Akram is the ideal man to lead an attacking side

Saeed Anwar: Back to back centuries at the World Cup is a magnificent feat and his undefeated innings in the first semis was full of grit and determination, as well as his usual wide range of wristy shots. As a Pakistan fan wrote, “Who Saeed we can’t chase.”

Mark Waugh: His century at Lord’s was full of Waugh magic, elegant wristy shots off the pads and powerful square cuts and it gained him the honour of being the first player to score four centuries in the World Cup. Mark and Saeed Anwar make an ideal opening partnership.

Rahul Dravid: He scored back to back centuries and looks an improved player now thathe’s trying to be more dominant. A good technician, Dravid also plays spin well. Saurav Ganguly got the kudos for his brilliant century against Sri Lanka, but it was Dravid who spanked the bowling early and set the tone for a huge score.

Jacques Kallis: He has come of age in the last 12 and his elevation to new ball bowler in the one-day game, allied with his ability to bat in the top order makes him a valuable all-rounder. His batting has matured and he had a consistent series.

Steve Waugh: Maintained his reputation as the best player in the game when his team needs runs and his innings at Headingley to thrust Australia into the semis was a classic. Since he started to play the lofted sweep to mid-wicket he has terrorised bowlers and he’s a great judge of the appropriate time to launch a counter attack.

Lance Klusener: “Tear ’em down you Zulu warrior,” South African fans chanted every time `The Klu’ came to the crease. He nearly decapitated Zimbabwe’s Heath Streak with a straightdrive and many fielders walked away wringing their hands after stopping a hot drive. The player of the tournament would be a `floater’ in the batting order to maximise the damage done by his heavy bat.

Moin Khan: A bowler’s nightmare — The Klu and Khan clouting ’em together. Moin was a constant danger with the bat, inventing shots as he went a long and the notches on his belt included Glenn McGrath and Allan Donald. As well as being a long ball hitter, he runs brilliantly between wickets and his keeping is agile.

Wasim Akram (captain): The Pakistan captain led his side with flair and he also bowled extremely well, moving the ball around sharply and specialising in uprooting the stumps of the lower order players. He also resurrected his batting which makes him a very dangerous opponent and the ideal man to captain an attacking side.

Shane Warne: He wins a close decision over Saqlain Mushtaq, on the strength of his inspirational effort in the semis. Still a fine bowler when the chipsare down, the ball that got Herschelle Gibbs was a beauty and contributed greatly to Australia reaching the final, where Warne confirmed he’s almost back to his best.

Shoaib Akhtar: Fast and furious, the Pakistan speed merchant was the quickest bowler at the tournament and he got the crowds buzzing every time he took the ball. I selected Shoaib ahead of Donald because he’s fast and unpredictable, whilst the South African tends to bowl more conservatively. Shoaib is likely to blast a couple out early and then decimate the tail.

Glenn McGrath: Once he took the new ball, he showed his true worth. He bowled Brian Lara with an unplayable ball to send Australia rocketing into the Super Sixes and then in a virtual sudden death contest with India, picked up Sachin Tendulkar for a duck. Australia’s attack rested heavily on the shoulders of the lanky quick.

Ricky Ponting (12th man): He was consistent, resorting to his strength and playing more off the back foot and looking much better for it.He’s a brilliant run out man, but also a great all-round fielder, making him an ideal substitute.