ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024: Full Squad and Highlights

The ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024 celebrates the exceptional players who have dominated the longest format of the game. This year’s squad combines established stars with emerging talents, all of whom have showcased unmatched skill and consistency in their performances. Let’s take a look at the players who made the cut and the memorable moments that earned them a place in this prestigious lineup.

Full ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024

Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – Opener

Ben Duckett (England) – Opener

Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – Batter

Joe Root (England) – Batter

Harry Brook (England) – Batter

Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka) – Batter

Jamie Smith (England) – Wicketkeeper

Ravindra Jadeja (India) – All-rounder

Pat Cummins (Australia) – Bowler (Captain)

Matt Henry (New Zealand) – Bowler

Jasprit Bumrah (India) – Bowler

Top Performers in ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – The Rising Star

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been a revelation for India in 2024. With over 1,300 runs in the year, he proved himself as one of the most promising openers in world cricket. Jaiswal’s technique and aggressive mindset allowed him to perform consistently, anchoring India’s top order in both home and away matches.

2. Ben Duckett (England) – The Aggressive Opener

Ben Duckett’s inclusion reflects his vital role in England’s high-tempo "Bazball" approach. His fearless batting style allowed him to take on some of the world’s best bowlers and score runs quickly, making him a key player in England’s strong 2024 Test season.

3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – The Reliable Batter

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson continued to perform in difficult conditions, showcasing his calm demeanor and technical brilliance. His ability to anchor the innings and make vital contributions made him one of the top Test batsmen of 2024, cementing his place in the team.

4. Joe Root (England) – England’s Rock

Joe Root remains a crucial player for England, amassing over 1,500 runs in 2024. His elegant stroke play and leadership guided England through tough matches. Root’s versatility, including his part-time spin bowling, made him an all-around asset for his team.

5. Harry Brook (England) – The Explosive Talent

Harry Brook had a breakout year in 2024, scoring over 1,500 runs and becoming one of the most exciting young players in Test cricket. His fearless approach to batting was highlighted by his record-breaking triple century and solidified his place as one of England’s best middle-order batters.

6. Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka) – A Rising Star

Kamindu Mendis made an impact in Sri Lanka’s middle order with his consistent batting and ability to handle pressure. His contributions were vital in helping Sri Lanka perform against stronger opponents, earning him a spot in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year.

7. Jamie Smith (England) – The Emerging Wicketkeeper

Jamie Smith had a stellar debut year in 2024, scoring over 600 runs and performing excellently behind the stumps. His composure in crucial moments and ability to score vital runs for England earned him recognition as one of the top wicketkeeper-batters of the year.

8. Ravindra Jadeja (India) – The Ultimate All-rounder

Ravindra Jadeja’s all-around performances were key to India’s success. His left-arm spin consistently broke partnerships, while his valuable runs from the lower order helped India maintain their dominance in 2024. Jadeja’s all-round ability makes him indispensable in any Test lineup.

9. Pat Cummins (Australia) – Captain and Bowler

Pat Cummins not only led Australia with distinction but also spearheaded the bowling attack in 2024. His leadership during Australia’s 3-1 Ashes victory and their reclaiming of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy solidified his role as one of the world’s premier Test bowlers.

10. Matt Henry (New Zealand) – The Reliable Pacer

Matt Henry was one of the standout pacers of the year. Known for his ability to extract movement and control the game, Henry’s role in New Zealand’s Test successes in 2024 proved invaluable. His consistency made him one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket.

11. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – India’s Pace Ace

Jasprit Bumrah dominated with the ball in 2024, taking over 60 wickets and finishing as one of the highest wicket-takers of the year. His pace, accuracy, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him an essential part of India’s Test squad.

Notable Omissions and Controversies

While the squad celebrates the best players of the year, some notable exclusions have sparked debate.

Australian Absences: Despite a dominant year for Australia, players like Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood were overlooked, leading to claims of bias in the selection process.

No Pakistani Players: Despite impressive performances from Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s lack of representation left many fans disappointed.

South African Snubs: Despite consistent performances, no South African players made the cut, prompting questions about the criteria used to select the team.

Reactions to the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year

The announcement of the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year has led to mixed reactions from both fans and experts. While some agree with the selections, particularly players like Root, Bumrah, and Cummins, others argue that certain players from Australia and South Africa were unfairly overlooked.

Some critics suggest that the selection leans too heavily towards India and England, as the two teams had the most players in the squad. Regardless, the team showcases the best performers in Test cricket in 2024, with standout contributions from emerging talents and experienced stalwarts.

Conclusion: The Best of Test Cricket in 2024

The ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024 highlights the exceptional cricketers who have excelled in the longest format. Whether through their explosive batting, game-changing bowling, or all-round contributions, these players have set the standard in Test cricket.

While the debate over exclusions will continue, there’s no denying that this lineup represents the best of the best in 2024. With a perfect mix of young talent and seasoned pros, fans can look forward to even more thrilling Test cricket in the coming year.

Do you agree with the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024 selections? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!