CWC 2019: A combined playing XI comprising the Ashes rivals

Middle-order: Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Jos Buttler

The best middle order

A team with a solid middle-order gives a lot of confidence for other batsmen because if they underperform the middle order is there to balance things out. In that case, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Jos Buttler would be the apt choice.

Obviously, Root and Smith are modern day greats with ample records. Their steady strokeplay would stabilize things. Buttler's ODI strike rate of 119.57 ensures that the run rate stays intact. Butler is also a better wicketkeeping option than Alex Carey at the moment.

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Finishers: Glenn Maxwell and Ben Stokes

Glenn Maxwell and Ben Stokes

Glenn Maxwell is one of the world's best finishers at the moment. His ODI strike rate of 121.95 shows what he is capable of doing in the lower middle order. Maxwell is also a decent off-spinner with wicket-taking abilities.

The fast bowling all-rounder Ben Stokes is equally important in such a playing XI. Stokes can do maximum damage with both bat and ball. This right-left attacking combo can script a solid finish together. Importantly, they are gun fielders and solid bowlers.