The new issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly – available to order now – reveals the magazine's men's Test XI of 2025. The team was selected by a panel of 40 cricket writers, and was based on performances from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
World Test Champions South Africa are heavily represented in Wisden Cricket Monthly's team of the year, contributing three players to the final XI. However, they are not the most heavily represented nation, with India taking that crown with four players. Despite having lost more Tests than they won in 2026, notable performances against England led the way, while England themselves contribute one solitary name.
Travis Head opens the batting alongside KL Rahul, the Australian's Ashes performance leading the charge for his inclusion. Rahul makes his first-ever appearance in the annual team, after comfortably the most prolific year of his career, the stand-out of which was his century against England at Leeds.
Also read: Wisden’s 2025 Men’s T20 Team of the Year
South Africa's conquering captain, Temba Bavuma is the first Proteas representative at No.5, despite injury restricting his appearances to just four Test matches. Rachin Ravindra is the sole New Zealand representative, making the XI for the fourth year in a row.
Mitchell Starc was the only member of the side to receive a vote from every member of the selection panel, having become the most prolific left-arm seamer in Test history during the Ashes.
Also read: Wisden’s 2025 Men’s ODI Team of the Year
Taking the specialist spin spot in the team is an unlikely hero. Simon Harmer at 36 years old made a triumphant return to the Test arena in the subcontinent during the second half of the year, and took 17 wickets at 8.94 during South Africa's series-win in India. Like Bavuma, just four Test appearances were enough to win his place.
Get your copy of the new issue of the magazine here.
Wisden Cricket Monthly's men's Test XI of the year
1. Travis Head
2. KL Rahul
3. Shubman Gill
4. Joe Root
5. Temba Bavuma
6. Ravindra Jadeja
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Marco Jansen
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Simon Harmer
11. Mohammed Siraj
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