2019 - Youngsters XI for Tests

The Middle Order

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Azam had been consistent throughout 2018

Pakistan's Mr. Dependable. The colour of the jersey doesn't matter. He'd keep scoring runs with wickets falling around him. A sound technique coupled with a level-headed approach has made Babar Azam an integral part of Pakistan's batting order. It is only a matter of time before he makes his way into the record books.

Tests: 10

Runs: 616

Average: 56

100s: 1

Best: 127 not out

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

He is Sri Lanka's All-format player

He was the second-highest run scorer in Test match cricket in 2018, behind only Virat Kohli. Kusal Mendis kept on piling the runs even though his side did not manage to get favourable results. A match-saving partnership with Angelo Mathews against New Zealand in December last year pulled-off a hard-fought draw for the Lankans. He can mix caution with aggression and can play the long innings when needed.

Tests: 12

Runs: 1023

Average: 46

100s: 3

Best: 196

Shimron Hetmyer (West Indies)

Shimron Piled on the runs against the Indians in late 2018

He has been an exciting young prospect for the Windies. In an era where players from the Caribbean are busy playing for Twenty20 franchises across the globe, Shimron Hetmyer comes as a breath of fresh air. His exploits against the Indians in late 2018 in coloured clothing earned him a lot of fans.

Tests: 5

Runs: 376

Average: 37.6

100s: 0

Best: 93