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The ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year Award, established in 2004, is a highly esteemed accolade in the cricketing world. Awarded annually by the International Cricket Council (ICC), it honours the most outstanding player in Test cricket over a specified period. This recognition not only highlights individual brilliance but also underscores the evolution and competitiveness of Test cricket, making it a coveted prize for players worldwide.
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been named the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, as announced by the apex cricketing body on Monday, January 27. This award acknowledges Bumrah’s extraordinary performances throughout the year, where he demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill on the international stage. His achievements solidify his reputation as one of the finest fast bowlers in the modern era.
This year’s recognition of Bumrah adds another chapter to the illustrious history of this award. Since its inception, the accolade has celebrated cricketing legends, beginning with Rahul Dravid, the inaugural winner. Over the years, the list of recipients has grown to include some of the sport’s most iconic players, with their contributions continuing to inspire generations.
The inaugural winner: Rahul Dravid’s heroics in 2004
Dravid, the first recipient of the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award in 2004, set the benchmark for excellence. A top-order right-handed batter, Dravid played 12 matches that year, amassing 946 runs, including two centuries and four half-centuries. His highest score of 270 not out against Pakistan in Rawalpindi remains one of the finest innings in Test cricket, showcasing his composure and technical mastery.
Six Indians on the prestigious list
Bumrah’s achievement makes him the sixth Indian to receive this honor. After Dravid, Gautam Gambhir won the award in 2009, scoring 727 runs in just five matches, including four centuries. The following year, Virender Sehwag claimed the award with an extraordinary 1,422 runs in 14 matches, featuring five centuries and eight half-centuries. In 2016, Ravichandran Ashwin dazzled with 612 runs and 72 wickets in 12 matches, including eight five-wicket hauls. Virat Kohli’s dominance earned him the accolade in 2018 when he scored 1,322 runs with five centuries and five half-centuries in 13 matches.
A stellar year for Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah’s performances in 2024 have been nothing short of phenomenal. Playing 13 Tests, he showcased his mastery over pace and precision, especially in challenging conditions. His standout performances came against South Africa and Australia, where he dismantled formidable batting line-ups. In Cape Town, Bumrah’s match-winning figures of 2/6 and 6/24 powered India to a dominant victory. In Brisbane, his six-wicket haul in the first innings and three more in the second showcased his ability to deliver in pressure situations. Bumrah finished the year with an impressive 71 wickets, earning widespread acclaim for his sharp bouncers, deceptive yorkers, and unrelenting consistency.
Also READ: From 2004 to 2025: Here’s the list of ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year winners ft. Azmatullah Omarzai
A journey through time: The winners list
| Year | Winner | Notable Achievements |
| 2004 | Rahul Dravid (IND) | 946 runs, average 63.06 |
| 2005 | Jaques Kallis (SA) | 1011 runs, 20 wickets |
| 2006 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 1333 runs, average 88.46 |
| 2007 | Mohammad Yousuf (PAK) | 1788 runs average 99.33 |
| 2008 | Dale Steyn (SA) | 74 wickets, average 20.01 |
| 2009 | Gautam Gambhir (IND) | 727 runs, average of 90.87 |
| 2010 | Virender Sehwag (IND) | 1422 runs, average of 90.80 |
| 2011 | Alastair Cook (ENG) | 927 runs, average of 84.27 |
| 2012 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 767 runs, average of 51.13 |
| 2013 | Micheal Clarke (AUS) | 1093 runs, average of 56.39 |
| 2014 | Mitchell Johnson (AUS) | 47 wickets, average of 23.25 |
| 2015 | Steve Smith (AUS) | 1474 runs, average of 73.70 |
| 2016 | Ravichandran Ashwin (IND) | 72 wickets, 612 runs |
| 2017 | Steve Smith (AUS) | 1305 runs, average of 76.76 |
| 2018 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1322 runs, average of 55.08 |
| 2019 | Pat Cummins (AUS) | 59 wickets, average of 20.13 |
| 2021 | Joe Root (ENG) | 1708 runs, average of 61.00 |
| 2022 | Ben Stokes (ENG) | 870 runs, 26 wickets |
| 2023 | Usman Khawaja (AUS) | 1,210 runs, average of 52.60 |
The most decorated player: Steve Smith
Australian batting maestro Steve Smith holds the record for the most ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year awards, having won it twice, in 2015 and 2017. In 2015, Smith played 13 matches, scoring 1,474 runs with six centuries and five half-centuries. He repeated his brilliance in 2017, amassing 1,305 runs in 11 matches with six centuries and three half-centuries.
