Eight batsmen and two bowlers made the cut as Sir Vivian Richards' picked his World Cup top ten, on the ICC's official website. In an earlier column on the first of February the cricketing legend picked his top ten batsmen ever to play the game. Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers were retained in this list and, without any hesitation, Richards started off with AB de Villiers, saying: “The more I watch him, the more it feels like I am watching myself bat”. The rest of the players who made it to the list were:

Steve Smith
He is almost tireless, picks gaps with ease and has a wonderful hand-eye co-ordination

Glenn Maxwell
If we get him at his best,then other teams better watch out for him

Brendon McCullum
He is a dynamic batsman and as such I am also curious about what he can do while he is also leading the side

Kumar Sangakkara
The experienced Sangakkara has the capability to inspire his team to deliver a good showing at this event

Dale Steyn
He is just so consistent and aggressive, and his ability is second to none. In my opinion, he is the best fast bowler in the world

Mohammad Irfan
Because of his height, the bounce of hard Australia wickets will be very useful for him and he will trouble the batsmen with it

The missing number ten
Whether it was an oversight by the Media Zone, or Vivian Richards waiting on the fitness results of Michael Clarke, the tenth player remained unnamed. Perhaps Richards is pondering the need for an all-rounder, and if so, then Shakib Al Hasan certainly fits the bill to claim the last spot.