Former England cricketer Nick Knight has sparked debate with his selection of a combined India-England Test XI from the 21st century, omitting modern stars Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. The lineup, revealed during ESPN Cricinfo’s The Draft segment, prioritizes seasoned campaigners and statistical heavyweights while spotlighting a strategic blend of playing styles.
Knight’s XI opens with Alastair Cook and Virender Sehwag – a pairing balancing Cook’s grit and Sehwag’s explosive strokeplay. The middle order features three former England captains: Michael Vaughan at No. 3, followed by Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar and the dynamic Kevin Pietersen. Graham Thorpe and MS Dhoni round out the top seven, with Dhoni doubling as wicketkeeper. The bowling attack leans heavily on England’s veteran pace duo of James Anderson (704 Test wickets) and Stuart Broad (607), alongside India’s Zaheer Khan (311), complemented by off-spinner Graeme Swann. Anil Kumble was named 12th man as specialist spin cover.
Notably absent are current stars Kohli, Test cricket’s seventh-highest run-scorer, and Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead. Knight’s choices instead reflect longevity and proven impact across conditions, though the absence of all-rounders raises questions about team balance. The former England batter, who scored 719 runs in his 17-Test career, emphasized classical Test match credentials over recent form.
The selection debate coincides with heightened anticipation for the ongoing India-England Test series. England currently lead 2-1 after three fiercely contested matches. Ben Stokes’ side claimed a tense 28-run victory at Lord’s, defending 194 on a dramatic final day, following earlier triumphs at Headingley and a heavy defeat in Birmingham. The fourth Test, beginning July 23 at Manchester’s Old Trafford, offers England a chance to secure an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
Historical context adds weight to both narratives. Knight’s XI includes seven English players despite India’s recent dominance in bilateral contests, reflecting England’s stronger Test record early in the century. The current series continues cricket’s longest-running international rivalry, with India seeking their first series win in England since 2007. As selectors and teams alike balance legacy with contemporary prowess, Knight’s choices underline the enduring value of adaptability and match-winning consistency in cricket’s oldest format.
