Year-Ender 2024: Jasprit Bumrah Captain, 2 Indians In Best Test Team Of 2024

sanjeev

khelja|31-12-2024

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2024, in the last 12 months, we have experienced proper thrills and spills, when it comes to the longest format of cricket.

From close-shave wins to shock losses, we have seen it all.

Now on New Year's eve, we look back at the 11 men, who made a mark in this very format throughout the year. cricket.com.au have named their Best Test XI of 2024 and we have two Indians in the list, with Jasprit Bumrah being the captain following a stellar year.

Here's a look at Cricket Australia's best XI of 2024.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: Yashasvi Jaiswal's 2024 was extraordinary, amassing 1,478 runs at 54.74 with three centuries, including two double tons against England. His 161 in Perth was pivotal. At 22, he set records as India's top-scoring opener in a calendar year and smashed 36 sixes, a global record, showcasing remarkable composure and dominance.

Ben Duckett: Duckett's 2024 showcased his aggressive style, scoring 1,149 runs at a strike rate of 87.04. His two centuries, 153 in Rajkot and 114 in Multan, stood out despite coming in defeats, as no teammate surpassed 50 in those matches. Duckett's consistency cemented his role in England's bold batting philosophy.

Joe Root: Root's 2024 was outstanding, scoring 1,556 runs at 55.57, including six centuries across four countries. Highlights included twin tons at Lord's and a match-winning 262* in Multan. His consistency made it the seventh-most prolific year ever, and his 11 wickets further showcased his all-round impact for England.

Rachin Ravindra: The Kiwi cricketer had an exceptional year, amassing 984 runs at 42.78, highlighted by his pivotal role in New Zealand's historic series win in India. His aggressive 134 and unbeaten 39* secured a first-Test victory, while his 65 in Pune was crucial. A standout 240 against South Africa capped his stellar year.

Harry Brook: Brook's 2024 was sensational, scoring 1,100 runs at 55.00 with four centuries, including a stunning 317 in Multan. His match-turning tons in New Zealand, 123 and 171, came in tough situations, rescuing England from early collapses. Brook's explosive brilliance defined England's finest series win of the year.

Kamindu Mendis: The Sri Lanka star's 2024 was transformative, scoring 1,049 runs at 74.92 with five centuries in just 13 innings, matching Don Bradman's feat. Starting as a bits-and-pieces player, he ended as a key Sri Lankan batter. Highlights included twin tons against Bangladesh, 113 in Manchester, and dominant performances in Galle against New Zealand.

Alex Carey (WK): The Australian excelled in 2024 with 46 dismissals, the most by a wicketkeeper, at an impressive 2.55 per innings. His career-high 10 dismissals in Christchurch complemented a match-winning 98* in a thrilling fourth-innings chase. Carey's performances, both behind the stumps and with the bat, stood out as among Australia's finest.

Matt Henry: Henry's 2024 was also exceptional, taking 48 wickets at 18.58, including four five-wicket hauls. His evolution as a bowler was evident in standout performances against Australia and England. His defining moment came in Bengaluru, where his 5-15 dismantled India for 46, leading New Zealand to a historic and shocking victory.

Jasprit Bumrah (C): The Indian pacer's 2024 was historic, claiming 71 wickets at 14.92, rivalling the best pace-bowling years in cricket history. Highlights included torching Australia on tour and taking 19 wickets against England on lifeless pitches. As captain, he led India to a memorable win in Perth, cementing his legacy as an all-time great.

Josh Hazlewood: Hazlewood's 2024 was remarkable, with 35 wickets at an extraordinary 13.60-the best average by an Australian since the 40s. Despite injuries, he excelled with nine wickets against the Windies and a dominant tour of New Zealand. His brilliance shone even in defeat, leading Australia's attack in Perth against India.

Keshav Maharaj: Maharaj's 2024 was pivotal for South Africa, taking 35 wickets at 19.20. Despite a slow start to the year, including a match where he didn't bowl at Newlands, he became crucial in South Africa's series wins over West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, showcasing his consistency and control.

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