Openers
You might have heard of Rohit Sharma (India). He recently banged his second one-day double hundred, so he is in reasonable nick. He blasted 264 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata and gets the nod alongside the run-hungry Hashim Amla. The South African had stiff competition from Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan - his first name was just too long for the team sheet.
Middle order
Virat Kohli looked all class in New Zealand earlier this year and will bat first drop. New Zealander Ross Taylor defies the odds to nab the No4 spot. He had a breakthrough summer last season and we hope he is poised for more great things this summer. There is no room for Kumar Sangakkara. Deepest apologies, but Faf du Plessis has had a wonderful year with 743 runs at 61.91, including three hundreds and a strike rate of nearly 90.
All-rounder
Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews has scored more than 1000 runs this year at an average of about 70. He has had some helpful batting conditions and might not find the surfaces in New Zealand to his liking, but how can you leave him out of a world team with a record like that? Useful bowler. Nagging rather than dazzling, though.
Wicketkeeper
AB de Villiers could demand a spot in the team as a batsman alone but there is no need, since he can double as a gloveman. Keeps his team-mate Quinton de Kock and Indian keeper MS Dhoni sidelined.
Seamers
The toe-crushing Lasith Malinga has the best yorker in the business. The Sri Lankan has bundles of experience. He is quick, hard to pick up with his slingy action and one of the form bowlers this year. Dale Steyn (South Africa) will take the new ball with Malinga. He moves the ball at pace and is all aggression - the way we like our fast bowlers. His team-mate Morne Morkel is the perfect foil. He adds bounce to the mix.
Spinner
Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) might be the only slow bowler left on the planet not reported for having an illegal action, so he's our man. He has also had a sterling year with 29 wickets at 19.86.12th manNew Zealand's Corey Anderson started the year with a world-record 36-ball century. You cannot coach power like that.
World test team
David Warner (Australia), Joe Root (England), Younis Khan (Pakistan), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies), AB de Villiers (South Africa), Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Mitchell Johnson (Australia), Dale Steyn (South Africa), Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka), James Anderson (England), Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka, 12th man).
NB: Statistics accurate November 17.
