Wisden, on Tuesday, unveiled its ‘Test Team of the Year’ for 2020 and the list which features the best performers in Test cricket between December 11, 2019, and December 11, 2020, included Shan Masood and Babar Azam.
Shaan made it to the list with 419 runs in 6 matches at an average of 46.55 with a high score of 156 against England.
“England began exceptionally before lunch on day one, and Masood rode it out. Then, even as the home bowlers erred, he couldn’t quite cash in. But on day two, as Pakistan slid to 176-5, he came into his own, slowly opening his shoulders as his batting partners dwindled. Having struggled against England previously – his 156 was more than he managed in four previous Tests against them combined – Masood’s should have been a match-winning knock, but Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler had other ideas,” said Wisden about Masood.
Azam also made it to the list with 600 runs in 6 matches at an average of 100 with a high score of 143 against Bangladesh.
Writing about Azam, Wisden said: “All told, that’s not a bad average. Babar Azam made sure the return of Test cricket was a joyous, triumphant one, and it was fitting that he, a player who had already inspired such hope in the country, should provide even more. That he’ll be disappointed with his exploits in England, despite averaging just under 50, shows how high his standards now are. The most important of Babar’s knocks in terms of the match situation. Having come in at 93-2, he breezed past a century in quick time, setting up a match-winning lead.”
Read more – Only two Pakistanis nominated for ICC Awards of the Decade
Meanwhile, check out the complete test team of the year below.
Wisden’s Test Team of the Year 2020:
1. Dom Sibley
2. Shan Masood
3. Kane Williamson (C)
4. Marnus Labuschagne
5. Babar Azam
6. Ben Stokes
7. Quinton de Kock (WK)
8. Kyle Jamieson
9. Stuart Broad
10. Tim Southee
11. Nathan Lyon
