The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently unveiled the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year for 2024, recognizing outstanding performances in Test cricket.
Pat Cummins Leads the Team
Australia’s Pat Cummins has been named the captain for the second consecutive year. Cummins had an impressive year, leading Australia to victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a ten-year gap. He began the year strong, taking five wickets and scoring an unbeaten 64 against the West Indies.
Cummins excelled in the Test series against New Zealand as well, claiming six wickets across four innings while scoring 79 runs. His leadership was pivotal in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Australia triumphed with a 3-1 series win.
Overall, Cummins finished the five-match series as Australia’s leading wicket-taker with 25 wickets, contributing significantly with 158 runs over eight innings. For the entire year, he recorded 37 wickets at an average of 24.02 and amassed 306 runs, averaging 23.53.
Jasprit Bumrah Shines
India’s Jasprit Bumrah was also included in the ICC team, showcasing excellent form throughout 2024. He started the year with a bang, taking 19 wickets in four matches against England. In India’s home Test series against Bangladesh, he secured 11 wickets in just two matches.
After facing challenges during the New Zealand series, Bumrah bounced back in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He took eight wickets in the series opener and followed up with nine wickets in the second match, crucial for India’s performance.
Bumrah achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first bowler to maintain an average under 20 with over 200 wickets in Test cricket. He ended 2024 as the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with an impressive total of 71 wickets, averaging 14.92.
Additional Team Members
Joining Cummins and Bumrah in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year are Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja from India. Other players include Ben Duckett and Joe Root from England, Kane Williamson from New Zealand, Harry Brook from England, Kamindu Mendis from Sri Lanka, and Jamie Smith, who serves as wicketkeeper from England.
Notable Absence of Pakistani Players
It is noteworthy that no Pakistani cricketers made the ICC’s standout XI for this year, highlighting the intense competition among international players.
ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
- Ben Duckett (England)
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
- Joe Root (England)
- Harry Brook (England)
- Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
- Jamie Smith (wk) (England)
- Ravindra Jadeja (India)
- Pat Cummins (c) (Australia)
- Matt Henry (New Zealand)
- Jasprit Bumrah (India)
The ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024 reflects the exceptional talents and performances that have shaped the Test cricket landscape over the past year.
