AB de Villiers’ Test XI of the year includes standout players like dynamic openers, reliable middle-order batsmen, versatile all-rounders, and potent bowlers. His selection highlights players who have excelled with consistency, skill, and game-changing performances throughout the year.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, has emerged as a revelation with his solid technique, patience, and ability to convert starts into big scores. His performances in 2024 have reinforced his reputation as one of the world’s top openers, making him a key figure in India’s Test lineup.

Ben Duckett

Ben Duckett of England has redefined the opening slot in Test cricket with his aggressive style. His high strike rate and fearless approach have not only set a fast pace for England’s innings but also demonstrated that Test cricket can be both entertaining and dynamic, with aggressive batting from the start.

Joe Root

Joe Root’s inclusion is a certainty, given his consistent performances and pivotal role in England’s lineup. As the team’s backbone, Root has excelled in both anchoring and accelerating innings. His six centuries in 2024 highlight his mastery of the format, solidifying his place as one of the game’s top players.

Harry Brook

Harry Brook’s rise has been a standout for England, injecting energy into the middle order with his dynamic batting style. His ability to bring excitement to Test cricket demonstrates that the format can be just as thrilling as T20s, especially when young talents like Brook step up to the crease.

Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu Mendis from Sri Lanka has had an outstanding year, showcasing that resilience and talent from the island nation remain strong. His impressive average and multiple centuries have been pivotal in Sri Lanka’s resurgence in Test cricket, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s recent success.

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja’s versatility has been a standout, with his all-round contributions proving crucial. His performances with both bat and ball, particularly his impactful bowling in home conditions, have been game-changing. Jadeja continues to provide India with the perfect balance, solidifying his importance in the team’s setup.

Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan has proven why he’s regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers in the game. His skills behind the stumps are complemented by crucial batting contributions, particularly in challenging situations, which have provided added depth to Pakistan’s lineup and strengthened their overall performance.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada remains a dominant force for South Africa, with his pace, precision, and knack for performing under pressure. His consistent threat with the ball makes him a standout selection, firmly justifying his place in de Villiers’ Test XI.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion is perhaps the most obvious, reflecting his dominance in Test cricket. His match-winning performances, combined with a unique blend of skill and strategy, have made him a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack, solidifying his place as one of the game’s top fast bowlers.

Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood of Australia has been relentless with his accuracy and bounce, making him a formidable force in Test cricket. His consistent performances have been essential in helping Australia maintain its position as one of the top Test teams, providing stability and potency to their bowling attack.

Prabath Jayasuriya

Prabath Jayasuriya from Sri Lanka has proven that spin remains a game-changer in Test cricket. His ability to take wickets in clusters has been crucial for Sri Lanka, particularly in subcontinental conditions, where his spin bowling has played a key role in their successes.