Australia captain Pat Cummins snubbed Virat Kohli from his all-time India-Australia combined XI. Cummins, who is not participating in the white-ball series against India due to injury, named a strong playing XI featuring legends from both sides — but it included neither Kohli nor Rohit Sharma.
However, there was a catch. Asked to name the combined XI by the broadcaster, Cummins clarified that he would only be selecting past players from both countries. The fast bowler’s XI leaned heavily towards the Australian side, with only Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Zaheer Khan representing India in the lineup.
Cummins picked David Warner to open alongside Sachin Tendulkar. The middle order featured Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, Shane Watson, and Michael Bevan. MS Dhoni was named as the wicketkeeper, while the bowling attack included Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Zaheer Khan, and Glenn McGrath.
Pat Cummins’ IND-AUS Combined XI
David Warner, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Michael Bevan, MS Dhoni (wk), Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Zaheer Khan, Glenn McGrath
The Australian captain is currently sidelined with a lower back injury and will not feature in the India series. Cummins is also expected to miss the first Ashes Test later this year. In his absence, Mitchell Marsh will lead the Australian side, which will include pace spearheads Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the bowling lineup.
Australia will also be without their first-choice wicketkeepers Alex Carey and Josh Inglis for the opening match of the series.
