The 2025 calendar year delivered a compelling narrative in Test cricket, marked by historic series results, individual brilliance across continents, and
a rare balance of power among the leading nations.
Reflecting this competitiveness, the Best Test XI of 2025 features players from four countries - India, Australia, South Africa and England - with India placing four players in the elite lineup.
Australia also matched India with four selections, while South Africa and England contributed two players each. At the helm of the side is South Africa's World Test Championship-winning captain Temba Bavuma, whose leadership and resilience defined his nation's historic year.
India's Four: Consistency Across Continents
India's strongest representation comes through Shubman Gill, who was the standout Test batter of 2025. Gill amassed 983 runs in just nine Tests at an average of 70.21, finishing as the leading run-scorer worldwide. His defining achievement came in the English summer, where he produced 754 runs in five Tests, one of the most prolific series ever by an Indian batter overseas. Taking over the Test captaincy midway through the year, Gill led from the front with five centuries, including a career-best 269.
Opening partner KL Rahul enjoyed the most productive year of his Test career. Rahul dominated England's attack with over 500 runs in the UK, becoming the most successful visiting opener there in more than two decades. He finished 2025 with 813 runs and three centuries, providing India rare stability at the top of the order.
In bowling, Jasprit Bumrah retained his place among the world's elite despite careful workload management. Bumrah picked up 31 wickets in eight Tests, highlighted by a devastating 5/27 against South Africa at Eden Gardens. His ability to strike in short bursts continued to tilt matches even when India were under pressure.
India narrowly missed a fifth spot, with Ravindra Jadeja named as the 12th man. Jadeja had his best batting year in Tests, scoring 764 runs at 63.66, reinforcing his value as a long-format all-rounder.
Australia's Quartet: Relentless Pressure
Australia's four inclusions underline a year in which they won nine of 11 Tests. Travis Head enjoyed a successful shift to opening late in the year, scoring 817 runs and producing match-defining innings in both Ashes and overseas Tests.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey combined sharp glovework with consistent runs, finishing among the top six run-scorers globally. His twin centuries and tactical wicketkeeping drew praise from former greats.
Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland were devastating. Starc led the world with 55 wickets, including multiple six-wicket hauls, while Boland averaged just 15.00, delivering match-turning spells in Ashes and pink-ball Tests.
South Africa: Champions Who Defied Odds
South Africa's rise in 2025 was capped by their World Test Championship triumph. Captain Temba Bavuma earns selection more for impact than volume. His gritty 66 at Lord's while injured proved decisive in the WTC final, before he led South Africa to a historic Test series win in India.
Spinner Simon Harmer was unplayable in subcontinental conditions, taking 17 wickets in two Tests in India at an average under nine, one of the best performances by a visiting spinner in the country's history.
England's Leaders Stand Tall
England's representation comes through Joe Root, who once again showcased his class with over 800 runs at 50.31, including four centuries. His run spree against India during the English summer anchored England's competitiveness.
All-rounder Ben Stokes delivered a vintage year with the ball, taking 33 wickets after returning from injury. His marathon spells and inspirational leadership also helped England secure their first Test win in Australia since 2011.
What the XI Reveals About 2025
That four Indian players feature in the Best Test XI highlights India's sustained excellence in red-ball cricket, particularly through batting depth and elite pace bowling. Australia's dominance, South Africa's resilience and England's individual brilliance combined to make 2025 one of the most competitive Test years in recent memory.
As Test cricket heads into a new cycle, the performances of this XI have set a benchmark for excellence across conditions and continents.
