Although 2023 was all about the 2023 ODI World Cup, we did have some fine Tests. Be it the Ashes or the Australia Tour of India, there were plenty of memorable five-day matches. On that note, here, we take a look at the best Test XI of 2023.
Openers: Dimuth Karunaratne and Usman Khawaja
Dimuth Karunaratne and Usman Khawaja will open the batting for this best Test XI of 2023. Usman Khawaja ended as the highest run-getter in 2023. He did well in the Ashes and also toured well in India. Although there are other high-scoring batters, since we needed an opener, we have Karunaratne here.
Middle-Order: Joe Root, Steve Smith, Travis Head and Kusal Mendis (WK)
The likes of Kane Williamson, Marnus Labuschagne and Harry Brook also did well in the middle-order. However, we have a more settled and balanced middle-order with Root, Smith and Head. Particularly Head was in smashing form with brilliant shows across the year. Not many wicket-keepers did well in 2023. However, since we are forced to have one, Kusal Mendis makes the cut as he had a brilliant year with the bat.
Bowlers: R Ashwin, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Stuart Broad
Pat Cummins will lead this best Test XI of 2023. It was a sensational year for Pat Cummins. He is the obvious choice as the skipper. Starc and Broad will partner with him in the pace attack. Broad retired from the game after the brilliant Ashes campaign that he had. Nathan Lyon and R Ashwin will share the spin duties for this side. Both had a terrific year, with Ashwin picking 41 wickets and Lyon collecting 47 wickets. Lyon finished as the highest wicket-taker and it needs to be considered that he missed quite a few games due to an injury. Hence, this duo is a part of this solid playing XI.
