The World Test XI of 2019

All rounders and wicket-keeper

Ben Stokes (Matches - 11, Runs - 821, Average - 45.61, Wickets - 22)

Ben Stokes with ball in hand

Ben Stokes, with his powerful ball-striking, wicket-taking ability and athletic fielding, showed why he is one of the best all-rounders in 2019.

One of Stokes’ most admirable traits is his ability to turn a match on its head in the blink of an eye.

For instance, in the third Ashes Test he took three wickets at crucial stages to restrict Australia to an achievable target. And who can forget his one-handed stunner to dismiss Andile Phelukwayo at the World Cup?

But, undoubtedly, the best example was his epic 135 to win the Ashes Test at Headingly.

In the match, England had slumped to 286-9 (needing another 73 runs to win) and it seemed to be a hopeless situation. In a last-bid effort to manufacture a special victory, Stokes and Jack Leach (1 off 17) joined each other at the crease.

Stokes, being the better batsman of the two, purposely faced the most deliveries. He decided to be positive and, as a result, hit eight sixes in his innings. Capitalising on some luck, Stokes and Leach reached the unlikely score with their wicket intact.

When Stokes realised what he had just pulled off, he let out a huge roar of triumph.

BJ Watling (wk) (Matches - 8, Runs - 559, Average - 55.90, Centuries - 2)

B. J. Watling goes on the sweep

BJ Watling, the wicket-keeper batsman in this XI, enjoyed a productive year in Test cricket. Watling, whose first names are Bradley-John, scored 537 runs at an average of 59. 67 in 2019 and also took several catches behind the stumps.

The highlight of the year was his double century in November. In the Test, he forged a 261-run partnership with Mitchell Santner, which was instrumental in New Zealand posting an imposing 615-9 declared and eventually winning the match.

Watling will be eager to carry his red-hot form into 2020.