England vs. New Zealand: Picking a Combined T20 Side

If the record-breaking ODI series was anything to judge by, England's one-off Twenty20 International against New Zealand at Old Trafford could be a high-octane affair.

Especially if you compare some of the big-hitting, quick-scoring batsmen who will be on show. But which players would make the cut in a combined XI chosen from both sides?

While names like T20 run machine Brendon McCullum and England's explosive Jos Buttler are obvious inclusions, the make-up of the rest of the team is far from certain.

So read on to find who makes the cut for this fully functioning combined XI.

*Please note statistics given are based on T20 International appearances only.

1. Brendon McCullum (capt)

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Innings: 69

Runs: 2,105

Average: 35.67

Strike rate: 135.28

The first name on the teamsheet has to be current New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, who is clearly one of the leading T20 batsmen in the world.

As well as providing his incredible aggression at the top of the order, the 33-year-old would also captain the side, bringing his renowned positive and innovative approach to the field.

2. Alex Hales

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Innings: 33

Runs: 1,062

Average: 37.92

Strike rate: 138.46

Although Martin Guptill has a decent T20 record, he can’t match the potential firepower that Alex Hales, who was once ranked as the world's leading T20 batsman, possesses.

The Nottinghamshire man is also the only player to register a T20 century for England, and his hypothetical opening partnership with McCullum is a mouth-watering prospect. Watch out in the stands!

3. Kane Williamson

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Innings: 19

Runs: 440

Average: 27.50

Strike rate: 119.24

Comfortable in all formats of the game, Kane Williamson’s rise into the upper echelon of batsmen shows little sign of abating—as evidenced by the 606 runs he's already scored on this tour.

Throw in his part-time spinners, high quality fielding and ability to play various different types of innings as the situation requires, and the Kiwi would be an invaluable member of this side.

4. Eoin Morgan

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Innings: 49

Runs: 1,147

Average: 29.41

Strike rate: 131.99

A shadow of himself in the recent ODI World Cup, Eoin Morgan is back to his best—as those who witnessed his incredible ton at Trent Bridge, which came from just 73-balls, will testify.

Able to hit the ball all around the wicket and go through the gears quickly, England’s current limited-overs skipper is one of the game’s most effective finishers.

5. Ben Stokes

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Matches: 7

Runs: 49

Average: 12.25

Strike rate: 128.94

Wickets: 0

Economy rate: 11.50

Although his statistics at international level don’t currently suggest it, Ben Stokes is a blue-ribbon T20 performer and has won games single-handedly for his county side, Durham.

Since his performance at Lord’s, the 24-year-old seems to have stepped up a level. Big things are expected from this hugely talented all-rounder.

6. Jos Buttler

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Innings: 31

Runs: 516

Average: 21.50

Strike rate: 131.96

Such is his ability to score incredibly quickly, a run-chase is never over until the ever-improving Jos Buttler, whose career T20 strike rate is 144.10, is back in the pavilion.

The Lancashire man wouldn’t keep wicket for this Combined XI, enabling him to focus on what he does best: transforming games with his wide-range of strokes.

7. Luke Ronchi

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Matches: 15

Runs: 263

Average: 32.87

Strike rate: 152.02

Luke Ronchi can hit a very long ball, as the Sri Lankans found out to their cost during an ODI in January when the veteran smashed 170 from just 99 balls.

Behind the stumps, the Kiwi, who has played internationally for Australia, is also a very tidy wicketkeeper and has collected 11 dismissals in just 15 T20 Internationals.

8. Nathan McCullum

Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Matches: 57

Wickets: 52

Economy rate: 6.74

Best: 4/16

Possessing an impressive T20 international record and bags of experience, this team’s slow bowling duties go to the 34-year-old off-spinner Nathan McCullum

Despite taking some tap and consequently being dropped in the ODI series, Brendon’s older brother still seems a safer bet than the perhaps more naturally talented Adil Rashid and Mitchell Santner.

9. Tim Southee

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Matches: 37

Wickets: 45

Economy rate: 8.54

Best: 5/18

It has been an up-and-down tour for Tim Southee but, on his day, the 26-year-old is still one of the most skilful seam bowlers on the international circuit.

Perhaps more suited to Test cricket, the Wellington man has IPL experience and has taken a wicket every 18.3 balls he has delivered in T20 cricket (not just internationals).

10. Steven Finn

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Matches: 19

Wickets: 26

Economy rate: 7.15

Best: 3/16

Steven Finn’s rollercoaster career appears to be on the upward trajectory once again, and the Middlesex man is currently a potent threat with the ball in his hand.

While capable of bowling at express pace, the giant seamer also generates steepling bounce that can be very difficult to face, especially when the 26-year-old’s confidence is high like right now.

11. Matt Henry

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Matches: 2

Wickets: 1

Economy rate: 6.66

Best: 1/9

The final seamer’s spot is a toss-up between Matt Henry and England’s Mark Wood, with the former getting the nod due to his IPL experience with the Chennai Super Kings.

Capable of bowling at high speeds yet retaining control, the 23-year-old clearly hasn’t been overawed by international cricket so far and should become a fixture of the New Zealand side for years to come.