The year 2024 will be etched in history as a golden chapter for Test cricket. Fans witnessed thrilling contests, incredible comebacks, and record-breaking performances. From dramatic last-over ??finishes to m?onumental batting displays, the longest format showcased its enduring charm. Teams across the globe demonstrated resilience, skill, and passion, making Test cricket the ultimate battleground for excellence. With numerous milestones achieved, 2024 proved why Test cricket remains the purest form of the game.

Batters take charge: Dominating bowlers and mammoth innings

In 2024, several batters rose to the occasion, turning pressure into opportunity with record-breaking performances. The likes of Kane Williamson and Marnus Labuschagne stunned opponents with double and triple centuries, leaving bowlers hapless. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s authoritative stroke play and Steve Smith’s marathon knocks reminded the cricketing world of their class. Meanwhile, rising stars like Saim Ayub and Harry Brook announced their arrival with fearless batting. From spinning tracks in India to green tops in England, batters showcased adaptability and endurance. Their towering individual sc??ores stood out as a hallmark of their mastery over the game.

Test cricket 2024: Top 5 best individual performances with the bat

1. Harry Brook’s Remarkable 317

Brook delivered a sensational performance in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, scoring an extraordinary 317 runs off just 322 balls. His innings featured 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 favour. His aggressive style and sharp shot selection demonstrated his ability to dominate even in challenging conditions. This innings also solidified his reputation as one of the most impactful modern Test batters. The knock was a blend of aggression and consistency, earning him the Player of the Match award.

2. Joe Root’s Classical 262

Joe Root displayed his trademark elegance with a patient 262 against Pakistan in Multan. Occupying the crease for over 10 hours, Root faced 375 balls, striking 17 fours in a composed innings. His ability to anchor England’s innings provided the perfect foil to Brook’s attacking style, building a partnership that drained the Pakistan bowlers. Root’s knock emphasized technique and temperament, showcasing why he remains a vital cog in England’s Test setup. His calculated approach allowed England to build a mammoth total, setting up a commanding lead. Root’s innings reinforced his standing as one of England’s greatest 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 struck 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 surpassing Zimbabwe’s imposing first-innings total. This career-best performance also marked his stature as a reliable middle-order batter for Afghanistan. His double-century came in a historic partnership with Rahmat Shah, ensuring Afghanistan avoided defeat in a tough ma??tch.

Also READ: Top 5 pl??ayers with the most international catches in 2024 ft. Rohit Sharma

4. Rachin Ravindra’s masterful 240

Rachin Ravindra produced a masterful 240 in the first Test against South Africa at Mount Maunganui. Batting for over 9 hours, Ravindra’s innings was a mix of aggression and stability, featuring 26 fours and 3 sixes. H?e dominated the South African attack with his elegant stroke play and calculated risk-taking. Ravindra’s innings not only helped New Zealand post a massive first-innings score but also put the visitors under immense pressure. His ability to counter So??uth Africa’s pacers highlighted his maturity as a batter. Additionally, he contributed with the ball, claiming 2 wickets to cap a remarkable all-round performance.

5. Rahmat Shah’s gritty 234

Rahmat showcased immense determination with a gri??tty 234 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Facing 424 balls, he struck 23 boundaries and 3 sixes, anchoring Afghanistan’s innings alongside Shahidi. Rahmat’s ability to absorb pressure and convert starts into a big score stood out in a match where ??patience was key. His partnership with Shahidi broke several records, ensuring Afghanistan not only overcame Zimbabwe’s first-innings total but also took the lead. Rahmat’s knock was characterized by solid technique and relentless focus. This monumental effort further solidified his role as a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

Match results: Decisive wins and hard-fought 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, falling short of avoiding 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 batted out the final day at 142/4, ensuring the game concluded evenly.
• New Zealand vs South Africa, Mount Maunganui: New Zealand secured a commanding 281-run victory. Ravindra’s 240 helped the hosts post 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.

Also READ: Top 5 most wickets by an Indian bowler in a calendar year?? ft. Jasprit Bumrah

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Afghanistan are bracing themselves for a highly anticipated one-off Test match against Ireland, scheduled to take place from February 2?8 to March 3 at the Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi.

Hashmatullah Shahidi has been appointed as the captain of the squad, with Rahmat Shah serving as the deputy captain. This encounter holds particular significance as the two teams clashed in 2019, resulting in Afghanistan securing a seven-wicket victory, largely attributed to the outstanding seven-wicket haul by Rashid Khan.

Rashid Khan’s absence: Afghanistan’s test of character

However, Afghanistan faced a considerable challenge as Rashid is presently in recovery from a lower-back surgery, sidelining him from the upcoming action. Despite this setback, the team remains optimistic, introducing fresh talent into the Test format. The return of fast bowler Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai adds depth to the pace attack. Unfortunately, Yamin Ahmadzai and Mohammad Saleem Safi are ruled out due to injuries.

Youthful infusion: Afghanistan’s redemption quest

In a move to inject youth into the squad, Afghanistan has included Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a promising wicketkeeper-batter, and Khalil Gurbaz, a right-arm leg-spinner with an impressive domestic record, having taken 40 wickets in 17 innings. The team will be eager to redeem itself after a recent setback, having suffered a significant 10-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka. With determination to bounce back, Afgh??anistan aims to showcase resilience and competitive spirit in the upcoming contest against Ireland.

Also READ: New Zealand’s Neil Wagner reveal?s his top 5 favourite moments in Test cric?ket

Afghanistan top-choice playing XI for the One-Off Test against Ireland:

1. Openers:

• Noor Ali Zadran: An experienced opening batter, Noor Ali has a proven track record, known for his classical technique and the ability to anchor the innings. His calm and composed approach provides stability to Afghanistan’s top order.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk): A young and dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, Gurbaz is an aggressive stroke-maker at the top of the order. His fearless approach, combined with excellent glovework, makes him a valuable asset for Afghanistan.

2. Middle Order:

• Rahmat Shah (vc): Vice-captain Rahmat is a reliable number three batter with a solid technique. He has been a consistent performer, capable of building partnerships and stabilizing the middle order.
• Hashmatullah Shahidi (c): Captain Hashmatullah is a seasoned middle-order batter and a leader on the field. Known for his resilience, Shahidi’s batting prowess and captaincy will be crucial for Afghanistan in the Test match.
• Ibrahim Zadran: A young and talented middle-order batter, Ibrahim possesses the ability to play long innings. His elegant strokeplay and composure under pressure make him a promising prospect for Afghanistan.
• Ikram Alikhail (wk): Alikhail, the wicketkeeper-batter, not only ensures stability behind the stumps but also has the potential to contribute valuable runs in the middle order, making him a dual threat for the opposition.

All-rounders:

• Karim Janat: Janat, a dynamic all-rounder, is known for his aggressive batting and effective pace bowling. His ability to make vital breakthroughs with the ball adds a crucial dimension to Afghanistan’s playing XI.
• Khalil Gurbaz: An emerging all-rounder, Gurbaz, brings aggression to both batting and bowling departments. His ability to play attacking cricket can change the course of the game.

Bowlers:

• Zahir Khan: Left-arm wrist spinner Zahir is a wicket-taking bowler, utilizing variations and spin to trouble the batter. His control over the ball and strategic bowling make him a key asset for Afghanistan in spin-friendly conditions.
• Zia Ur Rehman Akbar: A slow left arm orthodox, Zia Ur Rehman, adds quality spin to the bowling attack. His ability to spin the ball and generate extra turn can pose challenges for the Irish batters.
• Nijat Masoud: Nijat, a right arm medium bowler, adds depth to Afghanistan’s pace arsenal. His ability to extract bounce and control the game through his proper command over his line and length makes him a valuable asset for the team

Also READ: Rashid Khan misses out as Afghanistan anno?unces squad for the one-off Tes?t against Ireland

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