The year 2024 will go down in history as a golden chapter for Test cricket. Fans witnessed thrilling contests, incredible comebacks and record-breaking performances. From dramatic overs to monumental batting displays, the longest format has shown its enduring charm. Teams around the world have 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.
Batsmen take charge: Dominant bowlers and a huge innings
In 2024, several batsmen were up to the task, turning pressure into opportunity with record performances. I like it Kane Williamson and Marnus Labuschagne he stunned the opposition with double and triple centuries, leaving the bowlers miserable. Authoritative batting by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Steve SmithThe marathon knocks reminded the cricketing world of their class. Meanwhile, rising stars like Saim Ayub and Harry Brook they announced their arrival with a fearless thump. From spinning tracks to India to the green tops in Englandbatsmen have shown adaptability and endurance. Their high individual scores stood out as a hallmark of their dominance of 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 incredible 317 runs off just 322 balls. His innings featured 29 boundaries and 3 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 98.44, a rarity in Tests. Brook’s counter attack tore apart Pakistan’s bowling line-up, turning the game decisively in England’s favour. His aggressive style and sharp shot selection showed his ability to dominate even in demanding conditions. This innings also cemented his reputation as one of the most influential modern Test batsmen. The shot was a combination of aggression and consistency, which earned him the man of the match award.
2. Joe Root’s classic song 262
Joe Root he 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 combined innings. His ability to anchor the English innings provided the perfect barrier to Brook’s attacking style, building a partnership that wore Pakistan’s bowlers down. Root emphasized technique and temperament with his batting, showing why he remains a vital cog in England’s Test line-up. His calculated approach allowed England to build a huge total, taking a commanding lead. Root’s performance cemented his status as one of England’s finest Test players.
3. Heroic 246 of Hashmatullah Shahidi
Afghanistan‘with Hashmatullah Shahidi scored an incredible 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 kept the Afghan innings 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 status as a reliable middle-order batsman for Afghanistan. His double century came in a historic partnership with Rahmat Shahthus Afghanistan avoided defeat in a tough match.
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4. Rachin Ravindra masterful 240
Rachin Ravindra he 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 stroke play and calculated risk-taking. Ravindra’s innings not only helped New Zealand post a big score in the first innings but also put the visitors under immense pressure. His ability to take on the South African pacers highlighted his maturity as a batsman. Additionally, he contributed with the ball, taking 2 wickets to cap an outstanding all-round performance.
5. Rahmat Shah’s rough 234
Rahmat showed immense determination with a crisp 234 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Facing 424 balls, he hit 23 boundaries and 3 sixes, anchoring the Afghan innings alongside Shahidi. Rahmat’s ability to absorb pressure and turn starts into big scores stood out in a game where patience was key. His partnership with Shahidi broke several records, ensuring Afghanistan not only surpassed Zimbabwe’s first innings total, but also took the lead. Rahmat’s striking was characterized by solid technique and relentless focus. This monumental effort further cemented his role as the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s batting line-up.
Match results: Decisive wins and hard-fought draws
- England v Pakistan, Multan: England triumphed by an innings and 47 runs, with Brook’s 317 and Root’s 262 leading the way. Their combined efforts took England to a declaration of 823/7, leaving Pakistan with an insurmountable deficit. Despite their valiant efforts, Pakistan’s second innings ended on 220, unable to avoid an innings defeat.
- Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Bulawayo: The match ended in a thrilling draw, with Zimbabwe scoring 586 in the first innings, followed by Afghanistan with 699. Afghanistan’s Shahidi (246) and Rahmat (234) dominated the game with their record partnership. Zimbabwe played out the final day with a score of 142/4, ending the match in a draw.
- New Zealand v South Africa, Mount Maunganui: New Zealand secured a convincing victory by 281 runs. Ravindra’s 240 helped the hosts post 511 in the first innings, putting South Africa under immense pressure. South Africa fell apart in their chase, unable to cope with New Zealand’s dominant bowling.
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