Picking a Combined Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test XI

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to compete in a three-match Test series, which starts in Galle on June 17.

They are two talented and evenly matched squads, and it promises to be an intriguing series on Sri Lanka’s home turf.

What would an XI made up of players from both teams look like? Which team would dominate the lineup?

Read on for a combined XI from the teams, using the given Test squads for Pakistan and Sri Lanka, reported by ESPN Cricinfo.

Opening for our combined XI is the experienced Mohammad Hafeez, who also offers something with his off-spin.

Hafeez has been a very reliable performer for Pakistan, especially in recent times.

Hafeez will open alongside Kaushal Silva of Sri Lanka, with the talented 29-year-old having already made up for lost time in just 16 Tests.

He has notched seven half-centuries and a best of 139—his only century—and has become a vital part of the Sri Lanka lineup.

At three comes one of the greatest batsmen to ever play the game for Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara.

The left-hander is in the twilight of his career, but he has managed to maintain that exceptionally high standard that has brought him thousands of runs this far.

Below Sangakkara comes the similarly experienced and talented Younis Khan, another who is in the closing stages of his international career.

The former Pakistan captain remains incredibly consistent and has scored a glut of runs in Tests.

Captaining the side is Misbah-ul-Haq of Pakistan, who has led his side with distinction and also not let his own standards with the bat slip.

He is another coming toward the end of his time in international cricket, but Misbah has been a superb servant for his country.

Also in the side and perhaps taking on vice-captain responsibilities is Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews, who also offers plenty with bat and ball.

For all these attributes, especially some aggressive batting and penetrative bowling, Mathews is worth his spot in this combined XI.

Keeping wicket for our combined XI is Dinesh Chandimal of Sri Lanka, a player with multiple talents worth his spot for his batting alone.

Chandimal has taken on the mantle well from Sangakkara, and at 25 years old, he has plenty of time to keep improving.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah is inexperienced in Tests, with just seven games to his name so far, but he has already made a great impact.

He has managed to maintain a low bowling average and should offer plenty of variety in this combined XI.

Seam bowler Junaid Khan is another young Pakistan player with a bright future, given his obvious talent.

The left-armer has managed to establish himself in Pakistan’s Test team. Even on pitches that do not suit him, he has plenty to offer.

Another impressive Pakistan left-arm seamer is Wahab Riaz, who has remained a near-constant in their team despite of changes elsewhere.

For his consistency and his ability to take wickets on almost any surface, Riaz gets the call for this team.

Rounding out our team is another spinner, the hugely talented Rangana Herath of Sri Lanka.

The left-armer has stepped up to be his side’s premier spin bowler, and even with an increased workload, he has excelled in a dominant role.