England pulled off a remarkable four-wicket victory over Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 27. This win marked England’s first Test victory in the Ashes on Australian soil in nearly 15 years. The match concluded on Day 2, with England successfully chasing down a target of 175 runs in just 32.2 overs.
The Boxing Day Test served as the final Test match of 2025, capping off a year of thrilling cricket action. Despite their loss in this particular match, Australia had a fantastic year in Test cricket, winning nine out of 11 matches and losing only two. South Africa, the reigning World Test champions, also had an impressive year with seven wins from eight Tests. India and England finished with identical records, winning four and losing five out of the ten Tests they played, with one match ending in a draw.
Looking back at the best Test XI of 2025, it comes as no surprise that Australian cricketers dominate the lineup. Let’s take a closer look at the standout performers who make up this formidable team.
Top order: KL Rahul, Travis Head, and Steve Smith (c)
KL Rahul and Travis Head secure the opening slots in the best Test XI of 2025, with the experienced Steve Smith leading the team at number three. Rahul showcased his batting prowess in the year, scoring 813 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 45.16, including three centuries and three half-centuries. Head also made significant contributions with the bat, amassing 817 runs in 11 matches at an average of 40.85, with two hundreds and three fifties. Smith, in his nine Tests, scored 651 runs at an average of 50.07, with two centuries and three half-centuries, providing vital stability to the Australian lineup.
Middle order and all-rounders: Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Senuran Muthusamy, and Alex Carey (wk)
Shubman Gill emerged as the leading run-scorer in Test cricket in 2025, accumulating 983 runs in nine Tests at an impressive average of 70.21, with five centuries and one fifty. Ravindra Jadeja also shone with the bat, scoring 764 runs in 10 matches at an average of 63.66, along with two hundreds and six half-centuries. South African all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy played a crucial role with both bat and ball, scoring 215 runs at an average of 71.66 and claiming 16 wickets at an average of 22.56 in four Tests. Alex Carey’s consistent performances behind the stumps and with the bat earned him a spot in the team, scoring 767 runs in 11 matches at an average of 47.93, including two centuries and four fifties.
Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Mohammed Siraj, Simon Harmer, and Scott Boland
The bowling attack of the best Test XI of 2025 is led by Mitchell Starc, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in Tests for the year, with 55 scalps in 11 matches at an average of 17.32. Mohammed Siraj and Scott Boland also made significant contributions with 43 and 32 wickets respectively in the year. South Africa’s Simon Harmer impressed with his off-spin, claiming 30 wickets in just four Tests at an average of 14.30.
The best Test XI of 2025 is a testament to the exceptional performances witnessed in Test cricket throughout the year. With a fine balance of batting and bowling prowess, this team showcases the talent and skill of the top players in the format.
