As the toughest format of the game, and with fewer Test matches being played, it is tricky to construct an ultimate current XI to compete across conditions. However, Wisden podcasters Ben Gardner, Phil Walker, and Cameron Ponsonby have thrown their hats into the ring as selectors, constructing the current World Test XI, taking into account the performances since September 2024.

Wisden's current World Test XI

The Australia opener was an unanimous choice for one of the opening spots. Since September 2024, Head has scored 1489 runs in Tests at an average of 45.12 while striking at an excellent rate of 83.04. He has smashed five centuries in this period, including 170 and 163 against England in the ashes.

New Zealand batter Tom Latham edged out KL Rahul to take the other opening position. The left-handed batter has made 1,032 runs in this period, from 15 Tests at an average of 35.58 with four centuries to his name. His highest score came on New Zealand's tour of England earlier this year, scoring 151 in the Nottingham Test to set up a series victory.

Shubman Gill was chosen at number three in this best world XI, despite him batting at number four for India since Virat Kohli’s retirement. He has amassed 1,551 runs in this period, averaging 55.39 with seven centuries. Gill had a prolific England tour last year, where he made 754 runs with four centuries, including 269 at Edgbaston.

Despite Steve Smith's average having dropped over the last two years to 48.46 compared to his 60+ prime, he still won the prime batting spot in Wisden's World XI. His four centuries, two of which came in Sri Lanka, carried him through, as well as his position as lynchpin in Australia's fragile batting order.

The newly reappointed England Test captain edged out his deputy, Harry Brook, in this XI. Brook was England's highest run-scorer in the qualifying period, but Root's ability to find runs in any conditions and situation, secured his position. Root has made 1901 runs in this period, averaging 47.52 with seven centuries, also overcoming the ghosts of Australia with two tons down under.

India's star wicketkeeper-batter was chosen over Alex Carey in this side, owing to his potential for game-changing innings over Carey's consistency. Pant has 1,454 runs to his credit in this period at an average of 44.06 and strike rate of 74.98, including twin centuries at Headingley.

Ravindra Jadeja takes the number seven spot as a spin-bowling allrounder in a team with four quicks. He has scored 1,124 runs since September 2024, averaging 43.23 with two hundreds and eight fifties. With the ball, he has taken 62 wickets at an average of 30.83.

The left-arm pacer has been the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket in this period, and was a unanimous pick by the panel. Starc has taken 87 wickets from 19 games at 19.47 runs apiece. He has claimed five five-fors, with 10 wickets in a match in Perth against England, and in Mackay versus Bangladesh more recently.

The South Africa speedster played only nine games in the period but managed to pick 41 wickets at an average of 21.7. Rabada claimed 9-72 against Bangladesh in Mirpur, and was also instrumental in their World Test Championship triumph with nine wickets at Lord's.

Not many bowlers pose a threat to batters as consistently as Matt Henry does. During this period, he has taken 57 wickets at an astonishing average of 15.43. Among bowlers with more than 30 wickets, he has by far the best average. He was at his lethal best against England at The Oval earlier this year, picking up 11 wickets in the match.

With 75 scalps from 16 games, Jasprit Bumrah is the third highest wicket-taker in this duration, averaging 17.86 runs apiece. He has six five-wicket hauls to his credit, including best match figures of 9 for 94 at the Gabba.

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