Cricket News

‘At least Kohli ko toh le lete yaar’- Fans react to Cricket Australia’s Test Team of the Year

Dec 31, 2023 6:45 pm

Cricket Australia has raised the curtain on its Test Team of the Year for 2023, and it’s a star-studded ensemble reflecting the global tapestry of excellence woven throughout the year. Gone are the days of solely celebrating homegrown heroes; this XI transcends borders, acknowledging the feats of players who illuminated pitches across the globe.

Leading the charge is Usman Khawaja, the man reborn. Khawaja continued the good work from last year, carving a monumental 1210 runs at an average of 52.60, proving his enduring class. Joining him at the top is Sri Lankan stalwart Dimuth Karunaratne, whose grit and resilience yielded 608 runs with an average of 60.80, reminding everyone why he’s the cornerstone of his nation’s batting.

The middle order hums with the familiar cadence of greatness. Kane Williamson, the Kiwi maestro, conjured 696 runs at an average of 57.91, his bat dancing a graceful ballet amidst the chaos. Joe Root, the English enigma, continued to defy logic and critics, amassing 787 runs at an average of 65.58, etching his name deeper into the pantheon of batting greats. And then there’s Harry Brook, the young English phenom who exploded onto the scene with effortless brilliance, his 701 runs at an average of 53.92 a testament to his talent and fearless cricket.

Behind the stumps stands Lorcan Tucker, the Irish enigma who, despite limited opportunities, impressed with his wicketkeeping finesse and handy lower-order runs. His inclusion underscores the ever-widening talent pool in world cricket. Tucker scored 351 runs in 8 innings including a ton and a half-century.

The bowling attack is a fearsome hydra, ready to devour batters whole. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian spin twins, weave their magic across formats, and their combined 74 wickets in Tests in 2023 stand as a stark reminder of their dominance. Leading the pace attack is Pat Cummins, the Australian captain who spearheads with venom and guile, his 42 Test wickets a testament to his remarkable year. Kagiso Rabada, the South African thunderbolt, unleashes raw pace and swing, claiming 20 wickets in just 4 games, while England’s veteran warrior Stuart Broad who picked 38 wickets in 8 games takes the final spot.

Cummins to lead

The captaincy mantle falls upon Cummins, whose all-around brilliance and on-field composure shone brightly throughout the year. His World Test Championship-winning exploits cemented his place as a modern-day great, and his leadership within this diverse XI promises to be a masterclass in tactical acumen and man-management.

This Test Team of the Year transcends national allegiance. It celebrates the individual brilliance that thrives amidst the pressure cooker of Test cricket. These are 11 individuals who painted the year with their artistry, their grit, and their unwavering passion for the game. This is a tribute to their excellence, a recognition of their contribution to a year of unforgettable cricketing moments. This is the 2023 Cricket Australia Test Team of the Year, and their names will forever be etched in the annals of cricketing history.

Here’s how the public on social media responded to the announcement: