IND vs NZ: Best combined XI of Test series

Test cricket returned to the Indian stadiums after a long time. After an exhausting calendar, many senior members were rested as Team India faced New Zealand at home. It was a perfect chance for the benched players to showcase their talents. The first match was played at Kanpur, where Shreyas Iyer made his debut. After a grueling five days of play, the match ended in a draw. Both sides fought brilliantly as Rachin Ravindra managed to drag his team out of a possible defeat. As Test cricket returned to Mumbai, Team India was spot on with their tactics. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli, they decimated the Kiwi lineup. Here is the best combined XI from the recently concluded India vs New Zealand series: 1. Tom Latham Will Young and Tom Latham. (Photo Source: Twitter/ BLACKCAPS) Tom Latham has been one of the most prolific batsmen in the Kiwi lineup. Despite being an overseas batsman, he has solid technique and looks comfortable while facing spin. His class was on display during the Kanpur Test. During the first innings, Latham went on to score 95 runs. He set up a formidable opening partnership with Will Young as they set up a perfect platform for the middle order. During his inning, he played safe shots and was in command. However, he was dismissed by Axar Patel and he fell short of a well-deserved century. In the second innings, he went on to score another fine half-century as well. His technique is a treat to watch for any spectator. 2. Mayank Agarwal Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: Twitter/BCCI) After a hectic schedule, the opening pair of Rohit and Rahul were given a break. Adding on, injury to Rahul meant that Mayank Agarwal was given a chance to open the innings for the team. However, during the Kanpur test, he failed to capitalize on the chance. As New Zealand managed to escape in the first test, all eyes were on India to put up a dominant performance in the second test. It started when Mayank went on to score 150 runs in the first innings. He smashed 17 fours and 4 sixes in his innings. Later in the second innings, as captain Kohli decided to not enforce the follow-on, Mayank scored 62 runs with a decent strike rate of 57.40, as per Test match standards. His fielding was up to the mark as well. Because of his contributions, he was adjudged as the Player of the Match. 3. Will Young Will Young. (Photo Source: Twitter/ BLACKCAPS) Will Young came in as the replacement of Devon Conway. After India had put up a commanding score during the first Innings of the Kanpur Test, the onus was on the Kiwi batsmen to deliver. Young scored 89 runs and looked solid in the middle until he was dismissed by Ashwin. He managed to defend properly against world-class spinners. Although he failed to score in the second innings, he had already impressed the viewers. In the second innings of the Mumbai Test, Young scored decent 20 runs for the Kiwis. The management should give him more chances so that he can settle as a regular member of the playing XI. If he manages to set up to the expectations, he has a bright future ahead of him. 4. Virat Kohli (c) Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: BCCI) Virat Kohli was rested for the Kanpur Test and headed to Mumbai for the preparations of the second Test match. The Indian skipper scored a four-ball duck in the first innings as the umpire made a mistake, however, this did not affect his captaincy. Kohli was spot on when it came to bowling changes. He started with Mohammed Siraj and he picked three wickets in four overs. This opened the door for the spinners to come in and hunt for wickets. The trio of Jayant, Ashwin, and Axar destroyed the Kiwi lineup as they bundled out for 62 runs. In the second innings, Kohli scored 36 runs as he fell to Rachin Ravindra. As New Zealand came out to bat again, he was attacking from the word go. As a result of his brilliant captaincy, India is now the No. 1 Test team in the world. 5. Shreyas Iyer Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: BCCI) Shreyas Iyer had a horrible 2021 until this Test series. He was injured during the home series against England. Later on, he had to give up captaincy to Rishabh Pant and was released from the DC squad. But, his perseverance seems to have paid off. Iyer was given his Test cap by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar just before the Kanpur Test. During the first innings, he went on to score 105 runs to guide India to 345. Along with Ravindra Jadeja, he formed a formidable partnership. In the second innings, he went on to score 65 runs from 125 balls. This brings up a positive point as Rahane has been struggling with his form. 6. Wriddhiman Saha (wk) Wriddhiman Saha. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images) There is no doubt that Wriddhiman Saha will go down as one of the finest keepers in the game. Even though he spent most of his playing days under the shadow of MS Dhoni and now Rishabh Pant, he has been spectacular when given proper chance. His only downfall has been his batting. Inconsistency with the bat has resulted in him sitting out of the playing XI for most of the time. But this series, he scored a brilliant half-century to help India put up 234/7 during their second innings in Kanpur. Adding on, he put up a solid partnership with Shreyas Iyer. With the glove, he hardly put down any chances. The commentators were awestruck with his keeping skills. This series was all about his techniques behind the stumps for Saha. 7. Ravindra Jadeja Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: BCCI) Over the years, Ravindra Jadeja has been the most valuable player for India. He has improved his batting significantly. This gives Kohli an extra option as Jadeja has been performing more consistently with the bat than Rahane. In the Kanpur Test, he scored a solid half-century. Later on, he picked four wickets in the second innings in the same game. This was a proper show off his all-around talents. Talking about his fielding, he has always been the best fielder in the game. He hardly misses anything and if he does so, it is a huge surprise for the fans. With the South Africa tour coming up, everyone expects him to recover from the minor injury. 8. Ravichandran Ashwin Ravichandran Ashwin and KS Bharat. (Photo Source: Twitter/BCCI) Just like Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin has been the wicket-taker for India over the years. His consistent performances over the format have made him one of the all-time greats in the game. For those who have even an iota of doubt, Ashwin has five Test centuries to his name and 427 wickets to his name. During the Test series against New Zealand, he picked three wickets in both innings of the first Test. He was on spot during the second Test match as well and kept the Kiwis at bay. In the Mumbai Test, he picked four wickets in both innings. On a turning pitch, he was unplayable. This was visible as the batsmen had no answer to his skills. 9. Kyle Jamieson Kyle Jamieson. (Photo by Gareth Copley-ICC/ICC via Getty Images) Since his debut, Kyle Jamieson has been lethal with the ball. His height gives him an extra advantage as well. Against the Indians, he has been putting up some solid performances whenever the two sides meet. In the first innings of the Kanpur Test, he picked three wickets and assisted Tim Southee perfectly. He bowled decent line and length as a result of which he troubled most Indian batsmen. Later on, during the second innings, he managed to pick three wickets as well. Even though he was unable to pick any wicket during the Mumbai Test match, he was not expensive. With the bat, he has been giving some solid contributions as well. Therefore, in this lineup, he comes in as a fast-bowling all-rounder. 10. Ajaz Patel Ajaz Patel celebrating. (Photo Source: Twitter/BLACKCAPS) Even though the Mumbai Test was a one-sided affair, it will be forever remembered because of Ajaz Patel’s heroics. In a game where his teammates failed, he stood up. This might be the series that will open many doors for Ajaz. During the first innings, he went on to become the third bowler topic 10 wickets in an innings. After bowling 47.5 overs, he conceded 119 runs and managed to pick the wicket of every batsman. It seems like Kane Williamson has found his perfect spinner in the form of Ajaz. In the second innings as well, he picked four wickets for 106 runs. The Indian batsmen had to play him with caution as he was lethal at Wankhede. In this lineup, he comes in as the third spinner along with Ashwin and Jadeja. 11. Tim Southee Tim Southee. (Photo Source: Twitter) As New Zealand came into this Test series without the services of Trent Boult, Tim Southee had to step up to ensure that the Indians do not get away easily. Being a senior member of the side, he had to put up a commendable performance. And he went on to trouble the Indian batsmen during the first Test. In the first innings, he picked a five-wicket haul. In 27.4 overs, he gave away 69 runs and picked five wickets. Later on, during the second innings as well, he picked three wickets. In subcontinental conditions, he was highly impressive with the ball. Even though he could not pick any wicket during the Mumbai Test, he was New Zealand’s best pace bowler in the series. Adding on, he can smash the ball out of the park when it is in his slot. Hence, he makes a perfect tailender.

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