The year 2024 stood out as a golden chapter in the history of Test cricket, offering fans a blend of drama, skill, and unpredictability. At the heart of the action was the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, which brought a sense of urgency and competitiveness to the longest format of the game.
South Africa’s remarkable consistency ensured their place in the final, a testament to their dominant performances across different conditions. Meanwhile, Australia, India and Sri Lanka remained locked in a fierce battle for the remaining spot in the final, reflecting the global depth and quality of Test cricket.
Exceptional individual performances: The backbone of success
2024 saw individual brilliance shine brightly, with numerous players rising to the occasion and defining matches with their exceptional performances. Batters and bowlers alike showcased their mastery, producing moments that will be etched in cricketing folklore. England and India, the two teams that played the most Test matches in the year, were particularly reliant on standout efforts from their key players. These performances not only uplifted their respective teams but also reinforced the importance of individual contributions in the team-oriented format of Test cricket.
Shocking results: The year’s unforgettable upsets
The unpredictability of Test cricket was on full display in 2024, with several unexpected results shaking up the cricketing hierarchy. Bangladesh’s historic victory over Pakistan was a watershed moment, showcasing their growth as a formidable Test-playing nation. Equally surprising was New Zealand’s dominant display in India, where they inflicted a rare home-series defeat on the hosts. These results were a reminder that cricket’s longest format remains as unpredictable as it is enthralling, with underdogs capable of toppling giants on any given day.
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AB de Villiers’ Test XI of 2024: A legend’s perspective
Adding to the buzz of the year, AB de Villiers, one of the most respected voices in cricket and former all-format batter, revealed his Test XI of 2024. The announcement immediately sparked widespread debate, as fans and experts analyzed his selections. Known for his deep understanding of the game and appreciation for skill, de Villiers’ team reflected a blend of established superstars and rising talents. His insights offered a fascinating glimpse into the qualities that define success in Test cricket, enriching discussions among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
- Innings: 29
- Runs: 1478
- Average: 54.74
- Half-Centuries: 9
- Centuries: 3
- Strike Rate: 69.35
The Indian left-hander solidified his position as one of the best openers in Test cricket in 2024. Known for his patience and ability to grind out runs, Jaiswal combined consistency with aggression when needed. His three centuries, including crucial knocks in challenging conditions, were instrumental in India’s batting stability.
2. Ben Duckett (England)
- Innings: 32
- Runs: 1149
- Average: 37.06
- Half-Centuries: 6
- Centuries: 2
- Strike Rate: 87.04
England’s aggressive opener provided quick starts throughout the year. Duckett’s ability to maintain a high strike rate of 87.04 in Tests brought a dynamic edge to the top order, complementing his solid partnerships with other batters.
3. Joe Root (England)
- Innings: 31
- Runs: 1556
- Average: 55.57
- Half-Centuries: 5
- Centuries: 6
- Strike Rate: 63.38
Root’s consistent run-scoring made him a vital cog in England’s batting lineup. With six centuries in the year, he showcased his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required. His class and adaptability reaffirmed his status as one of the modern greats.
4. Harry Brook (England)
- Innings: 20
- Runs: 1100
- Average: 55.00
- Half-Centuries: 3
- Centuries: 4
- Strike Rate: 85.00
The rising star of England’s middle order, Brook’s aggressive yet calculated approach was a revelation in 2024. His four centuries in just 20 innings demonstrated his hunger for runs and ability to dominate bowlers across conditions.
5. Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
- Innings: 16
- Runs: 1049
- Average: 74.96
- Half-Centuries: 3
- Centuries: 5
- Strike Rate: 65.30
Mendis emerged as Sri Lanka’s most dependable batter, boasting an extraordinary average of 74.96. His ability to convert starts into big scores was unmatched, with five centuries in just 16 innings, underlining his immense contribution to Sri Lanka’s Test success.
6. Ravindra Jadeja (India) – All-rounder
- Innings (Bowling): 21
- Wickets: 48
- Bowling Average: 24.29
- Best Bowling in a Match: 10/220
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 3
- 10-Wicket Match Hauls: 1
Jadeja was the quintessential all-rounder, providing breakthroughs with the ball and stability with the bat. His ability to bowl long spells and extract turn on spinning tracks made him an indispensable asset for India.
7. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – Wicketkeeper
- Innings: 13
- Runs: 539
- Average: 44.91
- Half-Centuries: 2
- Centuries: 1
- Strike Rate: 59.82
Behind the stumps, Rizwan’s agility and sharp reflexes saved crucial runs. With the bat, his ability to counterattack and stabilize innings under pressure was invaluable for Pakistan.
8. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – Bowler
- Innings: 16
- Wickets: 34
- Bowling Average: 19.94
- Best Bowling in a Match: 9/72
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 2
- 10-Wicket Match Hauls: 0
Rabada’s fiery spells made him South Africa’s go-to bowler. His unmatched ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace posed a constant threat to batters.
9. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – Bowler
- Innings: 26
- Wickets: 71
- Bowling Average: 14.92
- Best Bowling in a Match: 9/91
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 5
- 10-Wicket Match Hauls: 0
Bumrah’s lethal precision and unplayable yorkers made him the standout bowler of 2024. His remarkable average of 14.92 and consistent five-wicket hauls highlighted his ability to turn matches single-handedly.
10. Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – Bowler
- Innings: 13
- Wickets: 35
- Bowling Average: 13.60
- Best Bowling in a Match: 9/79
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 2
- 10-Wicket Match Hauls: 0
Hazlewood’s line-and-length mastery proved instrumental in Australia’s success. His ability to extract bounce and movement made him a nightmare for batters on all surfaces.
11. Prabath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – Bowler
- Innings: 18
- Wickets: 48
- Bowling Average: 32.20
- Best Bowling in a Match: 9/181
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 4
- 10-Wicket Match Hauls: 0
Jayasuriya’s spin wizardry was key to Sri Lanka’s resurgence in Test cricket. With four five-wicket hauls, he consistently delivered match-winning performances, especially on subcontinental pitches.
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