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After the exciting Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the 2024-25 seasonformer England captain Michael Vaughan has presented its combination Australia-India XI, a line-up that has ignited heated debates among cricket fans around the world. Australia’s triumph over India in the high-stakes series played a pivotal role in shaping Vaughan’s selections. Their team put in some of the most remarkable performances of the fiercely competitive fixtures, offering a mix of young talent and seasoned stalwarts who left an indelible mark on the tournament.
Young openers
Sam Konstas: A surprising but promising choice by Vaughan, highlighting his confidence in the young batsman’s potential. Konstas made his Test debut in the high-pressure match in Melbourne and showed maturity beyond his years, scoring 113 runs in two matches. His composed 60 in his debut innings caught the attention of the cricketing world, proving that he belongs on the international stage.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Jaiswal’s consistent performances and his ability to adapt to different conditions earned him a well-deserved place at the top. The young Indian opener was the top scorer for the visitors, amassing an impressive 391 runs at an average of 43.44. His tally included two fifties and a brilliant century, underlining his ability to build innings under pressure.
Dynamic average order
KL Rahul: Vaughan Placed at No.3, Rahul showed his experience and versatility throughout the series. The Indian batsman contributed significantly, amassing 276 runs, including two fifties. His ability to anchor tackles while stepping up when needed made him a vital cog in the lineup.
Steve Smith: Vaughan opted for Australian Steve Smith at No.4, a position the former captain has made his own. Smith was instrumental in Australia’s success, scoring 314 runs, which included two masterful centuries that demonstrated his unmatched skill and temperament in Test cricket.
Chief Travis: Australia’s star batsman Travis Head cemented his place in the combined eleven with a phenomenal run, topping the run charts. Head amassed 448 runs, with a dominant fifty-two centuries, underscoring his dominance and reliability in the middle order.
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Wicketkeeper and all-rounder
Rishabh pants: For the wicketkeeping role, Vaughan trusted India’s dynamic Rishabh Pant. The 27-year-old delivered under pressure, scoring 225 runs in the entire series. Pant’s fearless batting and ability to rescue his team from precarious situations made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja, a natural choice at No.7, brought his brilliance to Vaughan’s XI. The experienced Indian all-rounder contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 135 runs in three Tests while claiming four crucial wickets. Jadeja’s versatility added depth and balance to the side.
Brilliance of bowling attack
jasprit bumrah: Leading the bowling attack, Bumrah was the standout performer of the series and a unanimous choice for Vaughan’s XI. The Indian pacer was named Player of the Series after a stellar performance that saw him take 32 wickets, often delivering match-winning spells.
Pat Cummins: Australia captain and spearhead bowler Pat Cummins was an automatic inclusion. He finished the series as the second highest wicket-taker with 25 scalps, consistently delivering under pressure and leading his team with aplomb.
Mitchell Starc: Known for his lethal pace and ability to strike early, Starc played a pivotal role in dismantling opposition batting line-ups. The left-arm quick ended the series with 18 wickets, showing his ability to deliver breakthroughs when his team needed them most.
Scott Boland: Boland’s inclusion in Vaughan’s XI was well deserved, thanks to his accuracy and crucial contributions in the closing stages of the series. The Australian seamer claimed 21 wickets, underlining his effectiveness in exploiting the conditions and adding depth to the formidable bowling unit.
