India-Australia combined Test XI: 21st century 

Middle-order

#3 Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid, one of the finest cricketers produced by India

Rahul Dravid, known as The Wall, was a technically solid batsman who probably had the best defensive technique in his era. His patience, determination to remain at the crease, and to play every ball on its merit frustrated even the best bowlers in the business.

Due to his humble disposition and ceaseless professionalism, he was revered endlessly by his compatriots.

Dravid scored a mammoth 13288 runs in 164 Tests at an average of 52.31. He was also an excellent slip fielder and holds the record for the most catches by an outfielder (210).

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#4 Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, arguably the greatest batsman to play the game

Many pundits and cricket fans consider Sachin as one of the greatest batsmen of the game. He is often compared with the great Don Bradman of Australia. Being an elegant batsman, he scored runs at home as well as in the difficult conditions outside the sub-continent.

Sachin Tendulkar is currently the leading aggregate run scorer in Test cricket, having scored 15921 runs in 200 matches at an average of 53.78.

Even the great Shane Warne found it challenging to control Sachin due to his ability to take him on and not let him settle into a rhythm.

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#5 Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting was a terrific leader and a sensational middle-order batsman

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was one of the best players of short pitch bowling. He had the rare talent of pulling the ball on the front foot.

Furthermore, his ability to flick the ball as well as play comfortably on the back-foot helped him dominate the opposition spinners on typical subcontinental pitches.

He was the captain of the Australian team which had reached its peak and was almost unbeatable in the early 2000s.

In 168 Tests, Ricky Ponting has scored 13378 runs at an impressive average of 51.85. His highest score of 257 came against India at Melbourne on 26th December 2003.

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#6 Steve Waugh (C)

Steve Waugh, a leader who revolutionised Australian cricket

Steve Waugh, a gentleman of the game, rarely let his emotions get the better of him through the length of his illustrious career. Being a tall player, Waugh was technically solid, proficient in playing the cover drive, and exhibited calm and composure on the cricket field.

Being regarded by many as one of the greatest captains of Australia, he was much revered by his teammates for his matchless decision-making abilities.

In 168 matches, Waugh scored 10927 Test runs at an average of 51.06. Along with Ponting and Allan Border, he is the only Australian batsman to score more than 10,000 runs in the format.