Table of Contents
England spin duo Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid have unveiled their combined all-time India-England Test XI, creating a stir in the cricket world with their surprising omission of modern batting icon Virat Kohli. The announcement, made on their popular “Beard Before Wicket” YouTube channel, came just days after the conclusion of the thrilling five-match Test series between India and England that ended in a 2-2 draw.
Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid pick their all-time India-England Test XI
The English spinners crafted a formidable XI that balances attacking flair with defensive solidity. Their opening partnership showcases contrasting styles with India’s aggressive Virender Sehwag alongside England’s technically sound Marcus Trescothick. Sehwag, who remains the only Indian batter to score two triple centuries, accumulated 8,586 runs at an average of 49.34, while Trescothick contributed 5,825 runs at 43.79 with 14 centuries to his name.
The middle order reads like a hall of fame, featuring England’s current batting maestro Joe Root, India’s legendary Sachin Tendulkar, and England’s flamboyant stroke-maker Kevin Pietersen. Root continues his remarkable ascent up the batting charts with 13,543 runs and 39 centuries, while Tendulkar’s unparalleled record of 15,921 runs and 51 centuries made him an automatic selection. The duo agreed that Tendulkar would be “the very first name on the team sheet“.
The controversial Virat Kohli omission
Perhaps the most striking aspect of their selection is the absence of Kohli, despite his impressive Test record of 9,230 runs in 123 matches with 30 centuries at an average of 46.85. The omission becomes even more intriguing given that Kohli recently retired from Test cricket at age 36, concluding a 14-year career that saw him become India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches.
Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison had earlier suggested that India missed Kohli’s experience during the recent England series, particularly his ability to chase down targets in pressure situations. “In a fourth innings chase, he goes and wins the game comfortably. He would have won that game comfortably at Lord’s,” Harmison observed.
MS Dhoni was chosen as wicketkeeper, with his electric glovework and 4,876 Test runs making him the preferred choice. The legendary Ian Botham earned the sole all-rounder spot with his match-winning capabilities, boasting over 5,000 runs and 383 wickets.
The bowling attack demonstrates equal respect for both nations’ spin traditions. India’s Anil Kumble, the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test history with 619 scalps, partners with England’s Graeme Swann, whose pivotal roles in England’s historic series victories in Australia (2010/11) and India (2012/13) secured his place. The pace duo of James Anderson and Zaheer Khan rounds out the attack, with Anderson’s record 704 wickets complemented by Zaheer’s 311 scalps as one of the most feared left-arm pacers of his era.
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.
Also READ: Fans react in disbelief as Virat Kohli spotted with unrecognizable new look in London
