Test Match Special

T20 dream team (so far) (36)

• Adam Mountford - BBC Cricket Producer
• 16 Sep 07, 07:29 AM

Well, we've reached the end of the opening phase of the first ICC World Twenty20 or T20 as they are calling it here in South Africa.

Like the cricket itself, this tournament is fast and furious. We've only been here five days and four teams have already gone out of the competition - the West Indies departing before Sri Lanka had even played a single match!

For those of us who experienced the disappointing 50-over World Cup in the Caribbean - a tournament which seemed to last for most of my adult life - this has been a refreshing change and the World Twenty20 champions will be crowned after less than two weeks of action.

We may have only had five days of action - but what a five days! We've had surprise results, including the Australians losing to Zimbabwe, a dramatic tie between Pakistan and India settled by a bowl out, explosive batting from the likes of Gayle, Pietersen and Gibbs, and all played in front of excellent crowds.

They are dubbing it cricket "off the hook" here in South Africa and the thousands leaving Newlands on Saturday evening certainly seemed to have enjoyed the experience.

It's pretty cold here in Cape Town at this time of the year and it felt more like Bonfire night than a day-night cricket match, but that didn't stop the crowd enjoying their evening and as I left the ground after watching South Africa beat Bangladesh in the final group match, there seemed to be numerous families walking along the streets carrying South African flags and enthusing about the cricket.

I am staying in a small guest house close to the ground and I managed to convince a Canadian couple who are also guests that they should pay the small admission fee and watch a game. The couple were originally from England and hadn't seen a cricket match in over 20 years. I can't wait to find out what they made of "T20" with the music , dancing and non stop action.

No sooner has the first round finished than the Super Eights phase gets under way - all of which will be live by the way on Five Live Sports Extra or Five Live - but I thought this might be a good time to pick a team of the tournament so far.

This is my "T20 Dream Team" based on performances so far. What do you make of my selections?

1) Chris Gayle
He may have failed against Bangladesh, but those of us fortunate enough to witness his thrilling hundred against South Africa in the opening match will never forget the explosive hitting which kick-started the World Twenty20. Useful spin bowling option as well.

2) Sanath Jayasuriya
Excellent batting against Kenya and the more testing New Zealand attack. The Twenty20 game could have been invented for one of the original pinch-hitters. Also possible front-line bowler - he has an excellent record with his spin in limited overs cricket.

3) Kevin Pietersen
Has said Twenty20 cricket does not suit him - but that isn't showing so far with good performances against Zimbabwe and Australia. Unlike his position England in the England order, he's in my top three so he can make the most of the six over fielding restrictions. Usually an excellent fielder despite an unbelievable drop in the match against Zimbabwe.

4) Mohammad Ashraful
OK, the Bangladesh captain's innings against South Africa (Six, four , out) wasn't the most sensible - but who can forget his record breaking and match winning half century to knock out the West Indies.

5) Herschelle Gibbs
Only one match so far - but what an impact he made with a thrilling unbeaten 90. One of the best fielders in world cricket and on his day one of its most explosive batsman.

6) Mahela Jayawardene (captain)
Who says big hitting can't be beautiful? He has one of the best strike-rates in the competition and has done it with style. Also an effective finisher as he proved in the 50-over World Cup semi victory over New Zealand. He is also my captain after bringing the best out of his Sri Lankan team in a modest and calm way - just what you need in a Twenty20 environment.

7) Brendon Taylor (wicket-keeper)
The 21-year-old had a dream match against Australia with catches , stumpings and a run out plus that match winning knock which showed his better known opponents how to judge a 20-over innings. Also performed well against England and looks a real talent.

8) Daniel Vettori
New Zealand's one day captain has performed well so far with wickets and a good economy rate even when Sri Lanka's batsman were causing mayhem at the Wanderers. Also a more than useful batsman.

9) Mitchell Johnson
One of the new breeds of Australian fast bowlers. One of their few decent performers against Zimbabwe and highly impressive against England. Can be seriously quick and impossible to get away.

10) Mohammad Asif
Excellent bowling in Pakistan's tie with India. Not the quickest, but can do plenty with the new ball.

11) Nathan Bracken
He may have ridiculous hair - but you can't deny how effective Bracken is in the one day game and his Twenty20 form is already impressive. Man of the match against England.

12th man) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
It was difficult to pick an Indian as they have only played one match, but Dhoni is the perfect 12th man. He can bat anywhere, keep wicket and lend hair care products to Nathan Bracken.

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