runs in both ODIs and Tests in 2016. Having score nearly 5,000 runs in international cricket in the last two years, one can only wonder how much higher Smith can go.