Dashing Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal has been selected as the Wisden Cricketer’s World Test Player-of-the-Year for 2010.
Tamim heads a field of exceptional performers, beating England’s outstanding off-spinner Graeme Swann into second place by the narrowest of margins and India’s Virender Sehwag into third.
The accolade completes a remarkable double success for Bangladesh which has now produced successive the Wisden Cricketer’s Test Players-of-the-Year, with former captain Shakib Al Hasan taking the award in 2009.
For the record, Tamim scored 837 runs at 59.78 in seven Tests during 2010, despite his team failing to win a single Test during the year.
The citation in the November issue of the Wisden Cricketer reads: “Batting with a bulldozer mentality that drew rightful comparisons with the mighty Virender Sehwag, Tamim took the attitude that all bowlers were there to be destroyed, irrespective of method or reputation.
“Though his highest score of 151 came against India at Dhaka back in January, his finest performances were reserved for an England attack that put all other opponents in their pockets during a remarkable and unbeaten 18 months.”
TOP FIVE PLAYERS
Player Points
Tamim Iqbal 7.43
Graeme Swann 7.42
Virender Sehwag 7.40
Simon Katich 7.39
Dale Steyn 7.38
