There has always been a debate about who the best batter is across the format. And there are a few names that come to mind when you think about the modern greats. However, a former Australian all-rounder has come up with a list of five batters who are the best in Test cricket. Speaking on an ICC podcast, Shane Watson names five of the current best batsmen as the “fab five”.
Interestingly, he has put former Indian skipper Virat Kohli at the top of his list as the best batter in Test cricket. Kohli is going through a lean patch and isn’t at his best at the moment. He has not scored an international century since November 2019, but he has made some significant scores during this time. However, his aggressive attitude and passion make him a true ambassador of Test cricket.
Interestingly, he has put former Indian skipper Virat Kohli at the top of his list as the best batter in Test cricket. Kohli is going through a lean patch and isn’t at his best at the moment. He has not scored an international century since November 2019, but he has made some significant scores during this time. However, his aggressive attitude and passion make him a true ambassador of Test cricket.
Former Indian skipper hasn’t had the past couple of years as he would have wanted in terms of scoring runs. But his numbers are still staggering. He has played 101 Test matches and scored 8043 runs, including 27 centuries and 28 half-centuries. He is currently ranked 10 in the longest format. Watson added, “He has such high intensity every time he goes out to play.”
Furthermore, he ranked Babar Azam in the second spot. Shane Watson praised the Pakistani skipper, saying that he is doing incredible well and has adapted to the game quickly. Former Australian skipper Steve Smith takes the third spot on his list. Smith is currently ranked 2nd in the Test ranking just behind Marnus Labuschagne. The Kiwi skipper, Kane Williamson, is at four in the “fab five,” while Joe Root is at five.
However, for around a decade, there has always been the unofficial “fab four” that consists of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root but the Pakistani skipper has been phenomenal for past a couple of years. He has also performed well to stretch the list from four to five.