DUBAI: A dazzling list of nominees has been unveiled for the prestigious ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, featuring two batting stalwarts from England, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and a rising star from Sri Lanka.
2024 was another stellar year for former England captain Joe Root, who continued his remarkable run in the longest format of the game.
In 17 Tests, Root amassed 1,000+ runs for the fifth time in his career, scoring 1,485 runs with six centuries and five half-centuries.
His impressive tally placed him among the top run-scorers of the year, finishing with 36 Test centuries, level with the legendary Rahul Dravid.
Root’s standout moment came in Multan, where he achieved a career-best score of 262 in the first Test against Pakistan. He helped guide England to a memorable victory, adding to his legacy as a dominant figure in Test cricket.
His contributions didn’t stop with the bat. He also provided valuable spin options, including a four-wicket haul against India in a crucial series.
The former captain's consistency and leadership have solidified his place as one of the year’s most impressive performers.
India's pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, made a roaring return to Test cricket in 2024 following his recovery from a recurring back injury.
Over 13 Tests, Bumrah claimed a career-high 71 wickets, finishing the year as the leading wicket-taker in Men’s Test cricket.
His exceptional bowling across varied conditions, from the fast tracks of South Africa and Australia to the slower pitches in India, demonstrated his all-round skill and adaptability.
Bumrah's crowning achievement came during India's tour of Australia, where he captained the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
Leading by example, he orchestrated a famous comeback in Perth, taking a match-winning five-wicket haul and securing a 295-run victory.
His dominance earned him the Player of the Match award and propelled him to the top of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings.
Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis made waves in 2024 with his breathtaking consistency and stellar performances.
Scoring over 1,000 Test runs across the year, Mendis became the sixth batter in history to achieve this feat, equaling Sir Don Bradman’s record by reaching the milestone in just 13 innings.
Mendis' remarkable average of 74.92 was the highest among any batter who played more than two Tests in 2024.
He played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's push for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship Final, with standout performances against New Zealand, England and Bangladesh.
His career-best innings of 182 in Galle helped Sri Lanka sweep New Zealand 2-0 at home, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
England’s Harry Brook made a sensational impact in the Test format in 2024, cementing his place among the nominees for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.
The 25-year-old racked up 1,100 runs at a strike rate of 85.00, including three fifties and four centuries, with a maiden triple-century.
Brook's ability to dominate both at home and away was evident, as most of his runs (723) came in overseas conditions.
- Jasprit Bumrah