24 January 2023 , 11:43
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Ben Stokes has been named captain of the ICC's Test team of the year after making a remarkable impact since taking over the reins from Joe Root back in April.
Stokes took over a side that had won just one of their last 17 Tests under Root and, in partnership with head coach Brendon McCullum, completely revitalised their fortunes picking up plenty of admirers along the way.
Embracing a new positive and aggressive style of play that has become known as 'Bazball', England have won nine out of ten Tests - including a record-breaking win over India and a historic 3-0 series whitewash in Pakistan.
Not only has Stokes been an inspirational and successful leader, he has also scored 870 runs including two centuries and picked up 26 wickets. He is joined in the XI by England teammates Jonny Bairstow and James Anderson, who also enjoyed stellar years.
Bairstow was the star of England's 'Bazball' revolution as he smashed 589 runs from 578 balls in just five innings against New Zealand and India, including four centuries and an unbeaten 71.
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His year ended early due to a freak leg break while playing golf, but his six hundreds in 2022 equalled an England record. Anderson, meanwhile, was left contemplating retirement after he was dropped for England's tour of the West Indies in March.
James Anderson also made the team, having continued to star after turning 40 (AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)But after Stokes and McCullum recalled him in the summer, Anderson has continued to terrorize batters even after turning 40 in July. Anderson, still thriving at the highest level despite his age, represents the bowling group. Across nine Tests, Anderson picked up 36 wickets at an average of just 19.80, including a particularly impressive eight wickets at 18.50 on incredibly flat pitches in Pakistan.
The trio are joined by Australia stars Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, while Kraigg Brathwaite, Babar Azam, Rishabh Pant and Kagiso Rabada round out the XI.
Jos Buttler and Sam Curran featured in the men's T20I team of the year after playing starring roles in England's World Cup win. Spinner Sophie Ecclestone made both the women's ODI and T20I teams of the year, with England teammate Nat Sciver joining her in the ODI side.