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As 2025 draws to a close, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to call it cricket’s year of extremes, packed with soaring triumphs, crushing defeats, and unforgettable moments across formats. From high-stakes series to iconic individual performances, the game continued to thrive, with Test cricket standing tall as the format that delivered the deepest drama.

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Among all formats, red-ball cricket produced some of the year’s most compelling narratives. As the curtain comes down on an action-packed season, Cricket Australia revealed its Best Test XI of 2025, a star-studded lineup featuring global heavyweights who dominated the longest format and shaped the year’s defining moments.

KL Rahul and Travis Head set the tone as Australia blends calm with chaos at the top

Cricket Australia’s Test XI sparked plenty of debate, with both bold calls and expected picks. At the top of the order, the selectors placed their trust in KL Rahul and Travis Head, pairing composure with aggression to form a contrasting yet effective opening combination.

Rahul enjoyed a stellar 2025 in Tests, particularly in England, where he amassed 532 runs across five matches, including two centuries. His resurgence continued at home against the West Indies, where he ended a long wait for a Test hundred on Indian soil. Across 10 matches this year, Rahul scored 813 runs at an average of 45.16, underlining his consistency.

At the other end stands Travis Head, whose fearless approach lit up the Ashes. The Australian opener smashed two centuries in the opening two Tests and maintained his momentum throughout the year. In 11 matches, Head accumulated 817 runs with two hundreds, averaging 40.85, making him an automatic pick at the top.

Joe Root, Gill and Bavuma anchor a commanding middle order

The backbone of the XI lies in a formidable middle order led by Joe Root, Shubman Gill, and Temba Bavuma. Root slots in at No. 3 after a memorable year that included his maiden Test century on Australian soil during the Ashes. He finished 2025 with 805 runs in 10 matches, featuring four centuries.

Gill, India’s new Test captain, occupies the No. 4 spot following a sensational year. His captaincy debut in England turned historic as he smashed a record-breaking 269, followed by three more centuries. Gill piled up 983 runs in just nine Tests, averaging a staggering 70.21.

In a surprise move, Cricket Australia named Temba Bavuma as captain of the XI, overlooking Pat Cummins. Bavuma’s leadership peaked with South Africa’s maiden World Test Championship triumph, followed by a dominant ODI whitewash of India. His calm authority and historic success made him a standout leadership choice.

Behind the stumps, Alex Carey earned selection after an exceptional year with bat and gloves. In 11 Tests, Carey registered 44 catches, five stumpings, and scored 767 runs, including two centuries — proving invaluable in multiple roles.

At No. 7, Ben Stokes adds explosive all-round value. The England talisman enjoyed a productive year, scoring 496 runs with a century and backing it up with 33 wickets at an average of 23.12, including two five-wicket hauls.

Starc, Bumrah and Boland headline a ruthless pace attack

Australia’s bowling tradition remained front and centre, with Mitchell Starc leading the pace battery after a vintage year. Featuring in all 11 Tests Australia played, Starc claimed 55 wickets and produced three five-wicket hauls across marquee series.

Joining him is Jasprit Bumrah, who overcame fitness setbacks to deliver match-winning spells. In eight Tests, Bumrah took 31 wickets at an average of 22.16, including three fifers, with his spell against South Africa standing out as one of the year’s finest.

Completing the pace trio is Scott Boland, whose consistency bordered on unreal. In just six Tests, Boland bagged 32 wickets at a stunning average of 15.00, highlighted by his maiden 10-wicket match haul against India.

Harmer spins magic as Ravindra Jadeja named special 12th man

As the lone spinner, Simon Harmer justified his inclusion with sheer efficiency. Despite playing only four Tests, the South African off-spinner grabbed 30 wickets at an average of 14.30, proving quality trumps quantity.

Cricket Australia added a final twist by naming Ravindra Jadeja as the 12th man. The Indian all-rounder enjoyed one of his best Test years, scoring 764 runs with two centuries and taking 25 wickets, rounding off a glittering 2025.

Cricket Australia’s Best Test XI of 2025:
KL Rahul, Travis Head, Joe Root, Shubman Gill, Temba Bavuma (captain), Alex Carey (wk), Ben Stokes, Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah, Scott Boland, Simon Harmer
12th man: Ravindra Jadeja