No Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma As ICC Reveal Nominees For Men's Test Cricketer Of The Year 2023
Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin named among three nominees for ICC Men's Test Cricketer of Year.(x.com)
In an exciting revelation for cricket fans, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year 2023 award. The shortlisted players - Ravichandran Ashwin, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Joe Root are one of the finest talents in the cricketing world, each showcasing exceptional skills and memorable performances throughout the year.
Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
Ravichandran Ashwin (x.com)
India's spin great Ravichandran Ashwin has once again etched his name among the nominees, eyeing his third Test Cricketer of the Year title. His stellar performance in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia saw him claim 25 wickets in four matches, playing a pivotal role in India's retention of the coveted title.
Ashwin's all-round brilliance, contributing both with the ball and the bat, earned him the Player of the Series award. Despite missing out on the World Test Championship Final, Ashwin made a triumphant return against West Indies, showcasing his worth with 12 wickets and a crucial fifty.
Travis Head (Australia)
Travis Head (x.com)
Travis Head had a sensational year, capping off 2023 with victories in the World Test Championship, the Ashes, and the World Cup. His remarkable consistency saw him amass 919 runs in 12 matches, including a crucial century in the World Test Championship Final against India.
Head's aggressive yet controlled batting style demoralized the Indian attack and played a significant role in Australia's triumph. With half-centuries in each of the first three Ashes matches against England, Head continued to make vital contributions in the ongoing series against Pakistan.
Usman Khawaja (Australia)
Usman Khawaja (x.com)
Usman Khawaja continued his upward trajectory, earning his second consecutive Test Cricketer of the Year nomination. With a total of 1210 runs in 13 matches, Khawaja emerged as the highest run-getter in the challenging year of 2023.
Noteworthy performances against South Africa, India, and England showcased his resilience and class. His centuries against South Africa and India, coupled with crucial innings in the Ashes, played pivotal roles in Australia's success. Khawaja's ability to anchor the innings and guide Australia to victory earned him the Player of the Match accolade.
Joe Root (England)
Joe Root(x.com)
Former Test Cricketer of the Year Joe Root is once again in contention for the coveted award. Root's year was marked by consistent batting performances, including a brilliant 153* against New Zealand and crucial half-centuries in the Ashes series.
Notably, his remarkable partnership with Harry Brook in a Test against New Zealand, where England came agonizingly close to victory after being asked to follow on, showcased Root's leadership and batting prowess. Root's all-round contribution, both with the bat and ball, adds another dimension to his candidacy.
As cricket fans eagerly await the announcement of the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year 2023, these nominees have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape with their stellar performances and unwavering commitment to the sport.
 "Sumit Gupta")
