As the year 2024, draws to a close, Cricket Australia has handpicked 11 best players across six Test-playing nations from India, Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. The team includes two players from India & New Zealand, three from England, one from South Africa and Sri Lanka, and two from Australia. 

The two Indians who have made it to the playing eleven are none other than Jaiswal and Bumrah. The Indian ace pacer has been held in high regard by Cricket Australia and quite rightfully he has been named as the captain of the best Test-playing side for 2024. Bumrah has been breathing fire in the ongoing BGT Test series (2024-25) and is currently sitting at the top of the tree in terms of wickets. He has claimed 30 wickets and three five-wicket hauls in this series with still a match to go. 

Jaiswal has been an absolute powerhouse for Team India with the bat. He has churned a colossal volume of runs for India at the top of the order. The 22-year-old was in prolific form during the England home series in February this year and emerged as the highest run-getter as well. Moreover, Jaiswal also set records for the most sixes (36) in a year worldwide and has bagged the record for scoring the most number of runs as an Indian opener in a calender year.

Australia's best Test playing eleven of the year:

 

What a year from this XI including Jasprit Bumrah who leads the side 🙌

Full story: https://t.co/zM0nfiRxz9 pic.twitter.com/cn8Zu7zlxw

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 31, 2024

 

Despite losses against Pakistan, Duckett and Root were among the runs for England in that series. Duckett is predominately known for his aggressive style of play and smashed two swashbuckling centuries in Rajkot (153) and Multan (114) earlier this year. His counterpart Root, slammed six centuries in 2024 including an unbeaten 262 against Pakistan in Multan and twin centuries against Sri Lanka at home which came in a winning cause. 

Rachin Ravindra also made a strong case for himself in the playing eleven and his courageous contributions to a historic series triumph in India, which included a decisive 134 in the opening Test did not go unnoticed. Furthermore, he achieved a remarkable double-century at home against South Africa.

Brook showcased his capacity to perform under pressure with series-defining centuries against New Zealand, culminating in an impressive 317 in Multan. Mendis of Sri Lanka, who began the season as a secondary option, equaled Bradman's record by amassing 1,000 runs in just 13 innings, with four centuries marking an outstanding year.

Australia's Carey excelled behind the stumps with 46 dismissals, and his unbeaten 98 in Christchurch was among the finest fourth-innings performances of the year. Henry's exceptional bowling figures of 5-15 against India underscored his significance to New Zealand's bowling attack.

Cricket Australia's best playing eleven for 2024

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook, Kamindu Mendis, Alex Carey, Matt Henry, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Josh Hazelwood, Keshav Maharaj.