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As the current cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) wraps up, fans have witnessed one of the most gripping eras in red-ball cricket. From England‘s epic Ashes comeback to Australia‘s triumphant Border-Gavaskar campaign against Indiathe WTC cycle offered a treasure trove of unforgettable moments. To honour the game’s finest contributors, Cricket Australia (CA) have named their best XI of the cycle — a blend of young stars and seasoned campaigners who left a lasting impact on the game.

Left-handers duo as openers

• Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
  Matches: 19 | Runs: 1798 | Average: 52.88 | 100s: 4 | 50s: 10 | Best Score: 214*

India’s breakout sensation It’s ridiculedl took the red-ball format by storm, displaying remarkable composure and strokeplay at the top. His consistency across tough tours made him a no-brainer in the XI.

• Usman Khawaja (Australia)
  Matches: 19 | Runs: 1422 | Average: 41.82 | 100s: 2 | 50s: 6 | Best Score: 232

The Australian veteran Usman Khawaja continued to be a rock at the top, anchoring innings with grit. His double century against South Africa stood out as one of the finest knocks of the cycle.

Middle-order maestros: Experience meets impact

• Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
  Matches: 11 | Runs: 1152 | Average: 54.85 | 100s: 5 | 50s: 4 | Best Score: 156

New Zealand’s batting talisman Kane Williamson delivered again, piling runs with typical calmness. Five hundreds in just 11 games underscore his unmatched consistency.

• Joe Root (England)
  Matches: 22 | Runs: 1968 | Average: 54.66 | 100s: 7 | 50s: 7 | Best Score: 262

England’s batting maestro Joe Root’s renaissance in Test cricket continued, with seven centuries and a commanding presence in the English middle order. His 262 remains a high watermark.

• Harry Brook (England)
  Matches: 17 | Runs: 1463 | Average: 50.44 | 100s: 4 | 50s: 7 | Best Score: 317

England’s new white-ball skipper Harry Brook also find his place in the XI. Brook brought flair and aggression, often turning games on their head. His triple-century was one of the cycle’s jaw-dropping moments.

• Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
  Matches: 11 | Runs: 1123 | Average: 62.38 | 100s: 5 | 50s: 3 | Best Score: 182*

Sri Lanka’s rising star Kamindo mistakes was a revelation, showing maturity and class. Five centuries in just 11 matches placed him firmly among the best.

• Alex Carey (Australia)
  Matches: 19 | Runs: 954 | Average: 35.33 | 100s: 1 | 50s: 5 | Best Score: 156 | Catches: 79 | Stumpings: 16

Alex Carey was named as the wicketkeeper for the special XI. He provided balance with the bat and was outstanding behind the stumps, effecting nearly 100 dismissals across the cycle.

Pace power and spin craft: Bowlers who ruled the WTC

• Pat Cummins (Australia) – Captain
  Matches: 17 | Wickets: 73 | Economy: 3.38 | 10W: 1 | 5W: 5 | BBM: 10-108

Australia’s pace spearhead Pat Cummins led from the front — both with the ball and as captain. His leadership in India and relentless bowling sealed his spot. He has been named as the captain of the best XI.

• Jasprit bumrah (India)
  Matches: 15 | Wickets: 77 | Economy: 2.95 | 10W: 0 | 5W: 5 | BBM: 9-91

Back from injury, Jasprit bumrah’s impact was seismic. His ability to dismantle batting lineups made him one of the most feared bowlers of the cycle.

• Matt Henry (New Zealand)
  Matches: 9 | Wickets: 48 | Economy: 3.28 | 10W: 0 | 5W: 3 | BBM: 9-161

Matt Henry’s stellar figures, especially at home, underlined his wicket-taking prowess and ability to thrive in different conditions.

• Noman Ali (Pakistan)
  Matches: 6 | Wickets: 46 | Economy: 3.20 | 10W: 2 | 5W: 5 | BBM: 11-108

Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali proved unplayable at times. With two 10-wicket hauls in just six Tests, his selection was well-earned.

• 12th and: King Rabada (South Africa)
  Matches: 10 | Wickets: 47 | Economy: 3.16 | 10W: 0 | 5W: 3 | BBM: 9-72

Kagiso Rabada narrowly missed out on the XI but stood tall with some fearsome bowling spells. His average and strike rate speak volumes of his threat level.