The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 turned out to be a cricketing spectacle for the ages. All five Tests went the full distance, treating fans to relentless battles between bat and ball — a rarity in today’s game. India’s thrilling 6-run victory in the final Test at the Oval leveled the series 2-2, capping off an unforgettable contest between two evenly matched sides.
Michael Vaughan names England-India combined XI for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan, known for his sharp cricketing insights, has revealed his combined playing XI from the series. Vaughan’s team features a mix of consistent run-scorers, match-winning all-rounders, and lethal bowlers, with Ben Stokes named as captain of the XI.
Star openers
Vaughan opted for KL Rahul and Ben Duckett to open the innings. Rahul has been in sublime touch, amassing 532 runs at an average of 53.20, including two centuries. Duckett, on the other hand, has provided England with aggressive starts, scoring 462 runs at 51.33.
Interestingly, Vaughan slotted Yashasvi Jaiswal at No. 3, despite the youngster being an opener for India. Jaiswal’s ability to adapt and his two crucial centuries in the series made him an irresistible choice for the role.
Solid middle order
At No. 4 and 5, Vaughan had no hesitation in picking Joe Root and Shubman Gill. Root has been England’s batting mainstay, while Gill, leading India in the series, has been prolific with the bat. Together, the pair has contributed nearly 1,300 runs and seven centuries, solidifying their spots in Vaughan’s XI.
Rishabh Pant was selected as the wicketkeeper, having turned heads with his aggressive yet effective batting. Pant’s 479 runs in just four Tests, including two centuries, highlighted his impact.
High-class all-rounders
Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja filled the all-rounder slots in Vaughan’s XI. Stokes, apart from his 304 runs with the bat, has been England’s standout bowler with 17 wickets. Meanwhile, Jadeja has showcased his remarkable consistency, scoring 516 runs at an average of 86 and chipping in with seven wickets on pace-friendly surfaces.
Brilliant bowling attack
For the pace department, Vaughan went with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Josh Tongue. Despite playing only three Tests, Bumrah’s 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, reaffirmed his world-class status. Siraj has been the series’ leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets, while Tongue’s raw pace and 19 wickets in just three games earned him the final spot in the attack.
Michael Vaughan’s combined England-India XI
KL Rahul, Ben Duckett, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Joe Root, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ben Stokes (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Tongue
