Best XI across all formats in 2016

Mitchell Starc

Despite not playing an international match until June 2016, the fact that Mitchell Starc makes it onto this list is a testament to just how good he has been in the calendar year since his return from injury. And the fact that he has proven himself to be a handy hitter lower down the order doesn't hurt his chances either.

Despite playing just 23 matches across all formats in 2016, Starc finished the year with 80 wickets, a tally which was bettered by just two bowlers. And he managed to do all at a strike rate and average which just defied belief at times.

Starc has always been a great limited-overs bowler, courtesy of his yorkers and that was evident as he broke an all-time ODI record by becoming the fastest bowler to 100 wickets. But 2016 also showed just how good he can be with the red ball as he finished with 50 wickets in 8 Tests, the first of which came in late July and despite bowling on largely placid pitches.