The Best of the Test: ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024
Test cricket, the pinnacle of the sport, is a format where players’ skills, temperament, and endurance are tested over five days of battle. Every year, the International Cricket Council (ICC) honours 11 exceptional cricketers who have delivered outstanding performances throughout the calendar year. You can bet on cricket matches here
Yashasvi Jaiswal (India): A Phenomenal Year for India’s Rising Star
Yashasvi Jaiswal established himself as one of the finest Test openers of 2024. Despite a challenging start in South Africa, Jaiswal displayed his mettle in the home series against England, where he amassed an incredible 712 runs. His performances included two double centuries and three fifties, underlining his dominance against a formidable bowling attack.
Jaiswal’s consistency continued with three half-centuries in four innings against Bangladesh. Even in a disappointing series for India, as New Zealand completed a historic whitewash on Indian soil, Jaiswal stood tall with his gritty performances.
In the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jaiswal’s second-innings 161 at Perth proved his class and resilience. With 1,478 runs at an average of 54.74, he ended the year as the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, trailing only Joe Root.
Ben Duckett (England): The Resilient Opener
Ben Duckett’s aggressive style at the top of the order played a crucial role in England’s successes in 2024. Duckett started the year strong with a tour of India, where he scored 343 runs, including a magnificent 153 in Rajkot. His form extended to the home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka, with scores of 178 and 186 runs, respectively.
Duckett’s contributions on England’s tours of Pakistan and New Zealand further solidified his reputation. He tallied 262 runs in Pakistan and 180 runs in New Zealand. His year-end tally of 1,149 runs at an average of 37.06 made him the third-highest run-scorer of 2024.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand): A Masterclass Despite Challenges
Kane Williamson’s year was marked by both brilliance and resilience. He began 2024 with centuries in both innings against South Africa in Mount Maunganui and another century in Hamilton, finishing the series with 403 runs.
After a lean patch against Australia, Williamson found his rhythm again with a stellar home series against England. He scored 395 runs, including a match-winning 156. Williamson’s 1,013 runs at an average of 59.58 placed him among the top performers of the year, a testament to his consistency and class.
Joe Root (England): The Undisputed King of 2024
Joe Root’s 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite a slow start in India, he turned the corner with an unbeaten 122 and a solid 84 in the final two Tests. Root’s brilliance shone in the home series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, where he amassed 291 and 375 runs, respectively.
Root’s 262 against Pakistan and consistent performances in New Zealand highlighted his adaptability and hunger for runs. Finishing with 1,556 runs at an average of 55.57, Root became the leading run-scorer of 2024 and climbed to fifth on the all-time list of Test cricket’s highest run-scorers.
Harry Brook (England): England’s Rising Superstar
Harry Brook continued his meteoric rise in 2024. After missing the India tour, Brook returned with a bang in the home series against the West Indies, scoring a century and adding 180 runs against Sri Lanka.
Brook’s triple century against Pakistan and twin centuries in New Zealand cemented his status as England’s next big thing. With 1,100 runs at an average of 55, Brook ranked as the fourth-highest run-scorer of the year.
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka): The Comeback King
Kamindu Mendis made a triumphant return to Test cricket in 2024. His standout performances included centuries in both innings against Bangladesh and a career-best 182* against New Zealand. Mendis’ 1,049 runs at an extraordinary average of 74.92 highlighted his consistency and impact throughout the year.
Jamie Smith (wk) (England): The Keeper of England’s Future
Jamie Smith’s debut year in Test cricket was a revelation. Scoring 637 runs at an average of 42.46 and effecting 32 dismissals behind the stumps, Smith proved his worth as England’s first-choice wicketkeeper. His maiden century against Sri Lanka and gritty knocks in challenging conditions underscored his potential.
Ravindra Jadeja (India): India’s Reliable All-Rounder
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance was on display in 2024. From his century against England to his 10-wicket haul against New Zealand, Jadeja’s contributions were pivotal. With 527 runs and 48 wickets at an average of 24.29, he once again proved his value in all facets of the game.
Pat Cummins (c) (Australia): The Leader and Warrior
Pat Cummins continued his legacy as one of the best Test captains in recent times. Leading Australia to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy win, Cummins took 37 wickets at an average of 24.02 and scored 306 runs. His leadership and performances were instrumental in Australia’s success.
Matt Henry (New Zealand): The Quiet Destroyer
Matt Henry’s 48 wickets at an average of 18.58 showcased his lethal ability with the ball. His performances against Australia, India, and England were particularly noteworthy, making him a key figure in New Zealand’s bowling attack.
Jasprit Bumrah (India): The Bowler of the Year
Jasprit Bumrah was unmatched in 2024, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 71 scalps at an average of 14.92. From leading India to victory in Perth to his mesmerizing spells throughout the year, Bumrah reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest bowlers in Test history.
The ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024 celebrates the finest talents who have graced the longest format. From Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dominance to Joe Root’s consistency and Jasprit Bumrah’s magic, these players have left an indelible mark on the game. As we look forward to another year of thrilling Test cricket, their performances will remain etched in cricketing folklore.
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