Test Cricket is at its peak right now. With the World Test Championship ending on a successful note, fans of the game are back to rooting the five-day format. In this article, we take a look at the best right-handed test XI in the game at the moment.
Compared to the other formats, the right-left combination tactic is not an overused strategy in Tests. The main reason for this is the five-day format produces match situations in which only technically proficient and mentally tough cricketers can prosper. That said, currently, we have both left and right-handed cricketers who are at the top of their game now. We focus on the right-handed players in this article.
Openers: Rohit Sharma and Aiden Markram
Rohit Sharma, although not considered a proper Test cricketer a few years ago, is one of the best openers in the format now. He was one of the highest scorers for Team India in the recent World Test Championship. Hence, the Indian cricketer features in this best right-handed test XI right now.
Test cricket is one format wherein you just cannot slot players just like that. Every slot in a batting line-up has a role, and a cricketer must need respective skills to excel at that position. Hence, although he is not a superstar cricketer as yet, Aiden Markram will open the batting for this XI.
Middle-Order: Kane Williamson (C), Steve Smith, Virat Kohli and Mushfiqur Rahim (WK)
You just cannot have a better middle-order for an XI than the one that we have for this squad. Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith all feature in this best right-handed Test XI. Of course, Joe Root is also an eligible candidate but keeping in mind the balance of this XI, the English skipper misses out. When you compare him to Kohli, the latter offers something more and different to the team and hence makes it to the XI. Mushfiqur Rahim is one of the most experienced wicket-keeper batsmen in the game right now. Hence, the Bangladeshi will be a part of this XI.
All-Rounders: Jason Holder and Pat Cummins
Jason Holder and Pat Cummins will be the all-rounders in this XI. Although both these cricketers are frontline pacers, they also provide a decent hand with the bat. Especially Holder, who is one of the best lower middle-order batsmen going around right now. Regarding Cummins, he has improved his batting show in recent years and has been contributing decently well for his country with the willow.
Bowlers: Kyle Jamieson, R Ashwin and James Anderson
Kyle Jamieson and Ravichandran Ashwin could also qualify as all-rounders but for this XI, their bowling duties will be more needed. Jamieson had an exceptional game at the WTC final and was one of the primary match-winners for the Kiwis. Ashwin’s form has been exceptional in recent months. While he is almost unplayable on the Indian pitches, the Chennai lad has also done well abroad in recent months. For the experience he brings to the table, we have James Anderson in this best right-handed Test XI right now. He alongside Pat Cummins will be a nightmare for the batsmen.