Beaten Kiwis dominate the ICC World Cup XI
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The ICC have announced their World Cup Team of the Tournament with only three Australians – Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc – making the side, despite being champions.
The defeated finalists and tournament darlings New Zealand on the other hand had five spots in the team, including the blistering opening pair of Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill.
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Opening bowler Trent Boult, middle order firebrand batsman Corey Anderson and veteran spinner Daniel Vettori rounded out the Black Caps’ representatives who dominated the team.
The 12th-man honour was unexpectedly given to a Zimbabwe player in batsman Brendan Taylor. He retired from cricket at the end of his nation’s involvement in the tournament.
He almost singlehandedly pushed his team to an upset over India with 138 off 110 balls in his final game.
Player of the tournament Mitchell Starc takes the mantle as the side’s number one strike bowler while the number three batting position went to retiring Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara.
The full ICC World Cup XI
Brendon McCullum (NZ)
Martin Guptill (NZ)
Kumar Sangakkara (SL)
Steve Smith (AUS)
AB de Villiers (SA)
Glenn Maxwell (AUS)
Corey Anderson (NZ)
Daniel Vettori (NZ)
Mitchell Starc (AUS)
Trent Boult (NZ)
Morne Morkel (SA)
Brendan Taylor 12th (ZIM)