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The year 2024 will go down in history as a golden chapter for Test cricket. Fans witnessed exciting competitions, incredible comebacks and record-breaking performances. From spectacular finishes to monumental batting displays, the longer format showed its enduring charm. Teams from around the world demonstrated resilience, skill and passion, making Test Cricket the ultimate battleground for excellence. With numerous milestones achieved, 2024 demonstrated why Test cricket remains the purest form of the game.
Batsmen take charge: dominant bowlers and mammoth innings
In 2024, several batsmen rose to the occasion, turning pressure into opportunity with record-breaking performances. The tastes of Kane Williamson and Marnus Labuschagne he surprised his opponents with double and triple centuries, leaving the bowlers hapless. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s authoritarian stroke play and Steve SmithThe marathon knocks reminded the cricket world of his class. Meanwhile, rising stars like Saim Ayub and Harry Brook They announced their arrival with fearless batting. Of revolving tracks on India to the green peaks in Englandthe hitters demonstrated adaptability and resilience. His very high individual scores stood out as a hallmark of his mastery of the game.
Test cricket 2024: Top 5 individual performances with the bat
1. Harry Brook’s remarkable 317
Brook put in a sensational performance in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, scoring an extraordinary 317 runs off just 322 balls. His innings included 29 boundaries and 3 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 98.44, which is rare in Tests. Brook’s counter-attacking approach dismantled Pakistan’s bowling lineup, turning the game decisively in England’s favor. His aggressive style and precise shot selection demonstrated his ability to dominate even in difficult conditions. This innings also solidified his reputation as one of the most impactful modern Test batsmen. The knock was a mix of aggression and consistency, earning him the Player of the Match award.
2. Joe Root’s classic 262
Joe Root showed his trademark elegance with a patient 262 against Pakistan in Multan. Occupying the crease for over 10 hours, Root faced 375 balls, hitting 17 fours in a composed innings. His ability to anchor England’s innings provided the perfect complement to Brook’s attacking style, building a partnership that exhausted Pakistan’s bowlers. Root’s knock emphasized technique and temperament, showing why he remains a vital cog in England’s Test set-up. His calculated approach allowed England to build a mammoth total, establishing a commanding lead. Root’s innings reinforced his position as one of England’s best Test players.
3. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s heroic 246
Afghanistan‘s Hashmatullah Shahidi scored a remarkable 246 runs in the Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Battling for over 11 hours, Shahidi faced 474 deliveries and hit 21 boundaries. His innings was a testament to resilience and patience as he held the Afghan innings together under pressure. Shahidi’s temperament and shot selection were key to Afghanistan overcoming Zimbabwe’s imposing first innings total. This career-best performance also marked his stature as a reliable middle-order batsman for Afghanistan. His double century came in a historic partnership with Rahmat Shahensuring that Afghanistan avoided defeat in a difficult match.
Also READ: Top 5 players with most international catches in 2024 with Rohit Sharma
4. Rachin Ravindra’s masterful 240
Rachin Ravindra produced a masterful 240 in the first test against South Africa on Mount Maunganui. Batting for over 9 hours, Ravindra’s innings was a mix of aggression and stability, with 26 fours and 3 sixes. He dominated the South African attack with his elegant strokeplay and calculated risk-taking. Ravindra’s innings not only helped New Zealand achieve a massive first innings score but also put the visitors under immense pressure. His ability to counter South Africa’s pacers highlighted his maturity as a batsman. Furthermore, he contributed with the ball, claiming 2 wickets to cap an all-round remarkable performance.
5. Rahmat Shah’s Brave 234
Rahmat showed immense determination with a brave 234 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Facing 424 balls, he hit 23 boundaries and 3 sixes, anchoring Afghanistan’s innings alongside Shahidi. Rahmat’s ability to absorb pressure and convert departures into big goals stood out in a match where patience was key. His partnership with Shahidi broke several records, ensuring that Afghanistan not only surpassed Zimbabwe’s first innings total but also took the lead. Rahmat’s hitting was characterized by solid technique and relentless concentration. This monumental effort further solidified his role as the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s batting line-up.
Match results: Decisive wins and tight draws
- England vs Pakistan, Multan: England triumphed by an innings and 47 runs, with Brook’s 317 and Root’s 262 leading the charge. Their combined efforts took England to 823/7 declared, leaving Pakistan with an insurmountable deficit. Despite valiant attempts, Pakistan’s second innings ended at 220, failing to avoid an innings defeat.
- Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Bulawayo: The match ended in a thrilling draw, with Zimbabwe scoring 586 in the first innings, followed by Afghanistan’s 699. Afghanistan’s Shahidi (246) and Rahmat (234) dominated the game with their record-breaking partnership. Zimbabwe prevailed on the final day at 142/4, ensuring the game concluded evenly.
- New Zealand vs South Africa, Mount Maunganui: New Zealand achieved a resounding victory of 281 runs. Ravindra’s 240 helped the hosts score 511 in the first innings, putting South Africa under immense pressure. South Africa crumbled in their chase, unable to cope with New Zealand’s dominant bowling.
