By 
Cricket Australia revealed their World Test Championship Team for 2023, consisting of players that excelled in the previous two years (2021-23).
The last two years have seen historic tours, new records, and incredible performances by some of the game’s best players. One of those who made the “best XI” was Pakistan captain Babar Azam.
“This ‘best XI’ salutes those who delivered for the entirety of the WTC’s two-year cycle, and tries to create a team that would flourish in all conditions,” Cricket Australia stated.
The top hitter enjoyed a stellar 24 months in the longest version of the game, scoring over 1,500 runs in just 14 Tests, and was named third on the team after the opening pair.
“His 425-ball 196 against Australia in Karachi was an epic performance that nearly resulted in an unlikely Pakistan victory.” In addition, he scored centuries against Sri Lanka, England, and New Zealand.”
Babar played eight Tests in batter-friendly conditions in Pakistan and averaged 56.30 in away games, including 119 against Sri Lanka in Galle, according to Cricket Australia.
The remaining members of the squad include Australia’s Usman Khawaja, who has been chosen to play in the opening slot. In just 16 Test matches, he has 1,608 runs.
Dimuth Karunaratne of Sri Lanka is Khawaja’s opening partner, with 1,054 runs in only 12 matches.
Other players include England’s Joe Root, who has 1,915 runs in 22 matches, Australia’s Travis Head, who has 1,208 runs in 17 matches, India’s Ravindra Jadeja, who has 673 runs in 12 matches, and Rishabh Pant, who has 868 runs in 12 matches.
With 61 wickets in just 13 matches, Ravichandran Ashwin has been nominated for the specialist spinner job. Australia’s Pat Cummins has 53 wickets in 15 matches, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada has 67 wickets in 13 matches, and England’s James Anderson has 58 wickets in 15 matches.
