The ICC has unveiled the shortlist for the Test Team of the Year 2023, featuring prominent contenders such as Australia's Travis Head and Usman Khawaja, India's Ravichandran Ashwin, and England's Joe Root, all vying for the coveted title.
Let's delve into the accomplishments that have earned these four players a spot in the final selection:
1. **Ravichandran Ashwin (India):**
- Wickets: 41 in 7 matches
- Ashwin showcased exceptional consistency with the ball, claiming 41 wickets in 7 matches. His pivotal role contributed to India's journey to the final of the ICC Test Championship last year, although India ultimately lost to Australia.
- Notable performances in the Border-Gavaskar series included 25 wickets in 4 matches, aiding India in retaining the title. Ashwin's significant innings of 86 runs and achieving India's highest wicket tally against Australia further solidified his impact.
- Despite not making the Test Championship final, Ashwin made a swift return to the team and, as the top-ranked Test bowler, secured 12 wickets in the series against the West Indies. A two-time Test Player of the Year, Ashwin is a strong contender for the award.
2. **Travis Head (Australia):**
- Runs: 919 in 12 Test matches
- 2023 proved to be a remarkable year for the Australian team, with Travis Head enjoying particular success. His Test debut in 2018 paved the way for notable achievements in the Test Championship, Ashes series, and ODI World Cup.
- In the Border-Gavaskar series, Head's outstanding form saw him score over 200 runs in 3 matches, playing a crucial role in Australia's victory. His stellar century in the Test Championship final against India earned him the Man of the Match title.
- Head continued his impressive performance in the Ashes series and maintained his form in the ongoing series against Pakistan.
3. **Usman Khawaja (Australia):**
- Runs: 1210 in 13 matches
- Khawaja, nominated for the Test Cricketer of the Year for the second consecutive time, showcased exceptional form throughout 2023. He achieved a career-best score of 195* against South Africa and emerged as the highest run-scorer in the series on Indian soil.
- Despite missing out on the Test Championship final, Khawaja dominated the Ashes series, finishing as the highest run-scorer. His consistent performances against Pakistan at the end of the year contributed to an impressive total of 1210 runs.
4. **Joe Root (England):**
- Runs: 787, Wickets: 8 in 8 matches
- Root, a previous winner of the Test Cricketer of the Year in 2021, showcased remarkable form in 2023. Notable performances included scoring over 50 runs three times in a two-match series against New Zealand.
- In the Ashes series, Root played an unbeaten innings of 118 runs and contributed with the ball, taking eight wickets in 8 matches.
The competition for the Test Cricketer of the Year promises to be intense, with these players displaying outstanding performances throughout the year. The final winner will undoubtedly be a testament to their dedication and skill on the cricketing field.