Perth: With the India-Australia ODI series set to commence on October 19 at Optus Stadium, Australian captain Pat Cummins has created quite a stir as he picked his all-time combined XI for the celebrated rivalry.
Modern Indian greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are a stunning snub from the side, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t made it in either, with even Aussie legend Adam Gilchrist not given the nod.
Not part of the series under Mitchell Marsh’s captaincy due to an ongoing back issue, Cummins opened up on his selections during a conversation with Star Sports. The XI has got eight Australians as against just three Indians – all retired greats; a very weighty bias towards the Down Under dominance. David Warner and Sachin Tendulkar form the opening pair, while Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, Shane Watson, and Michael Bevan form the middle order. MS Dhoni is behind the stumps and Warne has a potent bowling force consisting of Brett Lee, Zaheer Khan, and Glenn McGrath.
The omission has fans baffled, particularly considering Rohit and Kohli erasing Aussie bowlers at home and overseas. Still, Cummins knows their aura is different Down Under and suggested this may be their last stand in Australia. Both average more than 50 in ODIs at that venue – and fireworks can be expected if they hit top gear.
Cummins’ preference for proven performers only underlines the quality of the rivalry but also piques anticipation: can that snub inspire India to crash Australia’s party?
The combined XI: David Warner, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Michael Bevan, MS Dhoni (wk), Shane Warne (C), Brett Lee Zaheer Khan and Glenn McGrath.