Gill To Lead; Duckett Over Jaiswal, No Bumrah: Best Playing XI Of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal [Source: AFP]

The high-voltage Test series between India and England finally marked its conclusion, with India securing a hard-fought draw with a magnificent victory at the Oval. The fifth day witnessed the final hours of nailbiting action as India claimed a memorable victory in the riveting contest. 

As the series has formally concluded, let's analyse and find out the best XI of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. 

Openers: KL Rahul, Ben Duckett

Why have we picked Duckett over Jaiswal?

• Overall Stats: Duckett- 462 runs (Avg/SR- 51.33, 82.94), Jaiswal - 411 runs (Avg/SR - 68.73)
• Consistency: Duckett - 3 50s, 1 hundred in 9 innings, Jaiswal - 5 scores of less than 15, four single-digit scores
• Impact at the top: Duckett dominated the Indian attack with a much higher strike rate, struck two magnificent knocks (62 and 149) in a winning cause at Headingley.  

KL Rahul is an obvious choice for the opening slot, considering his prolific returns in the Test series. Rahul's technique was always praiseworthy; however, he took his game to a whole new level by showcasing remarkable consistency in this series. 

There could be a toss-up between Duckett and Jaiswal for the second opener's role; however, the former pips the latter through sheer consistency and impactful knocks throughout the series. 

Number 3 and 4: Joe Root and Shubman Gill

Joe Root was clinical with the bat [Source: AFP]

(Stats of Root, Gill, Sudharsan and Pope in IND vs ENG Test series)

Number three batters from both sides couldn't live up to the expectations. While Sai Sudharsan had a topsy-turvy journey, Ollie Pope averaged just 34 with the bat. 

Therefore, we pick Joe Root and Shubman Gill as our number three and four batters, respectively. 

Root and Gill were undoubtedly the most prolific performers in the series, registering 537 and 754 runs, respectively. His leadership attributes earned Gill massive applause from all parts of the world; as a result, he is chosen as the captain of our team. 

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Brook, Pant, Stokes and Jadeja To Form Middle Order Core

Harry Brook is our number five batter for his incredible performance in the series. Besides scoring 99 runs in England's triumphant Headingley Test, Brook dominated the Indian attack with power-packed knocks at Edgbaston (158 in 1st innings) and Kennington Oval (53 and 111 in 1st and 2nd innings, respectively). 

Meanwhile, despite missing the fifth Test due to a toe injury, Rishabh Pant slammed 479 runs at a superb average of 68.43. His stature and commitment to the team make him our first-choice pick for the wicketkeeper's slot. 

Ben Stokes showcased extraordinary all-round prowess in the series, scoring 304 runs and scalping 17 wickets. He bowled his heart out at Lord's while also chipping in with crucial breakthroughs in the first four Tests. 

Ravindra Jadeja, the batter, grabbed the limelight through his sensational batting performances. His twin fifties were pivotal in India's victory at Edgbaston, while his valiant century helped the visitors secure a stalemate in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. 

Mohammed Siraj, Josh Tongue, Akash Deep

Mohammed Siraj enjoyed stellar success vs ENG [Source: AFP]

Mohammed Siraj and Josh Tongue were the two most successful seamers in the series, scalping the highest wickets for their respective teams. Tongue produced wickets with some unplayable deliveries, while Siraj led the Indian pace attack with a lot of skill and courage. 

Meanwhile, Akash Deep, due to his sheer impact in the Edgbaston Test, makes it into our team in place of Jasprit Bumrah. Although Bumrah bagged 14 wickets in three Tests, he wasn't close to his best. He struggled with fitness issues throughout the tour, missing out on the do-or-die face-off at the Oval. 

OC's India-England Combined XI Of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Ben Duckett, KL Rahul, Joe Root, Shubman Gill (C), Harry Brook, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Tongue, Akash Deep

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