The Ultimate Combined All Time India Pakistan Test XI !

Openers

Both countries have produced a handful of world class openers. To balance the stability and scoring rate, we have decided to go for a steady accumulator, who would hold down one end along with another opener, who can keep the scoreboard ticking.

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In the former category the contenders are Vijay Merchant and Sunil Gavaskar from India and the recently deceased Hanif Mohammad from Pakistan. The sample size for Merchant is too small. In a career interrupted by World War II and affected by illness, he played just 10 test matches.

So effectively it is a knockout between Hanif and Gavaskar. While both are all time greats, Gavaskar’s consistency and superb record against all opponents help him edge out the Pakistani legend.

Regarding the second opener (brisk scorer), once again there are two genuine options: Saeed Anwar from Pakistan and Virender Sehwag from India. This one is, literally touch and go. One could go with either batsman.

Ultimately, Sehwag’s better scoring rate wins out. Indeed, he scored at a scarcely believable strike rate of 82. While, Anwar might be the better choice on a difficult wicket, Sehwag is more likely to take the game away from the opposition.