No Indian in Test team

In a reflection of the slump that India went through last year, no cricketer from the powerhouse of the sport managed to find a place in the ‘ICC Test Team of the Year’, which was dominated by South African and English players.

India were whitewashed by England and Australia in back-to-back away series last year, a free-fall from the number one position.

The list announced here on Thursday, along with the nominees for the ICC annual awards scheduled on September 15 here, featured five South Africans (including the 12th man) and three Englishmen.

In fact, South Africa’s pace spearhead Dale Steyn made the side for the fifth year in the running.

The team was chosen by a selection panel chaired by West Indian batting legend Clive Lloyd.

The ICC Test Team of the Year: Alastair Cook (Eng), Hashim Amla (SA), Kumar Sangakkara (SL), Jacques Kallis (SA), Michael Clarke (Aus, captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI), Matt Prior (Eng, wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad (Eng), Saeed Ajmal (Pak), Vernon Philander (SA), Dale Steyn (SA). Twelfth man: AB de Villiers (SA).