The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 ended in thrilling fashion as India defeated England by six runs in a breathtaking final-day finish at The Oval. With the five-match series tied at 2-2, cricket fans were treated to spectacular drama, emerging stars, and defining moments of their careers. Following the conclusion, Wisden has announced its combined Team of the Series featuring names that crossed over from both squads and left their mark as astounding players. 

With that, KL Rahul and Ben Duckett will feature as openers. Rahul proved invaluable with 532 runs and gave experience and stability at the first wicket, while Duckett was aggressive and prolific during the series, specifically with his match-winning 149 during the Headingley Test, which made him a must-select for Wisden.

Joe Root, who finished the series with 537 runs and three centuries, was another easy pick at No. 3 for Wisden, while Shubman Gill's 376 runs at an average of 94 were astonishing, including four hundreds, making him the top run-scorer of the series, and caught people's notice as a rising star in world cricket.

Pant shines on return, Jadeja and Stokes impress, Siraj leads the bowling attack

After returning from injury to score 479 runs across four matches, Rishabh Pant is taking the gloves again. His positive style of play and match-winning innings were valuable in really close games. After Pant, all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes followed. Jadeja's batting was reliable in the lower order while Stokes was more than decent with the ball (17 wickets) and scored one hundred in Manchester prior to injury and no participation in the last Test. 

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Washington Sundar played an important role in the lower order, with Washington scoring 1st Test hundred and 7 wickets. Washington added more depth to India's batting line-up. The pace attack was comprised of Jofra Archer, back to red ball cricket with nine wickets in two matches, Jasprit Bumrah, who always made early strikes in all his matches, and Mohammed Siraj, who topped the wicket-taking list with 23 wickets in the series, including his series-clinching spell at The Oval.

Wisden Team of the Series - Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025: KL Rahul, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ben Stokes, Washington Sundar, Jofra Archer, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.

Test cricket has a sheer abundance of cricketing talent that can't be overlooked. Across several generations, we have been fortunate enough to witness the greatness and stardom of legendary cricketers like Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Sachin Tendulkar, to name a few. 

While most of these cricketers have traditionally enjoyed performing in helpful conditions, their performances would undergo a considerable dent the moment they found themselves operating in hostile conditions. For instance, Muralitharan averaged over 70 in Australia, and Steve Waugh could not buy a run in Sri Lanka despite averaging over 100 against them at home.

However, only a select few from the elite list of cricketers manage to thrive in all conditions. Irrespective of the conditions, these cricketers finished their careers without venue-specific gaps in their records. Here is Wisden's all-time Test XI of greats who performed wherever they played.

See also: Wisden unveils all-time Test playing Xl starting with Jack Hobbs

Sunil Gavaskar (India)

At the top of the list is India's Sunny Gavaskar, who started his Test career in 1971 against the West Indies and finished on a high on home soil sixteen years later. The Indian batting maestro slammed 774 runs at a jaw-dropping average of 154.8 in hostile Windies conditions and racked up 11 centuries in Australia, Pakistan, England, and New Zealand, averaging well over 40 in each of those places.

Bob Simson (Australia)

Australia's Bob Simson scored consistently outside his turf and competed fiercely in England, Pakistan, South Africa, and the West Indies. The only marginal downside was a lack of hundreds in India, but he averaged 48 there with three fifties in six innings, top-scoring in the drawn 1964/65 tour.

Greg Chappell (Australia)

Next up is the iconic Greg Chappell. Chappell was solid overseas, particularly in England and the West Indies. His technique against pace and spin made him one of Australia's most reliable batsmen abroad, though he was more dominant at home. In 45 away Tests, Chappell scored over 3000 runs at a remarkable average of 41. 

Sachin Tendulkar (India)

The great Indian master blaster had a century in every Test-playing nation apart from Zimbabwe. Tendulkar averaged more than 40 in 10 countries and scored at least five or more tons in Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and India. 

Allan Border (Australia)

Allan Border, known for his gritty and dependable demeanor, excelled tremendously in hostile conditions outside Australia. Border has a century in every Test nation apart from South Africa, where he still managed to average 39. In around 70 overseas Tests, Border accumulated 5287 runs at a stunning average of 47.59.

AB de Villiers (South Africa)

Someone with a wide range of shots in his book, South Africa's AB de Villiers maintained an impressive record, both domestically as well as internationally. De Villiers thrived on flat surfaces in the UAE and the West Indies, where he averaged nearly 98. In addition, De Villiers averaged 42 in every other Test-playing nation. His only underwhelming knock overseas came against Zimbabwe, where he scored 7 (34). 

Alan Davidson (Australia)

Australia's Alan Davidson was considered one of the best operating fast bowlers of his time. Not known for his express pace, Davidson troubled the batters with his uncanny accuracy and guile. His record in India stands out from the rest of the countries where he picked up 30 wickets at jaw-dropping average of nearly 15. He recorded his worst bowling average fo 25 in England, which according to the experts is not a poor number by any means. 

Curtly Ambrose (West Indies)

Ambrose had a phenominal track record in Australia where he thrived on seam-fiendly bouncy pitches. He scripted some memorable performances for his side in this part of the world which includes his famous 7-1 at the WACA in 1993/94. The West Indian speedster snapped a staggering 78 wickets in Australia at an average of just 20. Similarly, he maintained an impressive record in other nations including England where he averaged 21. Unfortunately, he never got the opportunity to play in India. 

Dale Steyn (South Africa)

Steyn is one of the greatest fast bowlers ever to be produced by South Africa. He recorded five-wicket hauls in eight different countries. Although his average in South Africa and England appeared to be on the higher side, he did play a pivotal role in helping his side achieve series win. His career-best bowling perfromance of 7-51 came against India in India back in the 2010 series where he was embroiled in a thrilling battle with Tendulkar.

Lance Gibbs (West Indies)

Gibbs comes across as one of the most successful spinners in Test cricket, becoming the first spinner to surpass the 300-wickets mark. Gibbs track record hardly changed outside the West Indies. Barring New Zealand where he only played three Tests, Gibbs maintained an economy between 1.8 and 2, while striking at between 75 and 97. He thrived on the pitches of India, taking 39 wickets at 23, hated giving away runs and averaged a respectable 33 in Australia, which apparently is his worst. 

Glenn McGrath (Australia)

Glenn McGrath is arguably the most effective away bowler to have ever played the game of cricket. In his prime, McGrath was exceptional with his line and length and also had the ability to move the ball both ways, via air and off the deck.. His away average is exceptional. He was unplayable in England where he averaged 19 and averaged under 20 in the UAE and New Zealand. Besides, McGrath’s highest average in a country where he played more than five Tests is just 24. 

Masters of all conditions all-time playing XI

Sunil Gavaskar, Bob Simpson, Greg Chappell, Sachin Tendulkar, Allan Border, AB de Villiers (wk), Alan Davidson, Curtly Ambrose, Dale Steyn, Lance Gibbs, Glenn McGrath

The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack has picked the best all-time playing eleven of star-studded, legendary Test greats. Players from the vintage era as well as the contemporary era find themselves in the elite list.  This playing eleven is a holistic representation of as many as five Test nations, including England, Australia, India, Pakistan, and the West Indies. The team comprises four English players, three West Indians, two Australians, and one player apiece from India and Pakistan.

The late Aussie legend Don Bradman finds himself at the helm, leading the playing eleven. Although Bradman made his final Test appearance in 1948, no batsman has ever come remotely close to surpassing his staggering Test batting average of 99.94. He is joined by another late fellow Australian legend, Shane Warne, who established himself as one of the best operating leg spinners in the 1990s. 

Moving on to the English contingent, the 19th-century great WG Grace comprises the top order along with Jack Hobbs. Furthermore, Alan Knott, one of England's finest wicketkeepers from the 1970s, is also on this elite list. Sydney Barnes comes in to bolster the pace department. Equipped with the ability to bowl both swing and spin, Barnes was reckoned by many to have been England's greatest bowler of all time.

The middle order is bolstered by the influx of the Caribbean flair in the form of Vivian Richards and Garry Sobers. Richards was a fierce competitor with the bat and was a ferocious hitter of the ball, while Sobers was also high on reputation and is considered one of the best all-rounders to play Test cricket. This Caribbean flair is also felt in the pace department due to the inclusion of Malcom Marshall, who was viewed as arguably the best in a long line of top-class Caribbean fast bowlers.

And lastly, two Asian giants also managed to make it to the list. India's Sachin Tendulkar is an all-time great in Test cricket and has the most number of runs. Apart from him, Pakistani legendary pacer Wasim Akram is the only other Asian legend to feature in the lineup. 

Wisden's All-Time World Test XI breakdown (Order Wise)

Openers: Jack Hobbs (England), W.G. Grace (England)
Middle Order: Don Bradman (Australia, captain), Sachin Tendulkar (India), Vivian Richards (West Indies), Garry Sobers (West Indies)
Wicketkeeper: Alan Knott (England)
Bowlers: Wasim Akram (Pakistan), Shane Warne (Australia), Malcolm Marshall (West Indies), Sydney Barnes (England)

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WISDEN WORLD XI

Jack Hobbs, W. G. Grace, Don Bradman (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Vivian Richards, Garry Sobers, Alan Knott, Wasim Akram, Shane Warne, Malcolm Marshall, Sydney Barnes

Wisden has revealed its current World Test XI based on performances since the start of the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The side, selected on the basis of stats, match impact, and consistency across conditions, features players from five different nations, including four Indians, three Englishmen, two Australians, and one each from New Zealand and South Africa.

Leading the opening combination is India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has had a dream start to his Test career. With 1,903 runs in 20 matches at an average of 52.86, including five centuries, Jaiswal has proven his class in all conditions. Partnering him is England’s aggressive opener Ben Duckett, who has scored 1,821 runs at a strike rate of 85.05, the highest among regular top-order batters.

At No.3 is Australian stalwart Steve Smith, followed by England’s Joe Root at No.4. Root, with 2,083 runs at an average of 54.81, is currently the top-ranked Test batter in the world. Young gun Harry Brook, also from England, occupies the No.5 spot thanks to his average of over 50 and consistent performances since his debut.

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Pant, Jadeja, Bumrah Headline Bowling-Dominant Lower Order in Wisden’s Test XI

India’s Rishabh Pant takes the gloves and the No.6 spot. With 929 runs in just 11 matches, including two centuries at Headingley alone, Pant’s explosive ability and wicketkeeping prowess make him a clear choice. Ravindra Jadeja, also from India, slots in at No.7 as the all-rounder, with 700 runs and 56 wickets since 2023.

The bowling attack is led by New Zealand’s Matt Henry, whose 48 wickets in just nine Tests at an average under 19 make him an automatic pick. South African speedster Kagiso Rabada, India's Jasprit Bumrah with a staggering 82 wickets at 15.87, and Australia’s off-spinner Nathan Lyon complete the XI.

Wisden’s current World Test XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ben Duckett, Steve Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Matt Henry, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Lyon.

Wisden, the cricketing authority, released its list of the top six greatest Indian Test batters of all time on May 12, 2025, in the aftermath of Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, sparking discussions among fans and analysts. The list recognizes India's illustrious Test cricket batting history and highlights players who have played a defining role in the format with their skill, tenacity, and remarkable achievements. With years of consistency and match-winning performances, each of the six batters stamped their mark in the shortest format of Test cricket everywhere they went.

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Leading the list is Sachin Tendulkar, with his 15,921 Test runs in 200 matches at an average of 53.78 that stand unrivalled. Wisden points to his unmatched consistency over a period of 24 years, although he never reached 500 runs in a series or 250 in an innings. Tendulkar's 51 centuries and his ability to overpower attacks across the globe seal his place as India's greatest Test batsman.

2. Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, with 10,122 runs in 125 Tests, comes second, renowned for his technical wizardry against aggressive pace attacks of the 1970s and 80s. He was the first player to cross the 10,000-run barrier in Tests, an achievement recognized by the BCCI by naming a boardroom '10000 Gavaskar' on May 15, 2025. Gavaskar's 34 centuries and away performances make him an Indian batting trailblazer.

3. Rahul Dravid

Nicknamed 'The Wall,' Rahul Dravid is placed third with 13,288 runs in 164 Tests at an average of 52.31. His marathon innings, like the 270 against Pakistan in 2004, and his performances in India's overseas wins, like the 2001 Kolkata Test, are what set him apart as great. 36 centuries and his unflappable temperament saw him become unstoppable.

4. Virat Kohli

Who retired from Tests on May 12, 2025? He is fourth overall with 9,906 runs in 123 Tests, with 30 centuries. From 2016 to 2019, Kohli was at his peak, made seven double centuries, and was the top batsman in the ICC Test rankings. Kohli was instrumental in changing India's Test fortunes overseas and played an aggressive style of Test cricket and led India to overseas success.

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5. VVS Laxman

Fifth on the list is VVS Laxman, whose 281 in Kolkata against Australia in 2001 isfrequently consideredy India's greatest Test innings. Laxman scored 8,781 runs in 134 Tests, and his wristy class plagued bowlers, most notably Australia. Hisstandsd with Dravid, particularly in comeback victories, are legendary.

Virender Sehwag

Finally, Sehwag rounds out this list with 8,586 runs in 104 Tests, playing a fearless, attacking game. His 319 against Pakistan in 2008, plus two other triple-centuries, demonstrate his dominance and his ability to redefine the Test opening batting role. With an 82.23 strike rate, Sehwag added an extra dimension to India's game when it came to playing Tests.

The Champions Trophy has been the mini-World Cup event of cricket for a long time, combining the best teams in high-stakes tournaments. Many legendary cricketers have had a great impact on the competition. Wisden recently made a champions trophy all-time XI team where the best players from the game were honored for their great performances.

Wisden’s All-Time Champions Trophy XI

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A Thought on Wisden XI :
The combination of explosive batting, all-round options, and a bowling side that is killing its opponents is struck in the selection of Wisden. Some may think that MS Dhoni should be included in the team as the wicketkeeper and another pacer should be selected such as Brett Lee, but the XI is really quite powerful. Would you make any changes to this lineup? Share your thoughts on this all-time great XI!

The latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac has crowned Australian skipper Pat Cummins and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt as the leading cricketers of the world. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional performances through the 2023 season, marking significant milestones not only in their careers but also in cricket history.

Test Championship and World Cup Success

Pat Cummins led Australia to historical victories in 2023, securing their maiden ICC World Test Championship against India and capturing their sixth ICC Cricket World Cup title in Ahmedabad. As a pace spearhead and astute leader, Cummins’ role was pivotal in navigating his team through the high stakes of international cricket.

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Cummins is the first Aussie since Michael Clarke to secure the top honour and he has succeeded Ben Stokes, the English skipper who won the honour three times in 2020, 2021 and 2023. In 11 Tests last year, he took 42 wickets and scored 254 crucial runs at an average of 15.87. Across 24 international games, he took 59 wickets and made 422 runs at an average of 21.10. Within these 422 runs were many small, but impactful batting contributions throughout the Ashes and Cricket World Cup.

Key Performances in the Ashes

Beyond the global tournaments, Cummins also played a crucial part in the Ashes, where Australia defended the urn in a challenging away series against England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. His leadership was particularly notable in maintaining team morale and strategy across different formats.

Overview of Nat Sciver-Brunt’s Stellar Year

Nat Sciver-Brunt shone brilliantly in the women’s Ashes, contributing significantly to England’s victories. Her back-to-back centuries in the ODIs underscored her critical role in the lineup, making her one of the most formidable batters of the year.

Sciver-Brunt’s prowess wasn’t limited to ODIs. In T20 internationals, she maintained an impressive batting average and took multiple wickets, highlighting her versatility and consistency as an all-rounder. Her rapid century against Sri Lanka set a new record for the fastest ODI hundred by an England woman, further cementing her status in international cricket.

Highlights from Other Prominent Cricketers in 2024

Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, and Ashleigh Gardner were also recognized for their performances. Starc’s bowling was instrumental in both the Ashes and the World Cup, while Khawaja topped the run charts in the Ashes. Gardner’s all-round abilities were crucial in Australia’s strategies and victories across formats.

Harry Brook and Mark Wood made significant impacts for England. Brook’s resilient batting helped turn around the Ashes series, while Wood’s fast bowling dismantled key partnerships during crucial matches.

The Wisden Awards hold a prestigious place in cricket, acknowledging individual excellence and influence on the sport’s landscape. These accolades not only highlight outstanding performances but also inspire upcoming talents across the globe.

This year’s Wisden also highlighted other cricketers like Hayley Matthews, who excelled in T20 cricket, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness and skill in the women’s game.

The achievements of these cricketers in 2023 have not only enriched their personal careers but also significantly influenced cricket strategies and fan engagement worldwide. The rise of aggressive playing styles, often referred to as “Bazball,” promises to reshape future approaches to cricket, particularly in Test formats.