Chopra names two Pakistani players in his list of top Test performers in 2021

Test cricket in 2021 remained as exciting and eventful as it has ever been. Analysing the performances and rounding up the year, former Indian Test batsman turned commentator Aakash Chopra picked his top five batsmen and bowlers in Test cricket for 2021.

Chopra named Fawad Alam as one of the batters who impressed him the most in 2021. Alam, who made quite an impact following his return to the international scene, has scored 571 runs at an average of 57.10 which includes three centuries in 9 Test matches.

Speaking about the unique left-handed batsman, "He has an interesting story. He almost left cricket, he was absent for so many years but his persistence has paid off brilliantly. He has grabbed every opportunity with both hands," said Chopra.

Fawad Alam was ranked as the fifth-best player in his list while Joe Root took the number one spot, who has been massively influential in England's Test success. 

Top 5 Batters of 2021

1. Joe Root
2. Rohit Sharma
3. Rishabh Pant
4. Dimuth Karunaratne
5. Fawad Alam

Picking up 47 wickets in 9 matches, Shaheen averages a wicket every 17 runs conceded. The left-arm pacer has truly made a huge impact as he made massive gains in terms of rankings in 2021.

"He has been sensational, there was a time where he was taking a five-wicket haul in every match," Chopra said about Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Shaheen Shah was ranked as Chopra's top bowler in Test cricket in 2021 followed by Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj and Englishman Ollie Robinson.

Top 5 Bowlers of 2021

1. Shaheen Afridi
2. Mohammad Siraj
3. Ollie Robinson
4. James Anderson
5. Ravi Ashwin