 2023–25 Team of the Tournament.){kind=link}
Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has revealed his ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 Team of the Tournament, and if you were hoping to see a Pakistani name in there, tough luck. His XI, shared on X (formerly Twitter), has drawn attention not just for its star power, but also for what (and who) it leaves out.
Jaiswal, Khawaja open; Root stands tall
At the top of the order, India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal and Australia’s Usman Khawaja make the cut — both well-deserved.
Jaiswal was a revelation this cycle, scoring 1,798 runs at a stunning average of 52.88, including four centuries. Khawaja, ever the rock for Australia, wasn’t far behind with 1,428 runs at 39.66.
Batting at number three is England’s Joe Root, who was the standout batter of the entire cycle. The former captain smashed 1,968 runs at 54.66 — the highest of any player — with seven centuries to his name.
A Proteas-led middle order
Rashid Latif named a South Africa-heavy middle order, showing respect for their WTC-winning campaign. Temba Bavuma, fresh off ending his country’s 26-year ICC trophy drought, leads this side as captain.
Alongside him are England’s Harry Brook, who chipped in with 1,463 runs, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, whose average of 62.38 across 1,123 runs made him hard to ignore.
Behind the stumps, Kyle Verreynne takes the gloves. The South African keeper might have flown under the radar during the cycle, but Latif clearly sees his value.
A fearsome bowling attack
No World Test XI is complete without a potent bowling lineup, and this one’s stacked. Nathan Lyon leads the spin department with 66 wickets, reminding everyone why he’s still one of the best in the business.
The pace trio includes Matt Henry (48 wickets), Jasprit Bumrah (77 wickets), and Kagiso Rabada, who played a key role in South Africa’s final win, including nine crucial wickets.
Notably, Bumrah’s Player of the Series performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a highlight of India’s campaign. His presence in this XI is a no-brainer.
A historic win for South Africa
Latif’s selection clearly tips the hat to South Africa’s historic WTC final victory over Australia at Lord’s. Chasing 282 in the fourth innings, it was Bavuma and Aiden Markram who stood tall, guiding their side to a win that ended decades of ICC heartbreak.
Their bowlers then blew away Australia’s resistance, sealing an unforgettable moment in cricket history. It’s no surprise that this achievement is reflected in Latif’s lineup — four Proteas players make the cut.
Pakistan — left out, but not unnoticed?
Still, it stings that no Pakistani player made the cut. With some decent performances scattered through the WTC cycle, fans may argue that at least one name deserved a mention. But in a brutally competitive field, sometimes even talent isn’t enough.
Rashid Latif’s team is a mix of consistency, match-winners, and title-winners. It’s bold, it’s balanced, and whether you agree with it or not, it’s got people talking.
Rashid Latif Team of the Tournament: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Usman Khawaja, Joe Root, Temba Bavuma (c), Harry Brook, Kamindu Mendis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Nathan Lyon, Matt Henry, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah
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