- August 10, 2025
If you are still trying to catch your breath after the England vs India Test series, you are not alone! The amount of drama and guts in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy left so many twists, you would call it a Netflix binge you cannot stop watching. A 2-2 draw after five tough matches meant there was no outright winner, but it left cricket fans with one question: Who is the best current Test XI in the world right now?
The Top Order That Can Weather Any Storm
The batting line-up starts with England’s Ben Duckett and India’s KL Rahul – a combination of aggressive stroke-play and calm, textbook technique. Duckett’s been in red-hot form, scoring 1,230 runs since August 2024 with three tons. He’s the kind of opener who doesn’t just survive the new ball – he makes it wish it stayed in the dressing room.
KL Rahul, meanwhile, remains the definition of composure. His 926 runs may not scream “stat-padding,” but they’re built on sheer technical mastery. Against swinging conditions, bouncy tracks, or hostile spells, Rahul is that dependable friend who won’t cancel plans at the last minute.
At No. 3, Australia’s Steve Smith walks in – because when it comes to big-match batting, there’s simply no substitute for him. Four hundreds in 10 Tests tell you the guy’s far from done. He’s still the awkward, fidgety nightmare for bowlers who’d rather face a brick wall than this man’s hand-eye coordination.
The Middle Order That Turns Matches Around
If the top three set the stage, the middle order steals the show. Joe Root at No. 4 is practically non-negotiable. Over 1,500 runs at an average above 63 in the past year – it’s like he’s playing a different sport. Root’s ability to grind or counter-attack makes him the anchor every side dreams of.
Then comes Harry Brook at No. 5 – England’s rising star who’s already batting like he owns the format. Five hundred and a best of 317 since last August means he’s not just a flashy newcomer; he’s here to stay. And if Root’s the steady hand, Brook’s the accelerant that sets the innings on fire.
Rishabh Pant takes the gloves, and since his return, he’s been pure box-office. No one flips a game on its head quite like him – 1,156 runs at 46.24, often swinging the momentum in just a single session.
The Bowling Attack That Can End Games in Three Days
Test cricket might be a batter’s grind, but it’s still the bowlers who win matches. And this XI has an attack that could make even the flattest pitch nervous. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pack with a jaw-dropping 60 wickets in just 12 Tests. His accuracy, pace, and knack for striking at crucial moments make him the heartbeat of any side.
One brings raw speed, the other ruthless accuracy—Starc and Cummins are Australia’s two-headed bowling beast. Starc’s 44 wickets at 21.15 show that he is dangerous with the new ball. When you see he has 40 wickets under 20, you most definitely understand that Cummins is not only the captain of this X, but he is the leader!
The ENG vs IND 2025 series served to remind us why Test cricket continues to be the premier format – unpredictable, challenging, and immensely enjoyable. This XI certainly embodies these characteristics: tough, fearless, and ready for anything.
So, cricket lovers – if this team played a game tomorrow, who could beat them? Or even better… could anybody?
