Cricket Australia has named India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the captain of the Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is the other Indian in the playing XI, which features cricketers from six countries.
Wicket-keeper-batter Alex Carey and pacer Josh Hazlewood are the two Australians included in the multinational XI.
England’s Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook, along with New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry, also feature in the team. Keshav Maharaj of South Africa and Kamindu Mendis of Sri Lanka are the sole representatives from their respective nations.
India’s 22-year-old batting prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed remarkable composure throughout 2024. His back-to-back double centuries in February secured a home Test series win against England, while his brilliant 161 in Perth proved decisive. Jaiswal set records for the most runs by an Indian opener in a calendar year and the most sixes (36) hit globally in a single year.
England’s Duckett impressed with his aggressive approach, scoring hundreds in Rajkot (153) and Multan (114), despite England’s defeats. His strike rate of 87.04 showcased his value in the team’s attacking strategy.
Joe Root added six centuries in 2024, including twin hundreds against Sri Lanka at Lord’s and an unbeaten 262 in Multan, which helped England secure a memorable win over Pakistan. Root also contributed with 11 wickets, underlining another stellar year for the all-rounder.
New Zealand’s Ravindra edged out Kane Williamson for his heroics in a historic series win in India, including a match-winning 134 in the first Test. He also scored a double century against South Africa at home.
Harry Brook dazzled with series-defining hundreds against New Zealand and a stunning 317 in Multan, displaying his brilliance under pressure.
Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, who began the year as a fringe player, finished with 1,000 runs in just 13 innings, equaling Bradman’s record. His four centuries highlighted a breakout year.
Australia’s Alex Carey excelled behind the stumps with 46 dismissals. His unbeaten 98 in Christchurch was one of the year’s standout fourth-innings performances.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry emerged as a key bowler, with a standout performance of 5-15 against India.
Jasprit Bumrah had a historic 2024, claiming 71 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 14.92, making him the year’s most impactful bowler.
Australia’s Josh Hazlewood maintained his excellence with a sub-14 bowling average, while South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj played a pivotal role in back-to-back series victories, earning his place in the XI.
Cricket Australia Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook, Kamindu Mendis, Alex Carey (wk), Matt Henry, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Josh Hazlewood, Keshav Maharaj.
