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 monumental 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 scores 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 match.
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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. He 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 South 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 gritty 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.