The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled its Men’s Test Team of the Year for 2024, honoring the players who have consistently delivered exceptional performances in the most demanding format of the game.
This carefully selected XI includes prolific run-scorers, dynamic all-rounders, and match-winning bowlers who left an indelible mark on Test cricket over the past year.
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Let’s take a closer look at the stars who earned their places in this elite team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
Yashasvi Jaiswal proved to be a cornerstone of India’s batting line-up in 2024. After a tough start in the South Africa series, Jaiswal made an emphatic comeback in the home series against England, amassing 712 runs, including two double centuries and three half-centuries. His standout performance came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where a stunning 161 in Perth rescued India from early trouble.
Ending the year with 1,478 runs at an impressive average of 54.74, Jaiswal was the second-highest run-scorer in Tests for 2024, solidifying his spot at the top of the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year.
Ben Duckett (England)
Ben Duckett provided England with a dynamic mix of stability and aggression at the top of the order. His year featured a scintillating 153 against India in Rajkot and a series of strong performances against the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Duckett’s consistency earned him 1,149 runs at an average of 37.06, ensuring his position as one of England’s leading openers.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Despite battling injuries, Kane Williamson showcased his trademark resilience and consistency. Starting the year with twin centuries against South Africa, he capped it off with a sublime 156 against England. Williamson’s 1,013 runs at an average of 59.58 reaffirmed his place among the game’s elite and underscored his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Joe Root (England)
Joe Root was in sublime form throughout 2024, finishing as the highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 1,556 runs at an average of 55.57. From gritty knocks in India to record-breaking partnerships against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Root consistently rose to the occasion. His exceptional ability to anchor the innings made him an indispensable member of this team.
Harry Brook (England)
Harry Brook continued his meteoric rise in Test cricket, accumulating 1,100 runs at a phenomenal average of 55. Brook’s aggressive yet dependable approach was exemplified by his record-breaking triple century in Pakistan and crucial contributions in New Zealand. His performances cemented his reputation as England’s next batting superstar.
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Kamindu Mendis was Sri Lanka’s standout performer in 2024, excelling in diverse conditions. With 1,049 runs at an astonishing average of 74.92, Mendis delivered centuries in Sylhet, England, and New Zealand. His consistency across different pitches and situations made him a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Ravindra Jadeja once again proved why he is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in Test cricket. Scoring 527 runs and taking 48 wickets, Jadeja’s year included a 10-wicket haul against New Zealand and pivotal batting contributions in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His ability to influence the game with both bat and ball was instrumental in India’s success.
Pat Cummins (Australia)
Pat Cummins led Australia to a historic 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory as captain, combining leadership with impactful performances. His 37 wickets at an average of 24.02, coupled with valuable lower-order runs, demonstrated his all-around value and reinforced his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world.
Matt Henry (New Zealand)
Matt Henry was a revelation in 2024, claiming 48 wickets at a stellar average of 18.58. His dominance against Australia, where he took 17 wickets in a single series, and his ability to thrive on spinner-friendly Indian tracks highlighted his versatility and importance to New Zealand’s bowling attack.
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Jasprit Bumrah was in a league of his own in 2024, finishing with an astounding 71 wickets at an average of 14.92. Whether it was his devastating nine-wicket haul against England or match-winning spells in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah consistently delivered under pressure, earning him the title of the best bowler of the year and a place in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024.
Jamie Smith (England)
England’s young wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith had a breakout year in 2024. Scoring 637 runs at an average of 42.46 and effecting 32 dismissals behind the stumps, Smith proved his mettle in both facets of the game. His maiden century against Sri Lanka and his grit in challenging conditions showcased his immense potential as a future star.
