Forget about his scores for a moment. We all know his Test average of 50, centuries and double centuries all over the world etc. He is a champion batsman.
But just in terms of natural gifts - have there been many if any batsmen better than him? I'm constantly dumbfounded by some of the shots he plays. When MJ was ripping through SA a few weeks ago - AB seemed like he was batting in his backyard.
Awesome cricketer. I believe that as a teenager he had the option of several sports but chose cricket - we fans are very lucky that he did!
Does Stuart Broad really deserve to be in the English T20 playing XI much less as a captain. He comes on after the power play overs are over around 7th or 8th over. In the last two games he came after all the other bowlers have bowled atleast one. Maybe you can make the case that he comes in later like Malinga to bowl the death overs but he doesnt do that either.
New Zealand batsman clearly ahead of his rivals - but has he performed in key games for NZ?
Saqlain is the spin coach for West Indies. Not a long time ago, he was also the bowling coach for Bangladesh if I remember correctly. During that time in the Asia Cup 2012, he was able to help the Bangladeshi players see off Ajmal's threat in a much easier way than it was expected. Would Saqlain, knowing all the ins and outs of off spin bowling (especially the way Ajmal bowls his doosra which he refers to as the Saqlain Mushtaq delivery) be a factor in how the West Indian batsmen face Ajmal, Pakistan's most potent threat?
Media reports note that Akhtar has been present at bowling practice - could the 'Pindi express help out and improve Pakistan's bowling form?