ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2021 Nominees: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the nominees for the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award 2021. Indian seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is named among the four nominees of the Test Cricketer of the Year.
Besides Ashwin, the global cricket body also named England captain Joe Root, New Zealand young all-rounder Kyle Jamieson and Sri Lankan Dimuth Karunaratne to the elite list.
“A batting stalwart [Joe Root], a spin wizard [R Ashwin], an emerging fast-bowling superstar [Kyle Jamieson] and a dogged opener [Dimuth Karunaratne] constitute our nominees for the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year 2021 award,” said ICC in a statement.
Joe Root:
Root was in sublime touch with his bat throughout the year. He brought impactful performances in the year, starting with the two tons against Sri Lanka, including a double century in spin-friendly conditions.
He kept his form going in the India tour as well where he remained the standout performer for his team. Moving forward, Root was impressive in India’s tour of England 2021 and the ongoing Ashes 2021-22.
The England captain mustered a total of 1700 test runs in a calendar year. He is only the third player in history to breach the 1700 runs mark in a year.
Ravichandran Ashwin:
Ravichandran Ashwin has established himself as one of the premium players in India’s test team. He has been a vital cog in India’s white jersey.
The spin wizard uprooted as many as 52 wickets in 8 test matches he played in the year 2021. Moreover, the all-rounder put up a strong show with his bat to cement his position. Ashwin scored 337 runs in a calendar year at an average of 28.08.
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Kyle Jamieson:
Kyle Jamieson, the lanky all-rounder, played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s success in the ICC World Test Championship. Jamieson not only proved his worth in gold in the swinging conditions but also showed his prowess in the flat Indian surfaces.
The kiwi pacer also became the fastest New Zealand bowler to scalp 50 test wickets. Jamieson achieved this feat in 19 matches.
Dimuth Karunaratne:
Dimuth Karunaratne plundered a massive 902 runs this year from 7 test matches. The Sri Lankan averaged 69.38 and cemented his stance for the best test opener in all conditions in recent times.
The Sri Lankan skipper also scored a double ton against Bangladesh in 2021.
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