Most likely ICC World Test XI 2016-17

Every year, the ICC chooses a team of the world's best cricketers, who have excelled in Tests for a period of 12 months over the past year. The period between 21st September 2016 and 21st September 2017 has seen many a riveting Test series, such as India vs Australia, India vs England, the Ashes and Pakistan vs England.

This year has also seen some great personal performances from various players which resulted in exciting periods of play. Here we look at the most likely Test XI the ICC will choose later on in the year:

#1 Dean Elgar

With four centuries against quality oppositions like England, Australia and New Zealand, he has become a mainstay in South Africa's batting lineup. He gives solidity at the top of the order and bats for long periods of time to decimate the opposition with his concentration.

Having scored 734 runs from 16 innings, this season has been career-defining for him. After a disastrous tour of India, he came back strongly in England and New Zealand. He also scored a famous hundred at the WACA in hostile conditions against a settled pace attack.

#2 K.L Rahul

K.L Rahul has been in great touch this season with consistent performances

Rahul, at one stage, had scored seven consecutive half-centuries which is a joint record for the most consecutive half-centuries in Tests. He was brilliant in the series against Australia as he single-handedly rescued India in the second Test in Bengaluru.

Although he scored a sole 199 against England, he would have learnt how to build a Test innings and will be looking forward to his chances in South Africa to prove his mettle. With an average of 48.96, he should be part of this elite squad.

#3 Cheteshwar Pujara

The best No.3 batsman in the current set-up

Several cricketing pundits have hailed Pujara for his hunger for runs and this was seen in the 2016/17 season. With 1625 runs from 27 innings at an astounding average of 65, Pujara has established himself as one of the most dependable batsmen in world cricket.

In this period, he has scored six centuries, including a marathon double century against Australia as he batted for over 500 minutes. Known for meditating at the crease, he will want to extend his golden run to overseas tours to South Africa, England and Australia.

#4 Virat Kohli (captain)

Kohli has churned out runs at will against all oppositions this season

There are not many words to describe Virat Kohli. After being appointed captain, he has churned out mountains of runs against all sides. With 1413 runs at an astounding average of 64.33 alongside three double centuries, he has made this No.4 spot his own.

Despite not having the best series against Australia, he came back strongly against Sri Lanka. He is showing no signs of stopping as he ended 2017 with three back-to-back centuries including two double centuries. With him in full flow, these are only danger signs for South Africa for their upcoming series against India.

#5 Steven Smith

With a Test batting average only next to Sir Bradman, this man seems impossible to stop

Alongside Kohli, Smith has been one of the finest batsmen in this season. He has only grown as a player and a captain. With 1271 runs at an average of 63.55, he has displayed skills, temperament and immense talent in various conditions.

He was particularly impressive in India where most of his teammates failed to put up runs on the board. He emerged as the highest run-scorer in that series, although on the losing side. He has only gone on and bettered that performance and has had a fantastic Ashes series as well.

#6 Quinton de Kock (WK)

This season de Kock proved himself in Tests as well

Primarily an ODI player, de Kock has developed his game for the Test level. With 946 runs at an average of 43 coupled with two centuries, he has been an integral part of the South African side in the absence of AB de Villiers.

He has been a good and safe wicketkeeper and an excellent middle order batsman who has provided South Africa with some vital runs. He will be looking to extend his good run into the series against India.

#7 Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja has been instrumental in India's unbeaten run

Jadeja, or endearingly called Superstar, has had a brilliant run in Test matches with the bat, ball and on the field. In the astounding home season, he scored 641 runs at a healthy average of 45.68 and has taken 84 wickets at 23.75.

He has shown his growth as a Test batsman and also as a bowler on unresponsive pitches across India. He was clinical in India's victory against the Aussies and the Englishmen in late 2016. He is probably the best spinning all-rounder India has and one of the finest left-arm spinners in the world.

#8 Ravichandran Ashwin

Spectacular performances had earned Ashwin the "Cricketer of the Year" in 2016

Ashwin has bowled with guile, flair and a lot of self-belief this season as India marched ahead of everyone in the Test rankings. Along with Jadeja, he has helped India dominate every team at home and might even do so overseas with their skill.

He has taken 99 wickets in this season, however, has been underwhelming with the bat with only 596 runs. He, recently, became the quickest to 300 wickets in the history of the game which is no mean feat.

We expect him to make useful contributions with the bat and ball on future overseas tours as well.

#9 Kagiso Rabada

Rabada celebrating the fall of a wicket with his team

Rabada has been instrumental in South Africa's success. He has taken 58 wickets at a mind-boggling average of 24.62. He has performed well in Australia with a five wicket haul and in England with a good four wicket haul. South Africa will be relying on his pace, bounce and aggression to beat India at home early next year.

Rabada has been instrumental in South Africa's success. He has taken 58 wickets at a mind-boggling average of 24.62. He has performed well in Australia with a 5 wicket haul and in England with a good 4 wicket haul. South Africa will be relying on his pace, bounce and aggression to beat India at home early next year.

#10 James Anderson

The old warhorse has proven himself again and again

Almost 36 years of age, Jimmy Anderson shows no signs of slowing down. He has picked up 43 wickets at a stunning 17.17 average which shows he still has it in him to be the world's best.

Sitting on top of the bowling rankings, he will want to continue on his merry way in the ongoing Ashes and continue to break records.

#11 Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav has toiled selflessly for India

Although Yadav has bowled on spinner-friendly and unresponsive tracks, he has bowled with a lot of pace, aggression and fire which has yielded him results. He has swung the bowl both ways and used bounce on the wickets to his advantage.

He was seen troubling a lot of batsmen in the Australian and England series. It is probably the first time an Indian pacer has outpaced the opposition bowlers. He has improved his line and length and has brought consistency into his game which was lacking in previous years.

He will go into the South African series confident to outplay the likes of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers.