Test cricket in 2025 saw several major moments. South Africa won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s and then went on to beat India in India. England and India played a high-profile series marked by large scores and key passages of play. The Ashes began with strong build-up, however, Australia has already secured the urn by winning the first three Tests, as the scoreline currently stands at 3-1. The yearalso had unusual moments, including Wiaan Mulder declaring while 34 runs short of Brian Lara’s 400 not out.As the year draws to a close, a number of players delivered notable performances in Test cricket. Based on those displays, Cricket Australia announced its Test XI of the year for 2025.Australia have four players in the XI despite losing the Test mace. They won nine of their 11 Tests during the year. India also have four representatives, including Ravindra Jadeja named as the 12th man. England and South Africa have two players each in the side.India’s selections include Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah. Cricket Australia said Jadeja narrowly missed out on a place in the XI, with England all-rounder Ben Stokes being preferred.Gill scored 983 runs in 16 innings in 2025. Rahul finished the year with 813 runs from 19 innings. Bumrah took 31 wickets in 14 innings.For the captaincy, Cricket Australia chose South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma. The other South African in the XI is off-spinner Simon Harmer. Harmer played four Tests during the year, as Keshav Maharaj featured in the WTC final instead. Harmer took 17 wickets in the two-Test series win over India, averaging 8.94, which is the best average by a visiting spinner in a series in India.Cricket Australia’s Best Test XI of 2025:KL Rahul (India), Travis Head (Australia), Joe Root (England), Shubman Gill (India), Temba Bavuma (South Africa, captain), Alex Carey (Australia, wicketkeeper), Ben Stokes (England), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Jasprit Bumrah (India), Scott Boland (Australia), Simon Harmer (South Africa)12th man: Ravindra Jadeja (India)
