The esteemed spin combination from England, comprising Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, have publicly revealed their collaboratively selected all-time India-England Test XI, prompting considerable discussion within the cricketing community due to their unexpected choice to leave out the prominent contemporary batting figure, Virat Kohli. The declaration, which occurred on their well-known “Beard Before Wicket” channel hosted on YouTube, was made mere days after the conclusion of the captivating five-match Test series contested between India and England, culminating in a 2-2 tie.
Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid pick their all-time India-England Test XI
These English slow bowlers formulated a noteworthy XI, striking a balance between aggressive batting talent and defensive batting strength. Their chosen opening pair displayed distinctly contrasting approaches, pitting India’s dynamic Virender Sehwag against England’s classically grounded Marcus Trescothick. Sehwag, holding the distinction of being the only Indian batter to have recorded two scores of 300 or more, amassed 8,586 runs averaging 49.34, while Trescothick made 5,825 runs at 43.79, including 14 centuries.
The batting order in the middle reads like a list of celebrated names, presenting England’s current leading batter, Joe Root, alongside India’s iconic Sachin Tendulkar, and England’s stylish, free-scoring Kevin Pietersen. Root is consistently advancing in the batting records, holding 13,543 runs and 39 centuries, while Tendulkar’s unequaled achievement of 15,921 runs accompanied by 51 centuries resulted in his automatic inclusion. The duo were in agreement that Tendulkar should be “the very first name on the team sheet“.
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The controversial Virat Kohli omission
The most notable element of their selections is perhaps the non-selection of Kohli, despite his significant Test stats totaling 9,230 runs across 123 matches along with 30 centuries, maintaining an average of 46.85. This absence is even more noteworthy considering Kohli’s recent departure from the Test arena at 36 years of age, bringing to a close a 14-year period in which he became India’s most victorious captain in Tests, with 40 wins out of 68 games.
Earlier, former England pace bowler Steve Harmison suggested that India felt the absence of Kohli’s vast experience during the recent series versus England, particularly his effectiveness at pursuing targets while under pressure. “In a fourth innings chase, he goes and wins the game comfortably. He would have won that game comfortably at Lord’s,” Harmison noted.
MS Dhoni was designated as the wicketkeeper, his quick reflexes with the gloves and 4,876 Test runs making him their favored choice. The legendary Ian Botham secured the single all-rounder position as a result of his game-changing all-round ability, having surpassed 5,000 runs and taken 383 wickets.
The bowling selection displays an equal measure of respect for the prominent spin bowling traditions of both countries. India’s Anil Kumble, who sits fourth among Test cricket’s highest wicket-takers with 619, is partnered with England’s Graeme Swann, whose crucial performances throughout England’s memorable series wins in Australia (2010/11) and in India (2012/13) ensured his place. The pace bowling is formed by James Anderson and Zaheer Khan. Anderson’s record of 704 wickets is complemented by Zaheer’s 311 wickets. He was regarded as a fearsome left-arm pacer during his playing years.
Moeen Ali & Adil Rashid’s ultimate India-England Test XI:
Virender Sehwag, Marcus Trescothick, Joe Root, Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen, MS Dhoni, Ian Botham, Anil Kumble, Graeme Swann, Zaheer Khan, and James Anderson.
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