Test cricket is known to be the toughest brand, as it physically and mentally shakes individuals. Good players can become great, and greats can turn into legends if they manage to prove their worth in the longest format of the game. 2024 was no different as some of the cricketers across the globe turned up on the occasion and proved their worth to make a name for themselves.

Here’s the list of the best Test XI of the year:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal ended the year with 15 Test matches in 2024, scoring 1478 runs at an average of 54.74. He finished the year as the second-leading run-scorer in Test cricket, which is a phenomenal feat, given that the 23-year-old only made his Test debut last year. He has been consistent and hit three centuries in the year and is expected to be India’s one of the biggest stars in the years to come.

2. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)

New Zealand international Rachin Ravindra made 984 runs in 12 matches at an average of 42.78 in 2024. The youngster made his long-awaited Test comeback earlier in the year and, in his first match, hit a double century against South Africa. He also hit a century against India in Bengaluru as the BlackCaps went on to win the series 3-0.

3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson made 1013 runs in nine matches at an average of 59.58 in 2024. He hit twin centuries against South Africa earlier in the year, followed by another one in Hamilton, and then scored 156 runs in the second innings against England in December. He didn’t feature in the series against India, which could have helped the cricketer add a few more runs to his tally.

4. Joe Root (England)

Joe Root has arguably been the best Test player in 2024. He has been extremely consistent, scoring 1556 runs in 17 matches at an average of 55.57. During this time, the 34-year-old hit six centuries and also finished as the leading run-scorer of the year. Currently, Root has 12972 runs to his name in the format and will be hoping to get closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most runs in the format.

5. Temba Bavuma (Captain / South Africa)

Temba Bavuma hasn’t played many Test matches in 2024 but has been very effective whenever played. Notably, the 34-year-old played five matches and scored 503 runs at an average of 55.58 and also, under his captaincy, South Africa qualified for the finals of the World Test Championship. Meanwhile, his New Year resolution would be to stay fit and be available for more games in 2025.

6. Harry Brook (England)

Harry Brook was subjected to immense criticism when the youngster opted out of the India series earlier in the year. However, he proved his value in the remaining 12 matches that he played, in which, the 25-year-old has scored 1100 runs at an average of 55. He finished as the fourth-leading run-scorer of 2024. Notably, Brook also registered the highest individual score in the year as he smashed 317 runs against Pakistan in Multan.

7. Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper / England)

Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes were England’s first and second choice keepers at the beginning of 2024. Things changed drastically after the Ben Stokes-led side suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to India. The Three Lions called for multiple changes and that’s when Jamie Smith busted into the scene. He played nine Tests in 2024, scoring 637 runs at an average of 40.45. 

8. Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka international Kamindu Mendis has arguably been the breakout star of the year. He hit 1049 runs in nine matches at an average of 74.92, which is phenomenal, to say the least. The 26-year-old has done well in both home and away conditions as the cricketer was adjudged joint Player of the Series alongside Joe Root for incredible performances in the series against England.

9. Gus Atkinson (Pacer)

Gus Atkinson is the fourth England players to feature in the list. The pacer made his debut in the series against West Indies and has been their biggest match-winner with the ball. Captain Ben Stokes called for a pace revolution with James Anderson and Stuart Broad leaving, and Atkinson rose to the occasion and proved his value. The 26-year-old played 11 Tests this year, picking up 52 wickets at an average of 22.15. He finished as the second-leading wicket-taker of the year, and he also has a Test ton at Lord’s.

10. Jasprit Bumrah (Pacer)

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been head and shoulders above everyone in 2024. He has arguably been the best bowler, having clinched 71 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 14.92, which is phenomenal. He has been India’s biggest weapon in the format and has been a point of difference.

11. Matt Henry (Pacer)

New Zealand international Matt Henry picked up 48 wickets in nine matches at an average of 18.58. He finished the year as the fourth-leading wicket-taker of the year. The 33-year-old clinched three five-wicket hauls in 2024. He was terrific in the series against Australia and England, and did reasonably well against India.