Top 10 ODI innings of 2014

1. Rohit Sharma (264 off 173 balls vs Sri Lanka, Kolkata):

Rohit Sharma, returning from finger and shoulder injuries that kept him out of international cricket for almost two-and-a half months, smashed the highest individual score in ODI history at the Eden Gardens on November 13. The 27-year-old, who opened the innings, took 72 balls to reach his fifty but after that hit top gear and his next four fifties came off 28, 25, 26 and 15 balls. In all, he hit 33 fours and nine sixes. Not only did he become the first batsman to score two ODI double-hundreds, Rohit also broke Virender Sehwag's record of highest individual score (219) as India posted a mammoth 404 in pursuit of which Sri Lanka could only manage 251 all out.

2. Corey Anderson (131* off 47 balls vs West Indies, Queenstown:

The first international match of the year took place on January 1 and it was a landmark one. Playing his seventh ODI - which was reduced to 21 overs-a-side after rain, New Zealand's Anderson took 36 balls to hit the fastest ODI ton, thus breaking Shahid Afridi's record set in 1996 by one ball. Jesse Ryder also scored 104 off 51 balls but star billing went to Anderson who hit six fours and 14 sixes, as New Zealand (283) beat West Indies by 159 runs.

3. AB de Villiers (136* off 106 balls vs Australia, Harare):

When South Africa, chasing 328 against the hosts during the tri-series in the latter half of 2014, were reduced to 51 for 2 in nine overs, it appeared the match was out of their reach. However, de Villiers played a blinder of an innings, hitting 11 fours and two sixes to help his team convincingly go over the line in 46.4 overs with seven wickets in hand.

4. Faf du Plessis (106 off 98 balls vs Australia):

In the same series, Du Plessis played a big hand. With de Villiers, he added 251 off 174 balls for the third wicket to annihilate the Australian bowling. du Plessis, who went on to score two more hundreds in South Africa's triumph, hit 11 fours and one six during the course of his innings.

5. James Faulkner (69* off 47 vs England, Brisbane):

Chasing 301 to win the second ODI, when Australia found themselves 244/9 in 44 overs, it looked like it was all over bar the shouting. In such a hopeless situation, Faulkner rose to the occasion and in an unbeaten 33-ball 57-run stand with Clint McKay scored 55 to lead his team to a famous win. Australia needed 12 runs from the last over bowled by Tim Bresnan and Faulkner hit three fours off the first three balls to seal victory. Besides those fours, the allrounder also hit five sixes.

6. Suresh Raina (100 off 75 balls vs England, Cardiff):

After a 3-1 thrashing in the preceding Test series and a wash-out in the ODI series opener, India found their saviour on August 27 in Suresh Raina who joined Rohit Sharma at the crease with India at 110 for 3. Raina batted with flair and thanks to his innings - studded with 12 fours and three sixes - India posted 304 for 6 in the chase of which England could only manage 161 all out. The tourists went on to win the five-game series 3-1 and Raina's innings went a long way towards achieving that.

7. Jos Buttler (121* off 74 balls vs Sri Lanka, Lord's):

The wicketkeeper-batsman scored the fastest ODI hundred for England - off just 61 balls. However, despite Buttler's heroic efforts the hosts, chasing 301 to win, fell short by seven runs. They needed 12 runs in the last over bowled by Lasith Malinga and the fast bowler removed Buttler, who hit 11 fours and four sixes, and Chris Jordan to stop England. But Buttler had made an impact, and it was that innings that earned him a Test debut later in the summer.

8. Mitchell Marsh (86* off 51 balls vs South Africa, Harare):

This was the match that brought the big-hitting allrounder to prominence. Marsh joined George Bailey at the fall of the late Phillip Hughes at 152 for 4 in 34.4 overs and after scoring his first 29 runs off 31 balls, cut loose against Dale Steyn with three consecutive sixes. His next 57 runs came off just 20 balls to drive Australia to 282 for 7. South Africa could only manage 220 in reply.

9. Sohaib Maqsood (89* off 73 balls vs Sri Lanka, Hambantota):

Chasing 276 to win in 45 overs, Pakistan were staring at defeat at 106 for 5 in 22.3 overs and needed a special innings to turn things around. Maqsood played that innings and his 147-run stand with Fawad Alam laid the foundations of a four-wicket win with one ball to spare. The 27-year-old hit nine fours but his ability to judge singles and doubles to perfection was what particularly striking.

10. Marlon Samuels (126* off 116 balls vs India, Kochi):

West Indies managed to beat India in the first ODI largely because of Samuels' innings which was laced with 11 fours and four sixes. Samuels displayed his brutal power and led visiting team to 321 after which India were dismissed for 197 in 41 overs. West Indies pulled out of the tour after the fourth ODI on account of a salary dispute with their home board but Samuels' innings was one of the most abiding memories from the controversial tour.

MS Dhoni suggests Michael Hussey's name to replace Duncan Fletcher: Reports

Dhoni floats name of Hussey for next coach

According to reports Dhoni is said to have floated the name of Michael Hussey for the next coach. 

As per a report by Hindustan Times, MS Dhoni is said to have taken up the name of former Australian batsman, Michael Hussey, to replace Duncan Fletcher as the coach of the Indian unit. Fletcher's contract expires after the ICC Cricket World 2015. With India, time and again putting up a poor show away from home, the chances of his contract being renewed is slim.

Fletcher took over the mantle of coaching the set up from Gary Kirsten after India won the coveted World Cup title in 2011. However, despite having the credentials of guiding England through a tough period during the last decade, Fletcher hasn't been able to lift Indian team's performances especially, while playing overseas.

It was also reported that Dhoni's suggestion of replacing Fletcher with Hussey has been communicated to the top brass of BCCI. It is believed that Dhoni rates Hussey for his tactical ability and man-management skills. In addition to be being tactically sound, it is said that Hussey helped out Murali Vijay to tweak his game and in turn, Vijay tasted success in Australia. Dhoni and Hussey were teammates for a longtime at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, as the BCCI is going through a tough period, it may take time for Dhoni's suggestion to be accepted. BCCI, also in the past have consulted former cricketers like Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar before arriving at the decision of appointing a coach.

Specials - events - year-in-review

It was a straightforward defensive shot, only, Ryan Harris' delivery broke Michael Carberry's bat.

Peter Siddle and Michael Clarke kiss the urn after Australia regained the Ashes.

Mitchell Johnson was all smiles after winning the Allan Border Medal.

It was a serene setting as Australia and England faced off in a T20I at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart.

Sachin Tendulkar, who was awarded India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, poses with his childhood coach, Ramakant Achrekar.

The pink ball was on trial during a Sheffield Shield match.

A fan poses during a media opportunity to mark the one year countdown for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Australia's slip cordon during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Graeme Smith poses with his wife and kids after making his final international appearance.

Former West Indian cricketers, Andy Roberts, Richie Richardson and Curtly Ambrose were awarded knighthoods.

Shahid Afridi did a Miandad, scoring back-to-back sixes off Ashwin in the final over to help his side to victory in the Asia Cup match against India.

It was a historic moment for Afghanistan cricket as the national team defeated Bangladesh in the Asia Cup to register their first win against a Test playing nation.

Netherlands once again pulled off a giant-taming act as they defeated England for the second time in a World T20 match.

It was a memorable T20 farewell for Sanga and Mahela as Sri Lanka conquered the unbeaten Indians to clinch the 2014 World T20 title.

Suresh Raina's incredible hitting against KXIP ended in a tame fashion.

Kolkata Knight Riders emerged champions of IPL 2014, winning the title for the second time.

The England-India series was marred by the James Anderson-Ravindra Jadeja spat.

After losing the Test at Lord's, England came back superbly to win the Test series.

India returned the favour by winning the ODI series comfortably.

Indian women, playing a Test match for the first time in 8 years, emerged victors against England.

Mahela Jayawardene played his final Test match against Pakistan at Colombo (SSC).

Chennai Super Kings ended their trophy drought by beating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final of CLT20 2014.

After his fallout with ECB, Kevin Pietersen reveals it all in his autobiography.

A few days after KP, Sachin Tendulkar too came out with his autobiography, titled 'Playing it My Way'. The batting legend was seen with his esteemed colleagues during the book launch.

The entire West Indian team was present with the captain during the toss before the 4th ODI against India. West Indies boycotted the tour after this game.

India defeated Sri Lanka 5-0 for the first time in ODI history.

Cricket bats were put out in memory of Phil Hughes, who died at a very young age after being struck by a bouncer.

The Adelaide Test between Australia and India was played in memory of Phil Hughes.

Jono Dean of the Adelaide Strikers breaks his bat while batting during the Big Bash League match against Hobart Hurricanes.

A year of controversies

From ICC chairman N Srinivasan to Kevin Pietersen, from the Big Three to CSK, from chucking to political statements, cricket saw it all in 2014.

As the year draws to a close, it became clear that cricket and controversies could never be separated. From the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman N Srinivasan to Kevin Pietersen, from the Big Three to Chennai Super Kings, from chucking to political statements, cricket saw it all in 2014.

Here, we take a look at the major controversies that hit cricket this year:

Srinivasan, CSK & RR wait for New Year with bated breath

India's Supreme Court has reserved its order on the high-profile case featuring BCCI, its president N Srinivasan, its golden baby IPL against the nondescript Cricket Association of Bihar, fronting for former IPL chairman Lalit Modi. The Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee, appointed by the Supreme Court to probe the allegations, submitted two reports this year, both leaving cricket officials red-faced. It became worse as the SC waded into Srinivasan's claim that he had nothing to do with his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan's betting on IPL matches involving his team, CSK and that he had no conflict of interest. For a good part of the year, Srinivasan was reduced to being BCCI president in abeyance after stepping aside because of pressure from the SC. CSK and Royals' future looked bleak as the year drew to a close while cricket fans have been left hoping that the sport would emerge cleaner.

ECB ends KP's international career

After 277 appearances in England colours which saw him make a record 13,797 runs, including 32 centuries, the exciting Kevin Pietersen could not stop the ECB from suddenly bringing the curtain down on his career. As England decided to make some forward movement, Pietersen was unceremoniously sacked in the wake of their Ashes whitewash in Australia. Despite both parties being bound by confidentiality provisions, a full-blown war followed his dismissal. But public support could not convince ECB managing director Paul Downton to revisit the decision. Few charismatic cricketers have been at the receiving end with such disdain as KP, who was reduced to a T20 specialist.

ICC cracks the whip on bowlers with suspect action

The ICC's Cricket Committee, chaired by former India captain Anil Kumble, recommended that chucking be curbed and what followed was a nightmare for bowlers with suspect actions. After claiming 178 wickets in 35 Tests, Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal came under the scanner officially and banned from bowling until he underwent remedial action. He was the biggest 'catch' in a list that keeps growing by the month. Even though the West Indies' limited-overs star Sunil Narine was reported in the Champions League Twenty20 in India, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) pulled him out of the squad ahead of the India tour.

West Indies pull out of India tour

West Indies cricketers pulled out of their tour of India without completing their engagements. Not satisfied by the revised pay structure agreed upon the West Indies Players Association and the WICB, the players left the tour after the fourth ODI in Dharamsala. The BCCI sought $42 million as compensation from the WICB and contemplated freezing bilateral ties with West Indies.

Sachin Tendulkar sets the cat among pigeons

Tendulkar continued to make news a year after his retirement. In his autobiography, Playing it My Way, Tendulkar revealed that the then India coach Greg Chappell had approached him to take over captaincy by replacing Rahul Dravid."Just months before the World Cup, Chappell had come to see me at home and, to my dismay, suggested that I should take over the captaincy from Rahul Dravid," Tendulkar wrote. Cricket's most prolific batsman also revealed that he was shocked by Dravid's decision to declare the Indian innings when he was batting on 194 against Pakistan in the Multan Test of 2004. It would be unfair to say that these little episodes in his book helped him sell the book that set a record for having pre-booked 150,000 copies before launch.

Moeen Ali's political wristband invites ICC wrath

England's Moeen Ali wore wristbands with 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' messages on them during the third Test against India in Southampton. The ECB had no issues with that but ICC match referee David Boon disagreed, citing the rule book. It caused a furore and rekindled the debate whether sportspersons are mere entertainers without being a part of the society in which they ply their trade.

Mankading haunts the international stage

Sri Lanka's Sachithra Senanayake removed the bails as England's Jos Buttler backed up too far at the non-striker's end in the final ODI at Edgbaston. It led to bad blood spilling over in to the Test series after skippers Alastair Cook and Angelo Mathews were involved in a war of words.

James Anderson-Ravindra Jadeja spat

England fast bowler Anderson and India allrounder Jadeja made headlines during the first Test match in Nottingham. The Indians lodged a formal complaint, alleging that Anderson had abused and pushed Jadeja. The ECB lodged a counter complaint and the ICC brought in a Judicial Commissioner Lewis Gordon, who found Anderson and Jadeja not guilty. The decision left neither party satisfied.

Steven Smith's smart move to catch Fawad Alam

Big Three take control of the ICC

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) gained immense power within the restructured ICC. The Big Three, as they came to be known, assured themselves of permanent places in two important ICC panels - the Executive Committee and Financial & Commercial Affairs Committee. They also took greater share of the revenue pie while promising more revenue to all members and hung out a carrot to the Associate members, offering them the chance to start playing Test cricket with Full Members. The changes were ushered in but only after Cricket South Africa, Sri Lanka Cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board registered their dissatisfaction.

Smith moved from slip to catch left-handed Alam's sweep off Xavier Doherty at leg slip in the third Pakistan-Australia ODI in Abu Dhabi on October 12. After standing his ground for a while, Alam walked off. He was unaware that the ICC had changed the rules, which allowed a close-in fielder to make significant movements if the batsman premeditates his shot (before the ball reaches the striker) and gets into a position early.

T20I team of the year

The year saw Sri Lanka claim the World T20 in Bangladesh. The man who led them to the triumph - Lasith Malinga is also our pick to lead its team of the year. Check out who else broke into the XI.

1. Alex Hales (12 matches, 397 runs at 36.09, strike-rate 142.80)

The England opener further enhanced his reputation as a T20 player by scoring the most runs in the year. His 116* off 64 balls against Sri Lanka in Chittagong during the World T20 helped England chase down 190 against eventual champions Sri Lanka. He also took 10 catches. The 25-year-old ended the year as the third best T20 batsman in the world.

2. Quinton de Kock (wk) (10 matches, 240 runs at 26.66, strike-rate 124.35)

The 22-year-old South African wicketkeeper-batsman scored four 40-plus scores. Not only was he effective with the bat, he was also up to the mark behind the wickets by taking seven catches to go with two stumpings. On several occasions, de Kock displayed he could shift gears quickly and that brought him plenty of attention.

3. Aaron Finch (13 matches, 390 runs at 32.50, strike-rate 134.02)

Playing his first T20I of the year, Finch smashed a 31-ball 52 to help Australia beat England by 13 runs. He went on to score fifties against Bangladesh (71) and Pakistan (65) in the World T20 and ended the year as the third highest scorer. He also finished as the second best batsman in the world.

4. Virat Kohli (7 matches, 385 runs at 96.25, strike-rate 133.68)

Virat Kohli had a great World T20. With scores of 36* 54, 57, 23, 72* and 77, he held India's flag high up in the batting department. That India made it to the final was largely because of Kohli who scored 319 runs at an average of 106.33. In his last T20I of the year, he scored 66 against England, in a losing cause though. Five fifties in seven matches also pushed him up to the No 1 spot in the rankings for batsmen.

5. JP Duminy (10 matches, 257 runs at 42.83, strike-rate 118.43)

Duminy is one of the few players in the world to be a regular in all three formats. His 86* off 43 balls against New Zealand at the World T20 helped South Africa to a thrilling two-run win. His also rolled his arm over as a part-time offspinner and often did a decent job.

6. Eoin Morgan (12 matches, 249 runs at 20.75, strike-rate 133.87)

Another man who helped England down Sri Lanka in the World T20 was Eoin Morgan who was instrumental in nullifying Ajantha Mendis. In the only T20I against India in September, Morgan smashed a 31-ball 71. The year also saw Morgan rise up to T20I and ODI captaincy roles.

7. Shakib Al Hasan (9 matches, 224 runs at 32, strike-rate 134.13, 11 wickets at 16.18, economy rate 5.71)

The Bangladesh allrounder had a good year with both bat and ball. His 66 off 52 balls was one of the few high points Bangladesh experienced in the World T20. He was also instrumental in Bangladesh bowling Afghanistan out for 72 with figures of 3 for 8. The No.1 T20I allrounder also found himself embroiled in a few controversies but they hardly affected his performance.

8. Lasith Malinga (capt) (9 matches, 12 wickets at 16, economy rate 6.43)

Once again, Malinga makes it to our T20I team of the year. He remains the most potent bowler in the format. Who can forget his death-overs bowling against India in the World T20 final! He didn't get any wickets yet managed to tether the likes of Kohli and MS Dhoni by conceding just nine runs in his last two overs. His bowling kept India quite a few runs short. In the semi-final against West Indies, Malinga took 2 for 5 and was was made captain in the later part of the tournament after Dinesh Chandimal failed to impress. He didn't disappoint one bit.

9. Nuwan Kulasekara (9 matches, 13 wickets at 17, economy rate 7.16)

Kulasekara was another bowler who in that final put the skids on India; it was he was who ended Yuvraj Singh's 21-ball 11. Barring one over in which Kohli took 16 runs off him, Kulasekara tested the India batsmen. In his last over he conceded just three runs to finish with 1 for 29. In the match against England previously, he was, with figures of 4 for 32, the only bowler who managed to escape the wrath of Hales and Morgan.

10. Krishmar Santokie (10 matches, 16 wickets at 14.62, economy rate 6.71)

Among medium-pacers, West Indian Santokie is the highest wicket-taker of the year. In the second T20I at home against England, the 30-year-old, who varies his pace a great deal, took a career-best 4 for 21. He took six wickets in two matches to help West Indies to a 2-1 win. In the World T20, Santokie continued his good form by taking eight wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 6.84.

11. Samuel Badree (12 matches, 19 wickets at 12.36, economy rate 5.00)

The West Indian legspinner is the highest wicket-taker this year. He took 11 wickets in the World T20 with a career-best 4 for 11 against Bangladesh. The fact that he managed to outshine fellow West Indian spinner Sunil Narine in most matches speaks volumes. The 33-year-old finished the year as the No.1 bowler in the world.

ODI XI of the year

A bearded wonder, a pocket-sized epitome of consistency, a suspended offspinner and the hottest property in Indian cricket feature in our selection of the most handy cricketers in ODIs this year.

1. Hashim Amla (18 matches, 892 runs, Avg 52.27)

Another excellent year for the bearded wonder in ODIs, his second best since 2011 (1058 runs in 15 innings). He played a major role in South Africa winning four out of the five ODI series played in 2014, scoring centuries in each of them. He began the year with back-to-back hundreds against Sri Lanka (109, 101) in a three-ODI series and continued his glorious form in the tri-series in Zimbabwe, where another century and two half-centuries followed. Amla's only century in a losing cause came in the fourth ODI at Canberra and although South Africa couldn't end the year on a winning note, he was one of the most prolific openers of the year.

2. Aaron Finch (18 matches, 790 runs, Avg 43.88)

The opening combination of David Warner and Aaron Finch raked up 540 runs at a little over 49. While Warner excelled in the Test arena, Finch made his outings in ODIs count. He began the year with two centuries against England during the five-match ODI series at home. In Melbourne he hit a match-winning 122 and followed it with another hundred in Perth.

His 102 against South Africa went in vain as AB de Villiers dished out some brutal hitting on the Australian bowlers but Finch's contribution were more than handy in Australia making the final of the tri-series. He missed out against Pakistan in the three-match ODI series in the UAE against Pakistan but made amends with an innings of 109 against South Africa in Canberra - a series that Australia comfortably won 4-1.

3. Kane Williamson (12 matches, 770 runs, Avg 70)

Kane Williamson is one batsman who has dominated all three formats in 2014. His last 10 ODI innings resemble a rookie cricketer's list of highest scores: 71, 70, 65, 60, 88, 10, 70, 46, 123 and 97. He has been the bedrock of New Zealand's success in 2014, winning two of the three ODIs the team took this year.

In the series against India in Januray, Williamson scored half-centuries in all five ODIs and carried the momentum forward in the five-match series against Pakistan, where he notched up 346 runs with two fifties and a century. Even though Ross Taylor gave him stiff competition in terms of runs, Williamson ended as New Zealand's highest run-scorer in 2014.

4. Virat Kohli (21 matches, 1054 runs, Avg 58.55)

India's batting sensation had a good beginning to the year with a century in Napier against New Zealand, a series which India lost comprehensively 4-1. He had an equally impressive Asia Cup but a horror series in England, where all Kohli managed was 54 runs from four innings, dented his in confidence. However, he roared back to form in the fourth ODI against West Indies and since then has been in top-notch form. Kohli captained India to a 5-0 series win against Sri Lanka in November, where he managed 329 runs at 82.25, including a match-winning century in the final ODI in Ranchi.

5. AB de Villiers (wk) (16 matches, 879 runs, Avg 73.25)

Although de Villiers featured in just 13 matches, he played a pivotal role in South Africa's dominant run this year. His figures were freakishly strong: 212 in three games against Sri Lanka, 215 in four during the Zimbabwe tri-series, 159 in three against New Zealand and 271 in four ODIs against Australia. His 136 against Australia in the opening game of the tri-series was a brutal exhibition of his big-hitting prowess. His 106-ball innings (11x4, 2x6) made a mockery of Australia's total of 327 as South Africa chased it down with almost four overs to spare.

6. Angelo Mathews (capt) (32 matches, 1244 runs, Avg 62.20, 18 wickets)

Undoubtedly, the player of the year. The Sri Lankan captain led from the front in more matches than one can count. The fact that Mathews scored over 1200 runs speaks volumes about the improvement he has brought in his batting. With one century and nine fifties, he was crucial to Sri Lanka's success - winning the Asia Cup, beating Pakistan in the UAE and prevailing comprehensively over New Zealand at home. Against India, where Sri Lanka were hammered 5-0, Mathews scored 339 runs. His bowling, however, wasn't at par with 18 wickets.

7. Chris Jordan (18 matches, 29 wickets, economy rate 5.75)

Chris Jordan experienced a fruitful 2014. His 5 for 29 bundled Sri Lanka out for 96 back in May at Old Trafford and he ended the series with 12 wickets from five matches. Later, in six matches in Sri Lanka, Jordan was consistent in picking up two wickets in each of the ODIs. His only sub-par performance came against Australia in January, where he conceded runs at over five and bagged six wickets.

8. Morne Morkel (14 matches, 24 wickets, economy rate 5.79)

While Dale Steyn spearheaded the South African attack, Morkel acted as the perfect partner. The tall fast bowler had a decent start against Sri Lanka with five wickets in three matches. Despite being a bit expensive, Morkel scalped six wickets from four matches in the Zimbabwe tri-series. However, the rain-hit ODI series in New Zealand is where Morkel troubled batsmen the most with his pace and bounce and got among the wickets (six in two games). His best outing came during the Australia series, where his 5 for 21 gave South Africa their only win of the series.

9. Sachithra Senanayake (18 matches, 27 wickets, economy rate 4.38)

Before he was banned from bowling due to a suspect action, Senanayake's tally read 22 wickets from 16 games. After serving a five-month ban, the Sri Lanka offspinner was cleared to bowl and he marked his return to international cricket with five wickets from two matches against England at home. Much like he did against them in May - nine wickets from five matches - Senanayake continued to expose England's vulnerability to spin on sub-continent pitches.

10. Mohammed Shami (16 matches, 38 wickets, economy rate 6.16)

The joint-highest wicket-taker of the year, Shami leaked runs regularly in New Zealand despite picking up 13 wickets in five matches. During the Asia Cup, he bagged a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh and made full use of the conditions in England - eight wickets from four matches. Despite Shami's alarming economy rate, he made life difficult for West Indies with two four-wicket hauls in October.

11. Ajantha Mendis (17 matches, 38 wickets, economy rate 5.76)

Mendis continued to bamboozle opponents with his variations and emerged as the other highest wicket-taker of 2014. Twice he got a four-wicket haul and five times managed three in an innings. His best of 4 for 60 came in the Asia Cup, where he restricted India to a total of 264. Mends bagged nine wickets in the tournament and after not getting enough chances in England, Mendis pocketed 20 wickets in his last three series - South Africa (three matches), India (two matches) and England (five matches).

2014 review: The top Test innings

From Brendon McCullums historic achievement to a record breaking captaincy feat by Virat Kohli, here is a look at the top 10 Test innings of the year.

The year has witnessed some sterling knocks in the Test arena. From the gritty to the outstanding, from aggression to redemption, Test cricket has thrown up these knocks in 2014. Here is go cricket's list of the top 10 Test innings of the year.

1. Azhar Ali 103 vs Sri Lanka, Sharjah, January 2014

The new year witnessed a sterling performance from Pakistan and Azhar Ali. Chasing 302 in 60 overs in the third and final Test in Sharjah, Azhar started off cautiously, batted aggressively when a loose ball was bowled but all the time, he batted with a monk-like calmness. Azhar's style of play rubbed off on the others and Pakistan ended up chasing the target in 57.2 overs. His knock of 103 off 137 balls, with six fours, was his fifth century and it helped Pakistan draw the series 1-1. In fading light and amidst negative tactics from Sri Lanka, Azhar's knock had provided the Test world a bright spark.

2. Brendon McCullum 302 vs India, Wellington, February 2014

New Zealand were staring down the barrel in the second Test against India and looked on their way to squandering their 1-0 lead. Trailing by 246 runs and already 94 for 5 in the second innings, India were closing in on victory. However, Brendon McCullum produced an innings that changed the landscape of New Zealand cricket.

He shared a 346-run stand with BJ Watling for the sixth wicket and a 179-run stand with debutant Jimmy Neesham. Along the way, McCullum battled injuries to his knee, shoulder and back and demonstrated admirable ability in his concentration. Every run was getting cheered and every record was cheered. In the 200th over of the innings, McCullum steered a ball from Zaheer Khan and created history to become New Zealand's first triple centurion. His 302 included 32 fours and four sixes as New Zealand drew the match to notch up their first series win against India in 12 years.

3. Michael Clarke 161 vs South Africa, Cape Town, March 2014

Clarke was under tremendous pressure heading into the final Test of the series. His form had slumped and there were questions about his captaincy after a heavy defeat in the previous Test in Port Elizabeth. When Clarke walked out to bat, he was greeted by a ferocious spell from Morne Morkel but withstood the bouncer barrage, took blows on his body and was beaten a lot of times. He slowly got going and unfurled his range of strokes as the innings progressed. After getting stranded for 25 balls on 99, Clarke managed to score his 27th Test century and he helped Australia build a solid base for victory. Afterwards, it was revealed that he was batting with a broken shoulder.

4. David Warner 135 and 145 vs South Africa, Cape Town, March 2014

While Clarke was getting battered and bruised, Warner was systematically tearing the South African attack to shreds. He cut, pulled and drove with confidence to notch up his seventh hundred off only 104 balls. In the next innings, Warner continued his brutal approach. The aggression was sustained and no South African bowler was spared. He became the first overseas batsman to score twin centuries in Cape Town and his 145 included 13 fours and four sixes to give Australia a famous win.

5. Joe Root 200* vs Sri Lanka, Lords, June 2014

Root continued his love affair with Lords. He had scored 180 against Australia at Lords in 2013 and he started off the 2014 summer with a bang. Right from the start, Root looked solid and hardly played a false stroke while rotating the strike consistently. He maintained a decent scoring rate right through the innings to notch up a wonderful hundred. It was a knock that helped Root emerge out of a lean patch following the 5-0 thrashing in Australia. Root continued to make smooth progress and he became the fourth-youngest England batsman to score a double-century.

6. Angelo Mathews 160 vs England, Leeds, June 2014

It was a knock that defined the term leading from the front. Sri Lanka in trouble during the second Test against England in Leeds, having conceded a 108-run lead and sitting at 277 for 7 in their second innings. But Mathews exploited the gaps in the outfield and turned the tables on England. He batted aggressively, cautiously and farmed the strike admirably. His aggression went up one level after going past his century. His 149-run stand with Rangana Herath for the eighth wicket put Sri Lanka in the driver's seat and they ended up on 457. Mathews' knock was a real boost for his team and it allowed Sri Lanka to register their first Test series win against England since 1998.

7. Ajinkya Rahane 103 vs England, Lords, July 2014

England dished out a green pitch at Lords, which meant plenty of swing and bounce. India were confronted with the demons that had haunted them on overseas tours. At 145 for 7, a familiar script was been played out but Rahane changed the course of the match with a knock that symbolised his coming of age.
He showed admirable judgment around the offstump and watched the ball carefully. He managed to handle the swinging conditions better and used the drive admirably. When England dished out the short-pitched stuff, Rahane used the cut and pull well. His timing was a treat to watch and he scored his second Test century. His 110-run stand for the eighth wicket with Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped India break their jinx at Lords and they registered a win at the venue after 28 years.

8. Younus Khan 106 and 103* vs Australia, Dubai, October 2014

Younus has been Pakistan's unsung match-winner since his debut in 2000. Pakistan had won only one Test against Australia in the last 15 years and they started off on a poor note when they were reduced to 7 for 2 in the first innings. But Younus weathered the storm and dropped anchor.
He had scored just one run in his first 34 balls but was ensuring that Pakistan got through the tough period unscathed. He got going when spin was introduced and he used the sweep effectively. He got to his 25th Test century with a six off Nathan Lyon to become the first Pakistan batsman to score centuries against all Test playing nations. In the second innings, Ahmed Shehzad carted the Australian bowling to all parts of the ground but Younus quietly and clinically ground Australia down to score back-to-back centuries. He became the first Pakistan batsman to score twin centuries against Australia and Pakistan registered their first Test win against Australia in the UAE.

9. Kane Williamson 192 vs Pakistan, Sharjah, November 2014

The Test was played amidst the tragic death of Phillip Hughes. However, Kane Williamson, along with McCullum, produced knocks that quickly dispelled the gloom. Williamson oozed class, confidence and style. His use of the feet to the spinners and his supreme timing were a sight to behold. He used his feet wonderfully to smother the spin and played the pacers comfortably off the back foot.
He brought up his eighth Test century and he punished every loose ball that came his way. Williamson fell for 192 but his 297-run stand with McCullum helped New Zealand achieve their first Test victory over Pakistan since 2009. It continued a match-winning year for Williamson. In the previous series against the West Indies, his century in Kingston and Barbados ensured New Zealand won a series in the West Indies after 12 years.

10. Virat Kohli 115 and 141 vs Australia, Adelaide, December 2014

On India's previous trip to Australia in 2011, Kohli's 116 in Adelaide was the lone bright spot in a 4-0 drubbing. In the first Test of the series in Adelaide in 2014-15, Kohli stood tall and almost gave India a famous win. In the first innings, he was hit on the helmet by Mitchell Johnson but he recovered from that blow to start positively.
He played both spin and pace with confidence to bring up his seventh Test century. In the second innings, chasing 364 on the final day, Kohli once again stepped up to the plate and his 185-run partnership with Murali Vijay got India close. On a wearing pitch, he tackled Lyon well by playing him off the back foot and using the sweep well. In the process, Kohli became the first batsman to score twin tons on debut as captain overseas but with his dismissal on 141, India lost the initiative and gave Australia victory by 48 runs. Once again, amidst the gloom, Kohli had given India a bright spark.