Test cricket is all about persistence, and while it might be sluggish at times, only a true cricket enthusiast can appreciate the thrill of experiencing it. To see oneself throughout five days of tough and intense cricket, one needs guts, dedication, and a great standard of fitness.
T20 cricket is the exact contrary, as it is unpredictable. The fast-moving pace of the format has caught the attention of the fans which has made T20 leagues, especially IPL, very popular. Fans have often wondered what it would be like if their favorite teams switched formats and don the whites.
On that note, let’s take a look at the Strongest XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad if they played Test cricket.
Openers – Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul
Shikhar Dhawan made his way into Test cricket, smashing 187 runs off 174 deliveries against Australia in 2013 and recording the fastest century by a debutant in Tests.
Ever since, the player has had his ups and downs in the longest format of the game, but has contributed decently whenever given the opportunity.
Dhawan has featured in 34 Tests for India and has smashed 2315 runs at an average of 40.61 with seven centuries and five half-centuries to his name.
KL Rahul is one of the most graceful and brilliant batters of the modern generation, readily adapting to all formats. He is a flexible batsman who can play at a variety of positions depending on the demands of the side.
Rahul has played 38 Tests, accumulating 2250 runs at an average of 36.29, including six hundreds and 12 half-centuries.
Middle Order – Kane Williamson, Kumar Sangakkara, Wriddhiman Saha, KL Rahul and Hanuma Vihari
Kane Williamson will almost certainly be New Zealand’s greatest batsman by the time he retires from cricket. His elegance and brisk stroke playing have made him among the best batters of the current era, and he is also a part of the famous Fab 4.
Williamson has 7230 runs to his name in 85 Tests at an average of 53.50 including 24 centuries and 33 half-centuries.
Kumar Sangakkara was the finest batter ever to play for Sri Lanka, and he displayed that with his remarkable consistency across formats. He broke several records in his career and etched his name alongside the cricketing greats.
The veteran has featured in 134 Tests amassing 12400 runs at an average of 57.40 while also registering 38 tons and 52 fifties.
Wriddhiman Saha can be considered as one of the unluckiest cricketers in Indian cricket. The wicketkeeper-batsman had to wait for MS Dhoni’s retirement to grab a regular spot in the team but just after a few years, he has falled down 2nd place to Rishabh Pant.
He has been decent in the limited chances he has got scoring 1251 runs in 38 matches at an average of 29.09 including three centuries and five half-centuries.
Hanuma Vihari, a traditionally accurate and compact batter, was drafted into the Indian squad following a series of outstanding domestic performances. He hasn’t been a regular in the side, but has played some crucial knocks.
Vihari has played only 12 Tests and has scored 624 runs at an average of 32.84 including a single century and four fifties.
Spinners – Shakib Al Hasan and Rashid Khan
Shakib Al Hasan is clearly among the best all-rounders of the current era. He is the prime reason for Bangladesh’s success over the years and has been a consistent performer for them.
The all-rounder has represented Bangladesh in 58 Tests scoring 3933 runs at an average of 39.33 including five centuries and 25 half-centuries. He has also picked up 215 wickets, with 18 five-wicket hauls to his name.
Rashid Khan has etched his name among the finest leg-spinners at a young age and has established himself as the greatest Afghanistan cricketer. He played a massive role for the country to attain Test status.
He has featured in only five Tests and has impressed everyone by grabbing 34 wickets which includes four five-wicket hauls. No doubts, the Afghan spinner will be a part of the SRH XI if they played test cricket.
Pacers – Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Siraj
Ishant Sharma has been a constant in the Indian pace bowling lineup since his debut in 2007. He has been a part of several great Indian victories and has played a key role for the side over the years.
Ishant has featured in 103 Tests for India and has grabbed 311 wickets with 11 five-wicket hauls to his name.
One of the finest swing bowlers for India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a great asset for the Indian team across formats. However, injuries have plagued his Test career, but he is expected to make his way once again in the longest format.
Bhuvi featured in 21 Tests for India, scalping 63 wickets at an average of 26.09 including four five-wicket hauls.
Mohammed Siraj’s journey to the Indian test team is no short of an inspiration. He made a name for himself despite all the hardships and is now a key component of India’s pace bowling lineup.
In just seven tests, Siraj has grabbed 27 wickets at an average of 26.28 and was a key contributor in India’s historic victory at Gabba and Lord’s recently. The play will be a key member of the SRH XI if they played test cricket.
