2024 was a fascinating year of Test cricket, with just three draws in 53 matches. As is the case every year, several debutants shone, raising their hand in tough situations to be touted as stars for the future. Among the 61 players, Wisden picks out the best XI.
Stats included are of 2024*
Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
7 Tests, 364 runs @ 26, HS: 77
The Pakistan opener made his Test debut against Australia at the start of last year but was dismissed for a duck. Having been picked for that tour over the promising Mohammad Huraira, Ayub scored 33 in the second innings, top-scoring for his side in Sydney.
He kept his place for the Bangladesh Tests, making a gritty fifty in Rawalpindi after his side had slipped to 16-3. He scored 1, 58, 20, 4 and 5 in his next five innings as the pressure mounted on him but a crucial 77 in Multan against England put silent questions over his place, at least for the time being. Though Ayub has yet to show the desired consistency that he has in white-ball cricket, he has the potential to make it big.
Sam Konstas (Australia)
1 Test, 68 runs @ 34, HS: 60
Though Konstas has played just one Test and performed in one innings, there seems something special about the player. Unafraid of going after Jasprit Bumrah, unfazed after the run-in with Virat Kohli and revelling in the atmosphere at the MCG, Konstas had a dream debut. The 19-year-old, who had played only 11 first-class games before the Australia call-up has shown the temperament that it takes to belong at the stage, but should remember a thin line exists between confidence and arrogance.
