Michael Clarke has picked his India-Australia combined Test Playing XI of the century. Making an appearance on the YouTube Channel TAB, he was asked to pick a combined team with players from both countries from 2000 onwards.
Even before revealing the name of one player, he said sorry to anybody that he didnโt select and stated that he would think about the players he loved playing with or against. He also clarified that stats would not be considered; instead, the playing style of the players would matter.
Virender Sehwag and Matthew Hayden are the openers to keep the left-right combination. Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli are at number three, four, and five, respectively. He completed the top six with the inclusion of Steve Smith.
In the wicket-keeping department, he went with Adam Gilchrist if the match is played in Australia, while MS Dhoni would replace him if the contest is held in India.
Shane Warne is the only spinner in the side. Glenn McGrath, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ryan Harris were given a chance in the pace bowling department.
For the 12th man, he took the names of Mitchell Johnson and Zaheer Khan, depending on whether the match would be played in Australia or India. Clarke said Zaheer was brilliant in Australia as well, but he wanted extra pace, and thatโs why he named Johnson.
Michael Clarkeโs India-Australia Combined Test XI of the Century
Virender Sehwag, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Adam Gilchrist/MS Dhoni, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Ryan Harris
12th Man โ Mitchell Johnson/Zaheer Khan