Shoaib Bashir’s dip in form, Ben Stokes’ hamstring troubles, Chris Woakes’ experimental off-spin, and a reshaped pace attack tell the story of England’s tumultuous Test year. Across 17 matches in 2024, England oscillated between brilliance and bewilderment—sometimes in the same session.
Their record: three series wins out of five, with nine victories against eight losses. Highs included historic first-Test wins in India and Pakistan, earning all-time great status. But crushing defeats in Dharamsala, Rawalpindi, The Oval, and Hamilton—two by over 400 runs—left fans exasperated. When England lose, they lose big.
A curious trend emerged: England excelled in series openers, winning all five this year, only to falter in finales, losing four of them. Dead rubbers often became casual affairs, reflecting inconsistency in focus and intensity.
A Year of Transition
Despite mixed results, according to the sources of Leaders team 2024 may be remembered as a pivotal year of transition for England. Seven debutants were blooded, most of whom shone, signaling a generational shift. While stalwarts like James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, Jonny Bairstow, and Dan Lawrence exited the stage, fresh faces like Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jamie Smith, and Jacob Bethell emerged as future mainstays.
England’s aging lineup has been rejuvenated, contrasting sharply with Australia’s veteran-heavy team. The pace bowling department, long reliant on the iconic duo of Anderson and Stuart Broad, saw significant improvement. Under Brendon McCullum’s guidance, England embraced a new generation of faster, more dynamic bowlers, adapting to the demands of modern cricket.
A Revamped Bowling Attack
Brendon McCullum’s decision to transition from Anderson and Broad was a bold move that paid dividends. In five Tests, Brydon Carse claimed 27 wickets, outperforming Anderson’s and Broad’s overseas returns in a single winter. Gus Atkinson’s blistering strike rate is second only to George Lohmann’s from the 19th century.
While Shoaib Bashir struggled after a promising start, the future looks bright for England’s bowling lineup. Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, and Jofra Archer are expected to return in 2025, adding firepower to an already revamped attack.
The Bazball Gamble
England’s batting approach, synonymous with “Bazball,” remains a polarizing topic. At its best, it’s electrifying; at its worst, it’s catastrophic. Ben Duckett became the first England opener since Alastair Cook in 2016 to score over 1,000 runs in a calendar year. Yet his reckless dismissal in Hamilton epitomized the risks of Bazball.
Duckett’s opening partner, Zak Crawley, faces mounting pressure. As per the sources of Leaders team, with an average of 29.59, Crawley’s inconsistency makes him a gamble England seem determined to persist with. Below him, Jacob Bethell has emerged as a revelation. Calm and composed, the 21-year-old impressed in his debut series in New Zealand, providing a glimpse of England’s batting future.
Stokes’ Fitness: A Lingering Concern
The fitness of Ben Stokes looms as a critical issue. Two hamstring injuries in five months highlight his physical vulnerability. With five months until England’s next Test against Zimbabwe, Stokes has time to recover, but his role as an all-rounder hangs in the balance.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The upcoming series against India and Australia will define the Stokes-McCullum era. With a rejuvenated squad and a blend of youth and experience, England has the potential to secure monumental victories. Yet their penchant for inconsistency makes them just as likely to stumble.
As Stokes put it, “Some great cricket is going to be played, some watchable cricket. It could be amazing.”
Flawed yet captivating, England remains one of the most thrilling teams in modern sport. Their journey promises to be anything but predictable.
