It won’t be wrong to say, the tensed relations between the neighbouring countries; India and Pakistan are at its all-time low. The already vulnerable relations have got sourer, right since the Uri attacks. These days, it’s hard to find the arch-nemesis on the same page in anything. For a change, there is one thing, in which they are.
The South Asian counterparts are peaking in cricket’s oldest format and are going from strength to strength. They are ruling the ICC Test rankings. They are seemingly unbeatable in their own backyard. India and Pakistan are no.1 and no.2 ranked Test sides. For the first time, the world is seeing two Asian nations dominating the top spots.
Today, we present an interesting India-Pakistan combined Test XI:
1. Murali Vijay (India)
Fondly referred as the ‘Monk’, Murali Vijay is the epitome of a rock-solid technique, relentless defense, an impeccable patience and a temperament par-excellence. His instinct to leave the balls outside off-stump makes him a tailor-made Test match opener. But it has to be his lazy elegance and mesmerizing stroke-play that fascinates many eyeballs.
Off late, Murali has been very consistent. And especially tough runs outside Asia, makes him an indispensable part of team India. Vijay’s exceptional knocks in Durban, Nottingham, Lord’s, Adelaide and Brisbane, stands-out the most. Notably, the wickets at Brisbane and Lord’s were the most treacherous ones in Australia and England, which proves his mettle.
While his innings of 75 and 47 runs on the spin-friendly deck of Mohali against South Africa testified his tight technique against spin.
In last two years, this Indian opener has accumulated 1,117 runs at an average of 46.54.
