A combined all-time Test XI from India and England

#2 Sir Len Hutton (C)

Hutton was the first professional to lead England

With overhead conditions and conducive pitches making the Dukes ball hoop around all corners, opening the innings on English soil is unarguably the toughest among all nations. Not surprisingly, England have produced more accomplished openers than any other team.

Sir Leonard Hutton could very well stake a claim for being the best amongst the entire lot in the post Second World War era. A versatile batsman who thrived even on rain-affected uncovered pitches, the right-hander amassed 6971 runs from 79 matches at an average of 56.67 with 19 centuries. His shrewd handling of a young Fred Trueman should settle all debates regarding the captaincy.