Strongest Test XI featuring the players from the top ten of current ICC Test Rankings

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Current updates in the ICC Rankings witnessed a few changes, predominantly in the Test Rankings. Usman Khawaja made an entry into the top ten of ICC Test Rankings for batsmen for the first time after a stupendous match-saving knock against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli retained his top spot in the Test Rankings.

Apart from this, there were no significant changes in the top ten of the current ICC Test Rankings for the batsmen, bowlers, or all-rounder. Thus, having considered all of these thirty players (the players holding a place in the top ten of the current ICC Rankings in any of the three departments), a playing XI has been churned out that could dominate any team in the world irrespective of the playing conditions.

Let us go through the strongest playing XI featuring players from the top ten of the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders.

Note: These statistics are true as of 13th October 2018. Besides, Smith and Warner are not considered for the selection with the reasons best known to us.


#1 Dean Elgar (South Africa): ICC Test Ranking (Batting) - 9th

Dean Elgar
Dean Elgar

Dean Elgar, South Africa's first-choice opener, has been a vital cog in South African batting lineup in Test cricket. Having scored 589 runs at an average of 36.81, Elgar is one of the highest run-scorers in Test cricket in the calendar year 2018. Besides, he is also the third highest run-scorer for South Africa in Tests in the year 2018.

Moreover, with decent 2018 thus far, Elgar is also the ninth-ranked batsman in the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen. Thus, with an excellent record on his side, Dean fixes himself a place on the list as a specialist opener.

#2 Usman Khawaja (Australia): ICC Test Ranking (Batting) - 10th

Image result for Usman Khawaja

Accompanying Elgar would be the Australian opener, Usman Khawaja. The left-handed batsman has turned out be an essential part of the Australian Test after the Sandpaper-gate which led to the exclusion of Steve Smith and David Warner from all the three formats of the game. Since then, Khawaja has been a regular affair in the Australian Test team.

In the calendar year 2018, Khawaja has scored 562 runs at an average of 51.09 which also includes the brilliant century against Pakistan in the recent Test which helped the Australian to drew the Test from a losing position. Hence, Khawaja turns out to be a decent option on this list alongside Elgar.

#3 Cheteshwar Pujara (India): ICC Test Ranking (Batting) - 6th

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The middle-order begins with India's premier Test batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara. The veteran from Saurashtra has been one of the best batsmen in Test cricket for quite a time now.

Having scored 509 runs at an average of 31.81, Pujara has been the second highest run-scorer for India in Tests in the calendar year 2018. Currently, Pujara holds the sixth spot in the current ICC Test Rankings for batsmen.

#4 Virat Kohli (India): ICC Test Ranking (Batting) - 1st

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One player who will maintain his place on the list for ages is Virat Kohli. Arguably the best batsman in the world at the moment, Kohli has been a revelation in all the formats of the game.

Having scored more than 1000 runs in Tests in the calendar year 2018, Virat has also been the highest run-scorer in Tests in the calendar year 2018 so far. Currently, the Indian skipper also holds the numero-uno position in the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen.

#5 Joe Root (England): ICC Test Ranking (Batting) - 4th

England Media Access

Following Kohli would be yet another member of the fab four, Joe Root. The English Test captain has been a treat to watch, especially in Tests.

Root has scored 719 runs at an average of 42.29 in Tests in the calendar year 2018. Besides, he is also the second highest run-scorer in Tests in 2018, and also the highest run-scorer in Tests in 2018 for England.

Currently, the English Test captain holds the fourth spot in the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen.

#6 Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka): ICC Test Ranking (Batting) - 8th

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Dinesh Chandimal, the Sri Lankan right-handed batsman, will be the wicket-keeper of this side. Interestingly, Chandimal is the only wicket-keeper batsman to have made the current ICC Test Rankings for batsmen.

Although Chandimal hasn't kept wickets in a while for Sri Lanka, he has been a decent wicket-keeper who has the kept wickets on difficult pitches in the past. As of now, he also holds the eight position in the current ICC Test Rankings for batsmen.

#7 Ben Stokes (England): ICC Test Rankings (All-rounder) - 6th

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Coming to the all-rounders, one man who unquestionably finds a place on the list is Ben Stokes. One of the best in the business at the moment, Stokes has done wonders for England in all the formats, predominantly in Test cricket.

With some decent contribution with the bat as well as the ball, Stokes has been the most valuable player for England in the calendar year 2018.

Stokes currently holds the sixth place in the current ICC Test Rankings for all-rounders.

#8 Moeen Ali (England): ICC Test Rankings (All-rounder) - 7th

England Media Access

Another all-rounder from the same peer group to make this list is a classical off-spinner named Moeen Ali. The off-break bowler has had a decent 2018 both with the bat and the ball.

Ali had an excellent Test series against India in August and September where he scalped 12 wickets and score 119 runs from the two matches that he played. He currently holds the seventh position in the ICC Test Rankings for all-rounders.

#9 Ravindra Jadeja (India): ICC Test Rankings (All-rounder) - 2nd

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Third all-rounder to make this list is Ravindra Jadeja, who has been on an upward curve both as a batsman and as a bowler. Although Ashwin is no wrong player to have in this list, Ravindra Jadeja being a left-hander, helps himself in the list with an off-spinner already in the list in the name of Moeen Ali.

Moreover, Jadeja currently holds the second place in the ICC Test Rankings for all-rounders. Besides, he also holds the fourth place in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers.

#10 James Anderson (England): ICC Test Rankings (Bowling) - 1st

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James Anderson will spearhead the pace department in this list. Arguably the best fast bowler at the moment, Anderson has been a threat to the opposition in recent times.

Anderson's exceptional control over the swing has ranked him high on the list of best bowlers in the history of Test cricket. He currently acquires the first place in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers.

#11 Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): ICC Test Rankings (Bowling) - 2nd

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To complete the pace duet will be a menacing fast bowler from South Africa. Kagiso Rabada, the right-handed fast bowler has witnessed an immense rise in recent times, especially in Test cricket.

Having known for creating magic even on the dead pitches, Rabada has been on an altogether a different league. He currently dominates the second spot in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers.

Thus, with an ability to generate extra bounce and speed, Rabada finds himself a place on the list.

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Edited by Kumud Ranjan