Cricket Australia announced its World Test Championship squad for the year 2023 by selecting players who performed well in the last two years between 2021-23.
The two years saw historic milestones, new records, and stellar performances from some of the greats. Pakistan captain Babar Azam was one of those who made it to the “Best XI”.
“This ‘Best XI’ salutes those who have delivered throughout the two-year tenure of the WTC, and seeks to build a team that thrives in all conditions,” Cricket Australia said.
The star batsman scored more than 1,500 runs in just 14 Tests in the longest format of the game for 24 months, finishing third in the team behind the opening pair.
“His brilliant 196 off 425 balls against Australia in Karachi resulted in an almost improbable victory for Pakistan. He also scored centuries against Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand.”
According to Cricket Australia, Babar played eight Tests in batsman-friendly conditions in Pakistan and averaged 56.30 in away games, including 119 against Sri Lanka in Galle.
The rest of the team is Usman Khawaja of Australia who has been selected for the opening position. He has scored 1,608 runs in just 16 Test matches.
Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne is Khawaja’s opening partner who scored 1,054 runs in just 12 matches.
Other players include Joe Root of England with 1915 runs in 22 matches, Travis Head of Australia with 1208 runs in 17 matches, Ravindra Jadeja of India with 673 runs in 12 matches and Rishabh Pant with 8268 runs in 12 matches. Selected as a keeper.
As far as the bowling side is concerned, Ravichandran Ashwin has been chosen for the role of specialist spinner with 61 wickets in just 13 matches. Australia’s Pete Cummins – who has been named the team’s captain – took 53 wickets in 15 matches, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada took 67 wickets in 13 matches and England’s James Anderson took 58 wickets in 15 matches.
