Dhoni named leader of 2008's world Test team

The year seems to be getting better for Indian skipper MS Dhoni and opener Gautam Gambhir even as it draws to a close. The duo were included in Sydney Morning Herald's Team of the year.

Dhoni was chosen the skipper of the team that includes stalwarts like South African captain Graeme Smith, England skipper Kevin Pietersen and West Indies' middle order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

"After culpably missing the tour to Sri Lanka, Dhoni led his team to victory over Australia and England, displaying an ability to forge a fighting unit and pursue ruthless strategies," said the Sydney Morning Herald about the Indian captain.

Gambhir, who scored 1134 runs at an average of 70.88 from eight Tests this year, will have Smith as his opening partner.

In what could be seen as a significant reflection of Australia's cricketing fortunes, the daily chose only one Australian in the eleven. Pacer Mitchell Johnson, who took eight wickets in South Africa's first innings in Perth a few days ago, was the lone Australian in the team.

South Africa had the maximum candidates with as many as three batsmen (Smith, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers) and one bowler (Dale Steyn) in the line-up.

Test team of the year: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper, India), Graeme Smith (South Africa), Gautam Gambhir (India), Hashim Amla (South Africa), Kevin Pietersen (England), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies), AB de Villiers (South Africa), Ryan Sidebottom (England), Dale Steyn (South Africa), Mitchell Johnson (Australia), Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka).