The India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and the opening batter Shubman Gil failed to make Nasser Hussain’s combined XI for India vs Australia ahead of World Test Championship Final (WTC). Former England captain Nasser Hussain also explained the reasons why Jadeja and Gill were excluded. India and Australia will be facing off in the WTC Final scheduled to take place between 7-11 June.
Hussain had to select a combined XI that included players from both squads before the mega-clash. Hussain selected Rohit Sharma and Usman Khawaja as his opening pair, while Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli made up the middle order. Cameron Green, an all-rounder from Australia, was chosen ahead of Jadeja to be the No.6 batsman. Alex Carey is the wicketkeeper.
Hussain chose Pat Cummins as his pacer, along with Mitchell Starc and Mohammed Shami. Ravichandran Ashwin, however, was the lone spinner. Hussain explained the reasons for his selections. Former England skipper says he would’ve chosen Jadeja over Green if the WTC Final had been played on the subcontinent.
Sunil Gavaskar answers the question: What will be India’s biggest challenge in WTC Final? Sunil Gavaskar answers
If the World Test Championship Final were in India or the Subcontinent, I would probably pick Jadeja for six. It’s not me, as it’s England. Cameron Green is my choice for an all-round bowler. Cameron Green is my choice for an all-rounder. Ravi Ashwin would be my spinner at number eight. Hussain explained that he is a very good batsman at the No.8 ,” position.
Rohit Sharma will lead Nasser Hussain’s WTC Final XI
The Indian captain, Rohit Singh was chosen by the former England skipper to take on the leadership role. Hussain stated that he prefers Rohit because of his style of leadership. The 55-year old commentator also said it was too soon for Shubman to be included in the combined XI.
“I would like Shubman Gill to be in, but I believe it’s a bit too early for him to make my combined XI. So I’m going with Usman Khaawaja to bat first.” He added that the easy part was to pick three of the greatest players in history, including (Marnus), Labuschagne (Steve) Smith, and (Virat), Kohli.
Nasser Hassain’s combined India and Australia XI: Rohit sharma (c), Usman khawaja, Marnus labuschagne, Steve Smith Virat Kohli Cameron Green Alex Carey, Ravichandran Ashwin Pat Cummins Mitchell Starc Mohammad Shami
