December 31, 2024: Jasprit Bumrah has been named captain of the cricket.com.au Test XI of 2024, a well-deserved recognition for his exceptional year as India’s pace spearhead. Bumrah’s performance in 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable, and this honor reflects his contribution as one of the leading bowlers in world cricket.
Bumrah had an outstanding year, taking 71 wickets in 13 Test matches at an extraordinary average of 14.92. He also recorded five five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 6/45. His performances were key in India’s success across various series, including a standout display in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia.
Bumrah’s leadership was crucial for India, especially in the Perth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series, where he led the team to victory. India crushed Australia by 295 runs thanks to Bumrah’s brilliant eight-wicket haul. This victory marked his first as Test captain and came just after India’s series whitewash loss to New Zealand, showcasing his resilience and ability to inspire the team under pressure.
The Complete Cricket.com.au Test XI of 2024:
Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
- Jaiswal had an outstanding 2024, scoring 1,478 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.74, including three centuries and 11 fifties. His two double centuries against England and his impressive adaptability to Australian conditions (with a superb 161 at Perth) make him a standout inclusion in the XI.
Ben Duckett (England)
- Duckett was a key figure for England, amassing 1,149 runs at an average of 37.06. His match-winning knock of 153 against India in Rajkot demonstrated his ability to adapt to subcontinent conditions, becoming England’s highest run-scorer in 2024.
Joe Root (England)
- Root had a monumental year, scoring 1,556 runs at an average of 55.57, with six centuries and five fifties. He broke records, becoming England’s highest century-maker and run-scorer, surpassing Alastair Cook‘s records. His 262 against New Zealand was a memorable highlight.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
- Ravindra had a stellar year as both a batsman and a bowler. He scored 984 runs at 42.78, including two centuries. He played a crucial role in New Zealand’s first-ever series win against India, making key contributions, such as his 134 in the opening Test.
Harry Brook (England)
- Brook’s 2024 was impressive, scoring 1,100 runs in 12 Tests at 55.00, with four centuries, including a monumental 317 against Pakistan in Multan. His exceptional consistency in away conditions, including New Zealand, further boosted his standing.
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
- Mendis had a record-breaking year, scoring 1,049 runs at 74.92, with five centuries. His aggressive style of play and rapid accumulation of runs, including a Bradman-esque 240 against South Africa, earned him a place in the XI.
Alex Carey (Australia)
- Carey, Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter, made 440 runs at 33.84 with three half-centuries in nine Tests. He was instrumental with the gloves as well, taking 46 dismissals, including a career-high 10 dismissals in a Test against New Zealand.
Matt Henry (New Zealand)
Henry had a phenomenal year, taking 48 wickets in 9 Tests at an average of 18.58. His standout performance came in Bengaluru with figures of 5/15, where he helped New Zealand clinch a series win against India. He also claimed 7/67 against Australia in a losing cause.
Jasprit Bumrah (India) – Captain
- Bumrah’s leadership and bowling were instrumental in India’s successes in 2024. His 71 wickets in 13 Tests, including three five-wicket hauls in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, placed him at the top. His leadership in the Perth Test was a key factor in India’s dominant win.
Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
- Despite fitness concerns, Hazlewood had a remarkable year, taking 35 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 13.60, with best figures of 5/31. His remarkable year was the best by any Australian bowler since World War II.
Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
- Maharaj’s brilliance with the ball was a key factor in South Africa’s qualification for the World Test Championship final. He took 35 wickets in 15 Tests at 19.20, including two five-wicket hauls. His ability to deliver in key moments earned him a place in the XI.
Bumrah’s appointment as captain of the Test XI of 2024 reflects his leadership maturity and on-field impact. His performance with the ball, particularly in the BGT against Australia, has been one of the best by any bowler this year. Under his leadership, India has continued to challenge the world’s best, with Bumrah leading by example, both with the ball and in shaping India’s strategic approach in tough matches.
Bumrah’s inclusion as captain in the Test XI of 2024 symbolizes his rise to the top tier of global cricketing leadership, and he stands as one of the finest fast bowlers to have ever played the game. His achievements in 2024 are not only a testament to his personal brilliance but also to the strength and depth of Indian cricket in the modern era.
