Test team of the year: Best playing XI of 2025 in men's Test cricket

Vishal Bhawani

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Test team of the year: Best playing XI of 2025 in men's Test cricket image

The 2025 calendar year in men’s Test cricket was one of transition and high performance.

A World Test Championship cycle reached its climax, several senior players bowed out, and new leaders emerged across major nations.

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Conditions varied sharply, from seam-heavy pitches in England and Australia to spin-friendly tracks in Asia, forcing players to adapt constantly.

Performances were judged not just on volume of runs or wickets, but on impact, consistency, and adaptability. Here is a data-driven look at the best men’s Test XI of 2025 based on match influence and full-year statistics.

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Test team of the year 2025

Best playing XI of 2025 in men's Test cricket: KL Rahul (IND), Travis Head (AUS), Shubman Gill (IND), Joe Root (ENG), Harry Brook (ENG), Ravindra Jadeja (IND), Alex Carey (AUS), Mitchell Starc (AUS), Pat Cummins (c) (AUS), Mohammed Siraj (IND), Simon Harmer (SA)

KL Rahul (Opener)

Rahul delivered stability at the top, especially overseas. He scored 813 runs in 10 Tests at an average above 45, including three centuries. His technique against the moving ball stood out in difficult conditions.

Stats: 10 matches | 19 inns | 813 runs | Avg 45.16 | HS 137

Travis Head (Opener)

Head earned his place through impact. Whether opening or batting in the middle order, his ability to change games quickly was crucial.

Stats: 11 matches | 21 inns | 817 runs | Avg 40.85 | HS 170

Shubman Gill (No. 3)

Gill was among the standout batters of the year. Batting at No.3, he piled up 983 runs at 70.21, with five hundreds, and also impressed as India’s new Test captain.

Stats: 9 matches | 16 inns | 983 runs | Avg 70.21 | HS 269

Joe Root (No. 4)

Root’s consistency remained elite. He crossed 800 runs for the year and continued to anchor England’s batting across conditions.

Stats: 10 matches | 18 inns | 805 runs | Avg 50.31 | HS 150

Harry Brook (No. 5)

Brook’s year was marked by tempo and records. He became the fastest to 3,000 Test runs by balls faced and averaged over 45 in 2025.

Stats: 10 matches | 18 inns | 771 runs | Avg 45.35 | HS 158

Ravindra Jadeja (All-rounder)

Jadeja’s batting peaked in 2025, averaging 63.66, while still contributing 25 wickets to provide balance.

Stats: 10 matches | 17 inns | 764 runs | Avg 63.66 | HS 107*

Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper)

Carey combined high-quality glovework with consistent runs, averaging close to 48 and scoring a career-best century.

Stats: 11 matches | 17 inns | 767 runs | Avg 47.93 | HS 156

Mitchell Starc (Fast bowler)

Starc was the bowler of the year. His 55 wickets at 17.32 came across all conditions, often leading the attack.

Stats: 11 matches | 22 inns | 55 wkts | Avg 17.32 | BBI 7/58

Pat Cummins (Captain, Fast bowler)

Cummins remained relentless, taking 26 wickets in just six Tests while captaining effectively.

Stats: 6 matches | 11 inns | 26 wkts | Avg 16.53 | BBI 6/28

Mohammed Siraj (Fast bowler)

Siraj’s workload and intensity set him apart. He took 43 wickets and often bowled the toughest spells.

Stats: 10 matches | 19 inns | 43 wkts | Avg 27.20 | BBI 6/70

Simon Harmer (Spinner)

Harmer was the most effective specialist spinner of the year, taking 30 wickets in just four Tests.

Stats: 4 matches | 8 inns | 30 wkts | Avg 14.30 | BBI 6/37