Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah snubbed as Nick Knight picks his combined India-England Test XI

Former England cricketer Nick Knight recently picked his combined India-England Test XI of the 21st century, leaving out India’s biggest modern-day stars. The cricketer-turned-commentator omitted Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah from his XI during ESPN Cricinfo's segment 'The Draft'.

England and India are playing a five-match Test series. The Ben Stokes-led team has taken a 2-1 lead in the ongoing series, with the fourth Test match set to begin on Wednesday, July 23, at Old Trafford in Manchester. As the hosts aim to clinch the series, India will look to bounce back and level the contest.

Nick Knight Leaves Out Virat Kohli in Combined India-England Test XI

Nick Knight selected Alastair Cook and Virender Sehwag as openers in his combined India-England Test XI of the 21st century. Knight mentioned their contrasting styles, with Cook’s ability to build an innings and Sehwag’s aggressive approach.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

The former batter chose Michael Vaughan at No. 3, a decision that has drawn criticism given the impressive records of India’s Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara in that position.

Knight named Sachin Tendulkar at No. 4 in his lineup. However, Tendulkar’s inclusion at that position likely led to the omission of Virat Kohli, who has also excelled in the same spot for India.

Nick Knight Snubs Jasprit Bumrah in Combined India-England Test XI

Nick Knight completed his middle order by selecting Kevin Pietersen at No. 5, followed by Graham Thorpe at No. 6. Former India captain MS Dhoni was picked as the wicketkeeper at No. 7 in the lineup.

For the bowling department, Knight opted for a pace trio consisting of Zaheer Khan, Stuart Broad, and James Anderson. Graeme Swann was included as the sole spinner in the playing XI.

While the fast-bowling unit looks formidable, especially with the new ball, the side lacks balance due to the absence of an all-rounder. Knight named former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble as the 12th man.

Nick Knight's Combined India-England XI (21st century): Alastair Cook, Virender Sehwag, Michael Vaughan, Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen, Graham Thorpe, MS Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Anil Kumble (12th man)

England Aim to Clinch Series in Fourth Test Against India

England made a positive start to the five-match Test series, with a five-wicket win in the opening game at Headingley. However, they faced a heavy setback in the second Test at Birmingham, where India dominated and handed them a massive 336-run defeat.

Ben Stokes’ side bounced back in the third Test at Lord’s with a 22-run victory in a closely fought encounter. Defending a modest target of 193 in the final innings, England bowled India out for 170 on the fifth day, regaining the lead in the series.

With a 2-1 advantage, England now have the chance to seal the series in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. A win there would give them an unassailable 3-1 lead, ensuring a series victory with one match still to play.

Also read: Cheteshwar Pujara snubs Tendulkar, Cook, Dhoni, Anderson as he picks combined India-England Test XI