Michael Vaughan's Champions Trophy dream XI

Former English skipper Michael Vaughan has picked his dream XI for the 2017 edition of the Champions Trophy. The tournament is just about to get underway in England and Wales with most of the eight participating teams already playing warm-up fixtures to get used to the conditions in England.

Vaughan picked up the most successful players among the current crop of players who are expected to outshine others at their respective spots in the team during the tournament. At the top of the order, the Englishman has picked up two explosive southpaws’ in the form of Australian batsman David Warner and Proteas wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. Both these batsmen are at the peak of their form at the moment, and it would take some seam bowling to dislodge this opening pair.

Top-class middle order

At No.3, Vaughan has favoured the fellow Englishman Joe Root over the Australian captain and probably one of world’s best batsmen in the form of Steven Smith. The reason that he states for the selection is that Root is aware of the pitch better than the Australian and also the fact that Root could be used as a sixth bowler in the team.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been picked to play at No.4 in the playing XI. Kohli’s ability to explode and rebuild the innings has made him a must pick in the team. At No.5 features Virat’s RCB teammate and South African captain AB de Villiers, with the Proteas’ batsman wizardry at manoeuvring the ball to all parts.

Ben Stokes, the Most Valuable Player of the Indian Premier League has been picked at No.6 in this dream XI to make the best of his all-round exploits. Jos Buttler is picked ahead of MS Dhoni at No.7 in Vaughan’s line-up, who’s batting is as aggressive as the latter’s.

Pacers

Mitchell Starc, Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult are the three-fast-bowling options Vaughan has chosen. Starc’s ability to swing the ball at the start of the innings alongside his ability to deliver the pinpoint Yorkers has made him a must pick alongside Boult who will enjoy bowling in the swinging conditions in the UK. Rabada’s line and length would cause a worry or two to the batsmen, and his ability to hit some meaty blows could help the team as well.

Imran Tahir is the eleventh member of the squad, following his successful season with the Rising Pune Supergiants’ where he ended up as their second leading wicket-taker. The squad is well equipped to take on the best sides in the world if there was ever an opportunity.

Michael Vaughan’s dream Champions Trophy XI:

David Warner, Quinton de Kock, Joe Root, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Mitchell Starc, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Imran Tahir