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 final finishes to monumental batting displays, the longest format has demonstrated its enduring appeal. Teams all over the world have shown grit, skill and passion, making Test cricket the ultimate battleground for excellence. With multiple milestones achieved, 2024 proved why Test cricket remains the purest form of the game.
Batsmen take charge: Dominant bowlers and mammoth innings
In 2024, he hit several shots that turned pressure into opportunity with record-breaking performances. the likes Kane Williamson and Marnus Labuschagne stunned his opponents with double and triple centuries, made the bowlers miserable. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s influential batting game and Steve Smith‘s marathon knocks reminded the cricket world of their class. Meanwhile, like rising stars Saim Ayub and Harry Brooke they announced their arrival with a fearless strike. From spinning tracks India to the green tops Englandbatters showed adaptability and resilience. Their high individual scores stood out as a sign of their mastery of the game.
Test cricket 2024: Top 5 individual performances with the bat
1. The Remarkable 317 by Harry Brooke
Brook gave 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 rare Test strike rate of 98.44. Brook’s counter-attacking approach unsettled Pakistan’s bowling line-up and swung the game decisively in England’s favour. His aggressive style and sharp shot selection showed his ability to dominate even in difficult situations. This innings also cemented his reputation as one of the most effective modern Test batsmen. The fight was a mix of aggression and consistency and earned him the Player of the Match award.
2. Joe Root’s Classic 262
Joe Root showed his trademark elegance with a sick 262 against Pakistan in Multan. Occupying the crease for over 10 hours, Root faced 375 balls and hit 17 fours. His ability to anchor England’s innings provided the perfect foil for Brook’s attacking style, forming a partnership that let loose the Pakistani bowlers. Root’s knock highlighted technique and temperament, demonstrating why he is an important cog in England’s Test set-up. His calculated approach allowed England to build a mammoth total and set up a commanding lead. Root’s innings cemented his position as one of England’s greatest Test players.
3. The heroism of Hashemtullah Shahidi 246
Afghanistanof Hashemtullah Shahidi scored a remarkable 246 runs in the Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Battling over 11 hours, Shahidi faced 474 deliveries and hit 21 boundaries. His innings was a testament to grit and patience as he held the Afghanistan innings together under pressure. Shahidi’s temperament and shot selection were key to Afghanistan’s victory over Zimbabwe’s first innings. This career-best performance also marked his reputation as a reliable middle-order batsman for Afghanistan. It came with its two centuries of history partnership Rehmat ShahHe ensured that Afghanistan avoided defeat in a tough match.
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4. Master 240 by Rachin Ravindra
Racine Ravindra against 240 skillfully in the first Test South Africa On Mount Maunganui. Batting over 9 hours, Ravindra’s innings was a mix of aggression and consistency with 26 fours and 3 sixes. He dominated the South African attack with his elegant stroke play and calculated risk-taking. Ravindra’s knock helped New Zealand post a huge first innings score while also putting the visitors under a lot of pressure. His ability to counter South Africa’s pacers highlighted his maturity as a batsman. In addition, he contributed with the ball, claiming 2 wickets in an excellent all-round performance.
5. Rehmat Shah’s proud 234
Rahmat showed great determination with a gritty 234 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Facing 424 balls, he hit 23 boundaries and 3 sixes to tie Afghanistan’s innings with Shahidi. Rehmat’s ability to absorb pressure and turn the start into a big score stood out in a match where patience was key. His partnership with Shahidi broke several records, with Afghanistan not only outscoring Zimbabwe’s first innings but also taking the lead. Rehmat’s kicking was distinguished 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 tough draws
- England vs Pakistan, Multan: England won by an innings and 47 runs, led by Brook’s 317 and Root’s 262. Their combined efforts took England to 823/7 declared and left Pakistan with an insurmountable deficit. Despite a valiant effort, Pakistan’s second innings ended at 220, unable to avoid an innings defeat.
- Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Bulawayo: The match ended in a thrilling draw, with Zimbabwe making 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 ended the final day with a score of 142/4 to ensure the game ended in a draw.
- Mount Maunganui, New Zealand and South Africa: New Zealand won by 281 runs. Ravindra’s 240 put South Africa under huge pressure, helping the hosts post 511 in the first innings. South Africa collapsed in their chase, unable to cope with New Zealand’s dominant bowling.
