No Pakistani or South African player was included in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024 led by Australian Captain Pat Cummins.
The prestigious lineup, announced on Friday, featured the best-performing cricketers from across the globe, yet notably omits players from Pakistan, highlighting the national team’s struggles in the Test format over the past year.
South Africa, despite qualifying for the ICC Men’s Test Championship final at Lord’s, also failed to have any players represented in the squad.
The exclusion of star names like Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma further underscores the challenges faced by prominent players who have not been able to replicate their past successes in the longest format of the game.
England’s Ben Duckett was one of the standout performers, scoring 1,149 runs in 32 innings. Known for his adaptability, Duckett consistently provided solid starts for his team, even in challenging conditions.
India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his meteoric rise in Test cricket, amassing an impressive 1,478 runs in 29 innings. Jaiswal’s aggressive yet mature approach made him one of the most exciting young openers in the game today.
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, despite a challenging year, was crucial for his team, scoring 1,013 runs in 18 innings. His calm demeanor and ability to perform under pressure were invaluable in anchoring the Kiwi lineup.
Joe Root enjoyed yet another stellar year, scoring over 1,500 runs in 31 innings. His consistency and knack for producing match-winning knocks earned him his place in the lineup, with his leadership of the England batting order continuing to be a key factor.
Harry Brook was also in top form, scoring 1,100 runs in 20 innings. His aggressive batting style and ability to dominate bowling attacks were instrumental in England's success during the year.
Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis made his mark with 1,049 runs in 16 innings. His all-around contributions were critical to Sri Lanka’s successes throughout the year.
Jamie Smith, the wicketkeeper-batter, displayed exceptional skill behind the stumps and with the bat, scoring 637 runs in 15 innings while effecting 32 dismissals. His reliability made him a key player for his team.
Ravindra Jadeja of India proved his all-round prowess with 527 runs and 48 wickets in 12 matches. His ability to influence the game with both bat and ball solidified his place as one of the top all-rounders in Test cricket.
Pat Cummins, who captains the team, led by example with 37 wickets in 9 matches and 306 runs. His leadership and all-round contributions were pivotal in Australia’s dominance in the format, guiding them to notable series victories.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah made a stunning return to Test cricket, claiming 71 wickets in 13 matches. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments helped India achieve significant successes during the year.
New Zealand's Matt Henry also impressed with the ball, picking up 48 wickets in 9 matches. His control and precision troubled batsmen in all conditions, making him a vital member of New Zealand’s bowling attack.
ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ben Duckett, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Kamindu Mendis, Jamie Smith (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Pat Cummins (c), Matt Henry, Jasprit Bumrah.a
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