On January 23rd, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the Test Team of the Year 2023. What surprised many was that Indian players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were not included, and even one of the leading Test batters of this era, Steve Smith, was not included. Only two Indian players mad the best Test X1 for 2023 .
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Here’s ICC’s Test Team Of The Year 2023:
Usman Khawaja, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Travis Head, Ravindra Jadeja, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mitchell Starc, Stuart Broad
Openers in ICC Test Team of the Year 2023
The ICC’s Test Team of the Year for 2023 showcases a formidable opening pair in Usman Khawaja and Dimuth Karunaratne. Khawaja, the Australian opener, made significant contributions at the top order, delivering remarkable innings both domestically and on foreign soil. His consistent performances underscored his pivotal role in the team’s success. On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s Karunaratne not only displayed a decent batting performance with an average of 60.8 but also demonstrated effective leadership skills as the team’s captain, earning him a well-deserved spot in this prestigious lineup.
Middle Order Batter in ICC Test Team of the Year 2023
Moving to the middle order, the inclusion of world No. 1 Test batsman Kane Williamson and English captain Joe Root adds significant strength. Williamson’s prolific run-scoring ability, accumulating 695 runs with four centuries in 2023, solidifies his status as one of the premier batsmen in the international arena. Root, with outstanding performances in overseas conditions and a crucial role in the drawn Ashes 2023 series, exemplifies the resilience and leadership qualities that warrant his place in this elite team.
Lower Middle Order Batters and All-Rounders in ICC Team of the Year 2023
Travis Head from Australia holds the fifth position, acknowledged for his dominant batting displays. His remarkable contribution, particularly with a big ton in the ICC World Test Championship Final, played a crucial role in Australia’s Test dominance throughout the year. The versatile all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is another standout, excelling with both bat and ball. His ability to pick wickets consistently and contribute valuable runs positions him as a key asset in the team’s composition.
Keeper in ICC Test Team of the Year 2023
The wicketkeeper-batsman slot is aptly filled by Alex Carey from Australia. Carey’s impressive tally of 54 dismissals in 2023, combined with his handy contributions with the bat, makes him a well-rounded choice for this crucial position.
Bowlers in ICC Test Team of the Year 2023
The formidable bowling attack, led by captain Pat Cummins, showcases the depth and skill required for success in Test cricket. Cummins’ exceptional leadership skills and his impressive tally of 42 wickets in 11 matches underline his influence on the team’s achievements. The experienced campaigners Ravichandran Ashwin, Mitchell Starc, and Stuart Broad further complement the lineup, providing a well-balanced and potent bowling arsenal.
In essence, the ICC’s Test Team of the Year for 2023 represents a harmonious blend of accomplished batsmen, a reliable wicketkeeper, and a formidable bowling attack, making it a squad poised for success in the demanding format of Test cricket.
