India v Australia Test series: Combined XI

Steve Smith

Steve Smith has been performing at an intensity which can be described as nothing short of matchless in an away series against the Indians who are well-known for their dominance at home. The batsman has been viewed as one of the greatest batsmen in world cricket after smashing 499 runs in 4 matches with the best score of 178 at a consistency which can be matched by none other than Virat Kohli.

Smith has truly performed like a leader stepping up and performing whenever required by his side at an alarming rate. He has surely sent out a message to his critics with these performances.

Peter Handscomb

Handscomb has been one of Australia’s most consistent performers with the willow with his mature decision making and immense dedication. His performance was a major factor behind Australia escaping with a draw, at Ranchi in a scenario where Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin looked all set to win the game for India.

Handscomb scored 280 runs in 4 matches with the best score of 72 which has been a key factor behind Australia’s fighting performances on tough spinning pitches against the Indians.

Wriddhiman Saha

The Indian wicketkeeper came off age in this season. He has scored three centuries against three opponents while being spot on. Saha scored a hundred in the Ranchi Test and had a crucial partnership with Jadeja in the first inning at Dharamsala that got Team India the lead.

He is not just safe behind the wickets but his acrobatic catches have ensured the slightest to the thickest of nicks have landed in his gloves and not drained down to the boundary ropes. The runs he has scored at No.7 has also given the team that confidence to play with an extra bowler.