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After the exhilarating Border-Gavaskar Trophy series of 2024-25, former England captain Michael Vaughan has unveiled his combined Australia-India XI, a lineup that has ignited lively debates among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Australia’s triumph over India in the high-stakes series played a pivotal role in shaping Vaughan’s selections. His team showcases some of the most remarkable performances from the fiercely competitive encounters, offering a blend of young talent and experienced stalwarts who left an indelible mark on the tournament.
Young openers
Sam Konstas: A surprising yet promising choice by Vaughan, highlighting his confidence in the young batter’s potential. Konstas made his Test debut in the high-pressure Melbourne match and showcased maturity beyond his years, scoring 113 runs across two games. His composed 60 in his debut innings caught the cricketing world’s attention, proving that he belongs on the international stage.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Jaiswal’s consistent performances and ability to adapt to different conditions earned him a well-deserved spot at the top. The young Indian opener was the leading run-scorer for the visitors, accumulating an impressive 391 runs at an average of 43.44. His tally included two fifties and a scintillating century, underlining his knack for building innings under pressure.
Dynamic middle order
KL Rahul: Placed at No. 3 by Vaughan, Rahul showcased his experience and versatility throughout the series. The Indian batter contributed significantly, amassing 276 runs, including two gritty fifties. His ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating when needed made him a vital cog in the lineup.
Steve Smith: Vaughan opted for Australia’s 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 unparalleled skill and temperament in Test cricket.
Travis Haad: The star Australian batter Travis Head cemented his place in the combined XI with a phenomenal series, topping the run charts. Head amassed 448 runs, featuring one fifty and two commanding centuries, underlining his dominance and reliability in the middle order.
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Wicketkeeper and all-rounder
Rishabh Pant: For the wicketkeeping role, Vaughan trusted India’s dynamic Rishabh Pant. The 27-year-old delivered under pressure, scoring 225 runs across the series. Pant’s fearless batting and ability to rescue his side from precarious situations made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Ravindra Jadeja: A natural choice at No. 7, Jadeja brought his all-round brilliance to Vaughan’s XI. The seasoned Indian player contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 135 runs in three Tests while also claiming four crucial wickets. Jadeja’s versatility added depth and balance to the side.
Bowling attack brilliance
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’s captain and spearhead bowler, Pat Cummins, was an automatic inclusion. He ended 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 finished the series with 18 wickets, showcasing his knack for providing breakthroughs when his team needed them the most.
Scott Boland: Boland’s inclusion in Vaughan’s XI was well-earned, thanks to his accuracy and crucial contributions in the series’ final stages. The Australian seamer claimed 21 wickets, underlining his effectiveness in exploiting the conditions and adding depth to the formidable bowling unit.
