Indian Stars shine bright in ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024

The ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024 was unveiled, showcasing some of the finest performers in the longest format of the game. Among the 11 standout cricketers, India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah made the cut, highlighting their incredible contributions to Indian cricket during the year. The team also featured cricketing greats such as England’s Joe Root, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, and Australia’s Pat Cummins, who was named captain for the second consecutive year.

Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as one of the brightest stars in Test cricket. After a challenging series in South Africa, Jaiswal bounced back spectacularly in the home series against England, amassing 712 runs, including two double centuries. He continued his fine form with three fifties in four innings against Bangladesh and delivered a remarkable performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring a crucial 161 at Perth.

Over the year, Jaiswal accumulated 1,478 runs at an average of 54.74, the second-highest tally of the year, with three centuries and nine half-centuries. His consistency and dominance established him as a premier Test opener for India.

Jasprit Bumrah was in a league of his own in 2024, finishing as the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 71 dismissals at an astonishing average of 14.92. Starting the year with a sensational nine-wicket haul against England, Bumrah continued to terrorize batting line-ups, claiming 11 wickets against Bangladesh.

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah not only led India in the absence of Rohit Sharma but also delivered match-winning spells, including a stunning 5/30 in Perth. His performances in the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide and the series-deciding match in Melbourne further solidified his legacy.

Ravindra Jadeja had an outstanding year with both bat and ball. He scored 527 runs, including a century against England, and picked up 48 wickets at an average of 24.29. His remarkable 10-wicket haul at the Wankhede Stadium against New Zealand was among the highlights of his year.

Jadeja’s all-round contributions were crucial in India’s victories, making him one of the most valuable players in the team.

The ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024 brought together some of the finest international players, each of whom made significant contributions to their respective teams. These global stars defined Test cricket over the year, delivering standout performances in both batting and bowling.

Joe Root continued to dominate the Test arena in 2024, solidifying his reputation as one of the all-time greats. Scoring a staggering 1,556 runs at an impressive average of 55.57, Root was a key figure in England’s successes throughout the year. He notched six centuries, including a monumental 375 runs across six innings in the home series against Sri Lanka.

Root’s partnership with Harry Brook during England’s tour of Pakistan was one of the highlights of the year. The duo forged a record-breaking 454-run stand, with Root contributing a career-best 262. His ability to score runs consistently, both at home and on challenging tours of the subcontinent and New Zealand, underscored his adaptability and class. Notably, Root surpassed Alastair Cook’s record for most Test centuries by an English player, adding yet another feather to his illustrious cap.

Despite battling injuries throughout the year, Kane Williamson showcased his unmatched composure and technical brilliance. Williamson began the year in style, scoring centuries in both innings against South Africa in Mount Maunganui and following it up with another ton in Hamilton. These performances saw him score 403 runs in just four innings against the Proteas.

While Williamson struggled during Australia’s tour of New Zealand, managing only 77 runs in four innings, he bounced back strongly. On the tour of Sri Lanka, he compiled 138 runs across four innings, regaining his rhythm. His crowning achievement came during the home series against England, where he amassed 395 runs in six innings, including a match-winning 156 in the final Test of the year. Williamson’s aggregate of 1,013 runs at an average of 59.58, including four centuries, highlighted his resilience and determination.

Harry Brook firmly established himself as England’s next batting sensation in 2024. After missing the tour of India due to personal reasons, Brook returned to the side during the home series against the West Indies and made an immediate impact, scoring a scintillating century of 109.

His breakout year included 1,100 runs at an impressive average of 55. Brook’s highlight of the year was his triple century against Pakistan in Multan, where he combined with Joe Root for a record-breaking partnership. He continued to shine during England’s tour of New Zealand, scoring two centuries, including a majestic 171 and a composed 123. With four centuries and three fifties, Brook announced himself as a key pillar in England’s batting lineup.

Australian captain Pat Cummins led his team to a historic 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph over India, ending a decade-long drought. Cummins not only excelled as a leader but also delivered with both ball and bat.

The fast bowler picked up 37 wickets in 2024 at an average of 24.02, including match-winning performances against India. His standout contributions came during Australia’s home series against the West Indies, where he also scored his highest Test score of 64* while taking five wickets. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Cummins was Australia’s leading wicket-taker, with 25 dismissals in the series. With the bat, he contributed 158 runs across eight innings, proving his utility as a lower-order batter. Cummins’ tactical acumen and consistent performances earned him the honor of captaining the ICC Test XI for the second consecutive year.

Ben Duckett’s aggressive batting style made him a vital cog in England’s Bazball approach. With 1,149 runs at an average of 37.06 and a strike rate of over 87, Duckett often set the tone at the top of the order. His year included two centuries and six fifties, with standout innings of 153 against India in Rajkot and 186 at home against Sri Lanka. Duckett’s ability to put pressure on opposition bowlers early on was a significant factor in England’s successes.

Kamindu Mendis enjoyed a dream return to Test cricket in 2024, scoring 1,049 runs at an extraordinary average of 74.92. His year began with twin centuries in Sylhet against Bangladesh, where he finished as the series’ top scorer with 367 runs. Mendis continued his prolific form in England, amassing 267 runs, including a brilliant century. At home against New Zealand, he registered a career-best 182*, further underlining his potential. With five centuries and three fifties, Mendis proved to be Sri Lanka’s most dependable batter.

Matt Henry was one of the standout bowlers of 2024, taking 48 wickets at an average of 18.58. Henry began the year with solid performances against South Africa, claiming six wickets in two matches. Against Australia, he was at his best, picking up 17 wickets, including an eight-wicket haul in Wellington. Henry’s consistency continued during New Zealand’s tour of India, where he claimed 10 wickets in spin-friendly conditions. He capped off the year with 15 wickets against England, showcasing his ability to adapt to varied conditions.

Jamie Smith made a memorable debut for England, finishing 2024 with 637 runs at an average of 42.46, including a century and four fifties. His maiden international century came against Sri Lanka in Manchester, followed by a gritty 89 in Pakistan. Behind the stumps, Smith impressed with 32 dismissals, including 31 catches and one stumping, solidifying his position as England’s first-choice Test wicketkeeper.

While India was well-represented in the Test Team of the Year, the absence of Indian players in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 was striking. The 2024 ICC Men’s ODI team of the year featured three players from Pakistan, three players from Bangladesh, four players from Sri Lanka and one player from West Indies.