Year in Review: Test team of the year 2013

Cheteshwar Pujara- The Glue

Cheteshwar Pujara – the ideal number 3

727 runs at an average of 80.77 and a strike rate of 58.53. 3 100’s, 2 50’s, high score of 204

The ideal number 3, once well set, even Wile E. Coyote’s entire stash isn’t enough to dislodge him. Blessed with a solid technique, decisive footwork, the ability to accelerate and a hunter’s patience, Pujara began the year with a domineering 203 against the touring Australian’s and ended it with a match defining 153 against the South Africans on their home turf.

In between those 2 epics, he scored a breezy century against the West Indies and an unbeaten; match winning 82 on a Delhi minefield. Whether he comes in early or after a foundation has been set, his job will be to make the gargantuan scores he has shown he can.

Michael Clarke (c) – The Brains

Michael Clarke- the leader

1077 runs at an average of 48.95 and a strike rate of 57.16. 4 100’s, 3 50’s, high score of 187

O Captain, my Captain. Flash, yet classy and perhaps the best player of spin in the world, Clarke began the year with a century and 91 in India, as the captain stood on the burning deck whence all but him had fled. He had a decent tour of England, without meeting the high standards he has set for himself. He did score a majestic 187 at Old Trafford in Australia’s only legitimate push for victory. He plotted England’s downfall with clever fields, bowling changes based on gut feel as much as logic and 2 wonderfully paced centuries. Clarke has perhaps the most important role to play as captain extraordinaire, genuinely great batsman and snazzy slip fielder. Long live the King.