Former English Captain Michael Vaughan picked his team, that would hypothetically play a boxing day match at the MCG, and opted for David Warner and Joe Root as his openers. They were followed by three captains Steve Smith, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. He did add that Kane Williamson was unlucky to miss out on the list. South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock was handed the gloves by the 42-year-old Englishman with Ben Stokes being picked as the all-rounder.

He picked Ashwin as his lone spinner calling the Indian a "tremendous bowler who offers a bit with the bat". He gave honourable mentions to Ravindra Jadeja, Yasir Shah and Rangana Herath. Stating that the match would be played in Australia, he opted for Aussie duo Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. For his last pick, the Englishman picked South African youngster Kagiso Rabada based on his performance on the Australian tour. He singled out Rabada as the "best quick bowler in the world."

Michael Vaughan's Test Team of the Year : David Warner, Joe Root, Steve Smith (C), Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, Ben Stokes, Quinton de Kock (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Josh Hazlewood, Kagiso Rabada, Mitchell Starc.