The much-anticipated Ashes Test series for the 2021-2022 season started off in Brisbane on Wednesday (December 8). The Australia-England Test series includes all of the expected names. Both sides have several outstanding cricketers who can turn the course of a game and lead their teams to victory on any given day. This article features a combined Test XI comprised of players from both sides. Let's have a look at the combined Test XI for the Ashes series 2021 between Australia and England.

Combined Test XI from Australia and England for Ashes Series 2021

Australia have the advantage in the bowling department, while England's middle order has the upper hand. Though, in the top order, both sides are equally strong. Here is the combined Australia-England Test XI.

1)      David Warner (Australia)

M: 86 | Runs: 7311 | HS: 335* | Ave: 48.09 | 100s: 24

Left-arm opener David Warner will play the anchor role in Australia's batting. He will be one of the most important players in the series since he will be the backbone of the Australian batting line-up.

Also Read:  Australia and England gear up for the Ashes 2021

2)      Rory Burns (England)

M: 29 | Runs: 1712 | HS: 133 | Ave: 32.30 | 100s: 3

Rory has been in some good form for England in the recent series. He is their main opener in the series.

3)      Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)

M: 18 | Runs: 1885 | HS: 215 | Ave: 60.80 | 100s: 5

Labuschagne, one of the most talented cricketers of his generation, will be crucial for Australia in this year's Ashes series.

4)      Joe Root (England, Captain)

M: 109 | Runs: 9278 | HS: 254 | Ave: 50.15 | 100s: 23

England's captain Joe Root is the team's main batter. Root's performance will determine England's fate in the Ashes series 2021.

5)      Steven Smith (Australia)

M: 77 | Runs: 7540 | HS: 239 | Ave: 61.80 | 100s: 27  

Arguably the best Test batter in the world Steven Smith will be Australia's most important player in this series.

6)      Ben Stokes (England)

M: 71 | Runs: 4631 | HS: 258 | Ave: 37.04 | 100s: 10 | Wkts: 163 | BBI: 6/22 | Ave: 31.38 | 5W: 4

Charismatic all-rounder Ben Stokes has returned to international cricket with the Ashes series. Stokes may be England's best weapon in this Test series.

7)      Jos Buttler (England, WK)

M: 53 | Runs: 2800 | HS: 152 | Ave: 33.33 | 100s: 2

Jos Buttler of England could make a difference in the middle order. He is also one of the top wicket-keepers in the world.

Also Read: Dhaka Test: Tigers fail to avoid follow-on

8)      Pat Cummins (Australia)

M: 34 | Wkts: 164 | BBI: 6/23 | Ave: 21.59 | 5W: 5

Australia's new Test captain Pat Cummins is one of the best fast bowlers in the world. He will surely be the spearhead of Australia's bowling attack.

9)      Mitchell Starc (Australia)

M: 61 | Wkts: 255 | BBI: 6/50 | Ave: 27.57 | 5W: 13

Starc is a world-class fast bowler with a wealth of experience. The English batters could struggle with his speed and accuracy.

10)  James Anderson (England)

M: 166 | Wkts: 632 | BBI: 7/42 | Ave: 26.62 | 5W: 31

James Anderson is the world's most experienced pacer. Among fast bowlers, he holds the record for most Test wickets. Therefore, Anderson will be England's main bowling weapon.

11)  Nathan Lyon (Australia)

M: 100 | Wkts: 399 | BBI: 8/50 | Ave: 32.12 | 5W: 18

Nathan Lyon is a talented off-spinner who knows how to take wickets in Test matches. Lyon's variation of spin has the potential to cause problems for England's batters.

Bottom Line

Picking the perfect XI from two of the best international cricket teams is never a straightforward task. Because both Australia and England have some exceptional cricketers in their respective squads. The Australia-England Combined Test XI 2021 has been determined based on recent form and experience.

The majority of the players in the XI are Australians, given that Australia is hosting the Ashes series 2021 and their players are more equipped for the conditions than its rivals England. On the other hand, England have some outstanding players and is perhaps the best side in the world to win a Test series on Australian soil. Overall, both teams will face a tough challenge in this Ashes series.