NEW DELHI: As the cricketing world braces for the highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England starting June 20 at Headingley, a fresh debate has emerged around the best combined India-England Test XI of the post-2000 era. Former England captain Nasser Hussain recently shared his picks, sparking discussion by omitting Indian skipper Rohit Sharma from his lineup. While naming modern greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root as “non-negotiables” in his combined XI, Hussain opted for a more aggressive opening pair with England’s Alastair Cook and India’s Virender Sehwag. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root are non-negotiable… Listen, I like Rohit Sharma, but I think Virender Sehwag in Test match cricket in those 25 years and also Alastair Cook, oh, what a beautiful combination it would be!” he remarked during a segment with fellow former cricketer Michael Atherton.
Hussain also offered a blunt assessment of India’s chances in the upcoming series, predicting a 3-1 victory in favour of England. In his Mail Sport column, he emphasised the importance of home advantage and the absence of key Indian batters like Kohli and Rohit, penning: “India will miss the runs and experience of those two. England’s home form and bowling attack should prove decisive.”
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Echoing similar confidence, ex-off-spinner Graeme Swann called the series a perfect build-up to the Ashes, backing England to win 4-1. “We need to beat India at home after being outplayed in their conditions. With Kohli and Rohit not in the mix, this is our chance.”
India’s squad will be led by Shubman Gill, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, while England fields a strong side under Ben Stokes. With Test cricket’s oldest rivalry reigniting, all eyes will be on Headingley as both teams look to make an early statement.India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep YadavEngland Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris WoakesIND vs ENG Test Series Schedule:1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London
