The five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy concluded after an exciting 25-day contest, with all five Tests producing results only on the final day of play.
At one stage, England led the series 2-1 after the third Test, but India bounced back to win the fifth, ending the series in a 2-2 draw. As a result, both teams shared the trophy.
The series showcased exceptional talent and determination from players on both sides. Several individual performances stood out, and here is a look at the best combined playing combination from the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy's first season.
Top-Order: Ben Duckett, KL Rahul, Joe Root
Ben Duckett opened the innings with his trademark attacking flair, consistently putting Indian bowlers under pressure. He scored 462 runs in 10 innings at an average of 51.33, including one century and three half-centuries. His only century came in the first Test at the Headingley in Leeds, as the English side chased down a mammoth target in the fourth innings. Duckett was awarded Player of the Match for this performance.
Partnering him at the top is KL Rahul, who was the third-highest run-scorer in the series. His contributions came on tough pitches and in challenging conditions. He scored 532 runs at an average of 53.20, including two centuries and two fifties, and played a pivotal role in ensuring India remained competitive throughout. This was also the first time Rahul aggregated 500-plus runs in a red-ball series.
At No. 3 is the ever-reliable Joe Root, who once again proved his class. The former England captain scored 537 runs at an average of 67.12, with three centuries and one fifty. Each of his tons either brought England close to victory or rescued them from difficult positions. Having Duckett, Rahul, and Root in the top three would make a formidable batting against any line-up.
Middle-Order: Shubman Gill, Harry Brook, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
Indian captain Shubman Gill took the No. 4 spot and was undoubtedly the standout batter of the series. Despite initial doubts, he silenced critics with a commanding display, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 754 runs at an average of 75.40, including four centuries. His career-best 269 at Edgbaston was instrumental in levelling the series.
Harry Brook slots in at No. 5, having been England’s Player of the Series. He scored 481 runs at an average of 53.44, with two impactful centuries, one of which, at The Oval, nearly turned the match in England’s favour. His impactful knocks were the reason behind England giving a neck-to-neck fight to the opposition in this enthralling series.
At No. 6, Rishabh Pant not only took the gloves but also added valuable runs. Despite an injury cutting his campaign short, Pant scored 479 runs in seven innings at an average of 68.42. His aggressive batting often shifted momentum in India’s favour, and thus, he would make the upper middle-order complete.
All-rounders: Ben Stokes (captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar
England's skipper Ben Stokes was at the heart of everything, batting, bowling, and fielding. He scored 304 runs and took 17 wickets, including two Player of the Match performances. His relentless spells, including a 19-over marathon at Lord’s, were match-defining. His run-out of Rishabh Pant in the Lord's Test turned the match in England's favour.
Ravindra Jadeja had a quieter series with the ball, but was outstanding with the bat. He scored 516 runs at a remarkable average of 86.00, with several crucial partnerships and a calm presence at the crease. He also chipped in with seven wickets, including a four-wicket haul.
Washington Sundar comes in at No. 9, and while his red-ball experience is limited, he made a big impact. His partnerships with Jadeja, particularly in the fourth Test, were vital. Sundar scored 284 runs and took seven wickets, proving to be a game-changer in multiple sessions. The all-rounder troika looks a deadly one against any attack in the world.
Bowlers: Josh Tongue, Mohammed Siraj
Josh Tongue impressed in just three matches, picking up 19 wickets, including a five-wicket haul. He was selected based on his performances for England Lions against India A, and delivered when it mattered most and played a key role in keeping England competitive. Despite playing just three games, Tongue was the highest wicket-taker for the hosts in the series.
Mohammed Siraj was India's workhorse and the leading wicket-taker of the series. He bowled 185.3 overs across five Tests and took 23 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. With Jasprit Bumrah rested for a couple of games, Siraj stepped up as the spearhead and was awarded Player of the Match in the final Test for his match-winning spell in the fourth innings.
Combined playing XI from ENG vs IND series:
Ben Duckett, KL Rahul, Joe Root, Shubman Gill, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Josh Tongue, Mohammed Siraj
