How a World Test XI could line up in 2020

BJ Watling | New Zealand

BJ Watling has become a crucial member of this New Zealand side

There is a bit of a dilemma when it comes to picking the number seven batsman, who is usually the wicketkeeper as well. One can either pick someone who can add quick runs down the order, in a bit of a counter attacking style, in the way Adam Gilchrist did for Australia for so many years. Or pick more of a firefighter in case quick wickets fall up the order.

England, India, and South Africa have all gone for the counter attacking options of Jos Buttler, Rishabh Pant, and Quinton de Kock. New Zealand have instead gone with the more traditional route, and have put a specialist batsman there in the shape of BJ Watling. The 34-year old is a solid wicketkeeper, and has scored 3,658 runs in 70 Test matches at an average of 38.50.

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R Ashwin | India

When it comes to spinners, there are a few around the world at the moment who could challenge for this spot in the side, but only a few really stand out. Nathan Lyon is certainly right up there as one of the best in the world. While both Keshav Maharaj and Mitchell Santner are excellent cricketers, both are more solid than spectacular.

R Ashwin has enjoyed success all around the world, not just around Asia, and has been at the top of the game for a number of years now. In his 70 Test matches, he has taken 362 wickets, the fourth most by any Indian bowler, at an average just over 25. He has also made a contribution with the bat, averaging over 28, and scoring four hundreds, along with 11 fifties.