The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award for 2024. The list features a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talents, including two of England’s batting mainstays, India’s pace spearhead, and a rising star from Sri Lanka.
Here’s a closer look at the nominees for the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024
Joe Root (England)
Runs: 1556 from 17 Tests | Avg: 55.57 | Hundreds: 6
Joe Root continued to dominate the longest format in 2024, amassing over 1500 runs. His tally includes six centuries and five half-centuries, making him a consistent performer both at home and away. Root’s finest moment came during England’s historic victory in Pakistan, where he scored a career-best 262 in Multan, helping England post their fourth-highest innings total. This performance was pivotal in England’s resounding win by an innings and 47 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Wickets: 71 from 13 Tests | Avg: 14.92
After overcoming a recurring back injury, Bumrah returned to the Test arena in 2024 with a vengeance. His 71 wickets this year were the most by any bowler, and his standout performance came in Perth during India’s tour of Australia. Leading the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Bumrah’s five-wicket haul and a crucial three-wicket spell in the final innings helped India clinch a famous 295-run victory, earning him Player of the Match honors. His efforts propelled him to the top of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings.
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Runs: 1049 from 9 Tests | Avg: 74.92
Mendis enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, finishing with over 1000 runs in just nine Tests. He became the joint-third quickest to score 1000 Test runs, equaling Sir Donald Bradman’s record of 13 innings. Mendis’ performances played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s push for their first-ever World Test Championship Final appearance. His finest display came in Galle, where he scored a career-best 182*, helping Sri Lanka sweep New Zealand 2-0 at home.
Harry Brook (England)
Runs: 1100 from 12 Tests | Avg: 55.00 | Hundreds: 4
Harry Brook emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Test cricket in 2024. His aggressive brand of batting was crucial to England’s success, with 1100 runs at an impressive strike rate of 85. Most notably, Brook scored a triple century in Pakistan, amassing 317 runs in just 322 balls, leading England to a massive win. His efforts not only helped England secure their first series win in New Zealand since 2008 but also saw him displace Joe Root to become the world’s number-one ranked Test batter.
Fans can vote for the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024 here and celebrate the players who have defined Test cricket this year.
