Grading the all-time great Test batters: A Tier-Based System

[Siddhantatri007]

I’ve put together a tier-based grading system to categorize all-time great Test cricketers, focusing on batsmen, instead of using traditional rankings. The grades (A+++, A++, A+, A) reflect a combination of their statistical achievements, impact on the game, and overall legacy in Test cricket. Below is my list for Test batsmen. I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any names you think I missed!

Test Batsmen Grades

A+++ (The Absolute Elite)
These players are the pinnacle of Test batting, with unparalleled records and game-changing influence:

• Don Bradman
• Viv Richards
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Brian Lara
• Garry Sobers

A++ (Exceptional Legends)
Batsmen who consistently dominated their eras and left a lasting mark on the game:

• Ricky Ponting
• Steve Waugh
• Steve Smith
• Herbert Sutcliffe
• Jack Hobbs
• Wally Hammond
• Allan Border
• Joe Root
• Kumar Sangakkara
• Jacques Kallis
• Javed Miandad
• Gordon Greenidge
• Sunil Gavaskar

A+ (Outstanding Performers)
Players who delivered remarkable performances and were among the best of their time:

• Kane Williamson
• Inzamam-ul-Haq
• Mohammad Yousuf
• Virender Sehwag
• Kevin Pietersen
• Geoffrey Boycott
• Greg Chappell
• AB de Villiers
• Matthew Hayden
• Michael Clarke
• Graeme Smith

A (To Be Added)
I’m still working on this tier—any suggestions for players who belong here?

Notes:
The grading is based on a mix of stats (e.g., averages, centuries), impact on matches, and their role in shaping Test cricket.

I’ve tried to balance eras to account for differences in playing conditions and competition.

Let me know if you think someone deserves a higher/lower grade or if I’ve overlooked anyone!

Looking forward to your feedback and discussions!

 

[mominsaigol]

I’ve put together a tier-based grading system to categorize all-time great Test cricketers, focusing on batsmen, instead of using traditional rankings. The grades (A+++, A++, A+, A) reflect a combination of their statistical achievements, impact on the game, and overall legacy in Test cricket. Below is my list for Test batsmen. I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any names you think I missed!

Test Batsmen Grades

A+++ (The Absolute Elite)
These players are the pinnacle of Test batting, with unparalleled records and game-changing influence:

• Don Bradman
• Viv Richards
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Brian Lara
• Garry Sobers

A++ (Exceptional Legends)
Batsmen who consistently dominated their eras and left a lasting mark on the game:

• Ricky Ponting
• Steve Waugh
• Steve Smith
• Herbert Sutcliffe
• Jack Hobbs
• Wally Hammond
• Allan Border
• Joe Root
• Kumar Sangakkara
• Jacques Kallis
• Javed Miandad
• Gordon Greenidge
• Sunil Gavaskar

A+ (Outstanding Performers)
Players who delivered remarkable performances and were among the best of their time:

• Kane Williamson
• Inzamam-ul-Haq
• Mohammad Yousuf
• Virender Sehwag
• Kevin Pietersen
• Geoffrey Boycott
• Greg Chappell
• AB de Villiers
• Matthew Hayden
• Michael Clarke
• Graeme Smith

A (To Be Added)
I’m still working on this tier—any suggestions for players who belong here?

Notes:
The grading is based on a mix of stats (e.g., averages, centuries), impact on matches, and their role in shaping Test cricket.

I’ve tried to balance eras to account for differences in playing conditions and competition.

Let me know if you think someone deserves a higher/lower grade or if I’ve overlooked anyone!

Looking forward to your feedback and discussions!

Bradman needs his own tier. He can't be paired with anyone

 

[Hikaru]

Welcome to the forum @Siddhantatri007 , it will be interesting to read your grading parameters and the weightage you assigned to each.

 

[hassan918]

I’ve put together a tier-based grading system to categorize all-time great Test cricketers, focusing on batsmen, instead of using traditional rankings. The grades (A+++, A++, A+, A) reflect a combination of their statistical achievements, impact on the game, and overall legacy in Test cricket. Below is my list for Test batsmen. I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any names you think I missed!

Test Batsmen Grades

A+++ (The Absolute Elite)
These players are the pinnacle of Test batting, with unparalleled records and game-changing influence:

• Don Bradman
• Viv Richards
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Brian Lara
• Garry Sobers

A++ (Exceptional Legends)
Batsmen who consistently dominated their eras and left a lasting mark on the game:

• Ricky Ponting
• Steve Waugh
• Steve Smith
• Herbert Sutcliffe
• Jack Hobbs
• Wally Hammond
• Allan Border
• Joe Root
• Kumar Sangakkara
• Jacques Kallis
• Javed Miandad
• Gordon Greenidge
• Sunil Gavaskar

A+ (Outstanding Performers)
Players who delivered remarkable performances and were among the best of their time:

• Kane Williamson
• Inzamam-ul-Haq
• Mohammad Yousuf
• Virender Sehwag
• Kevin Pietersen
• Geoffrey Boycott
• Greg Chappell
• AB de Villiers
• Matthew Hayden
• Michael Clarke
• Graeme Smith

A (To Be Added)
I’m still working on this tier—any suggestions for players who belong here?

Notes:
The grading is based on a mix of stats (e.g., averages, centuries), impact on matches, and their role in shaping Test cricket.

I’ve tried to balance eras to account for differences in playing conditions and competition.

Let me know if you think someone deserves a higher/lower grade or if I’ve overlooked anyone!

Looking forward to your feedback and discussions!

Inzamam and AB de Villiers should be in A++

 

[AZulfi]

A good attempt

However, such lists will always be subjective

I would add Younis Khan and Martin Crowe to A+

 

[Ab Fan]

A++++( GOAT)

Bradman

A+++( Absolute Elite ATGs)

Hobbs
Viv
Tendulkar
Lara
Smith

A++( ATGs)

Gavaskar
Hutton
Hammond
Chappell
Ponting
Sangakkara
Dravid
Kallis
Border
Root
Gilchrist


A+( Country greats)

AB de Villiers
Crowe
Kohli
Williamson
Pietersen
Clarke
Amla
Boycott
Cook
Younis
Gooch
G Smith
Hayden
Greenidge
& few more

 

[Hitman]

Inzamam and AB de Villiers should be in A++

Inzamam in A++ (Exceptional Legends)? A guy that the late, great Shane Warne rated at #90 in his list of '100 Greatest Players I Played With or Against'? The same guy with 1 century in 120 international innings combined in Tests and ODI's against Australia and South Africa?​

 

[Mobashir]

I’ve put together a tier-based grading system to categorize all-time great Test cricketers, focusing on batsmen, instead of using traditional rankings. The grades (A+++, A++, A+, A) reflect a combination of their statistical achievements, impact on the game, and overall legacy in Test cricket. Below is my list for Test batsmen. I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any names you think I missed!

Test Batsmen Grades

A+++ (The Absolute Elite)
These players are the pinnacle of Test batting, with unparalleled records and game-changing influence:

• Don Bradman
• Viv Richards
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Brian Lara
• Garry Sobers

A++ (Exceptional Legends)
Batsmen who consistently dominated their eras and left a lasting mark on the game:

• Ricky Ponting
• Steve Waugh
• Steve Smith
• Herbert Sutcliffe
• Jack Hobbs
• Wally Hammond
• Allan Border
• Joe Root
• Kumar Sangakkara
• Jacques Kallis
• Javed Miandad
• Gordon Greenidge
• Sunil Gavaskar

A+ (Outstanding Performers)
Players who delivered remarkable performances and were among the best of their time:

• Kane Williamson
• Inzamam-ul-Haq
• Mohammad Yousuf
• Virender Sehwag
• Kevin Pietersen
• Geoffrey Boycott
• Greg Chappell
• AB de Villiers
• Matthew Hayden
• Michael Clarke
• Graeme Smith

A (To Be Added)
I’m still working on this tier—any suggestions for players who belong here?

Notes:
The grading is based on a mix of stats (e.g., averages, centuries), impact on matches, and their role in shaping Test cricket.

I’ve tried to balance eras to account for differences in playing conditions and competition.

Let me know if you think someone deserves a higher/lower grade or if I’ve overlooked anyone!

Looking forward to your feedback and discussions!

From recent players surely Dravid is missing.
Even Younis Khan deserved to be there.

Tendulkar in a different league compared to Smith? Well, everyone acknowledge has THE goat test batter from the current era and many go as far as saying he is second only to Bradman.

 

[Hitman]

I’ve put together a tier-based grading system to categorize all-time great Test cricketers, focusing on batsmen, instead of using traditional rankings. The grades (A+++, A++, A+, A) reflect a combination of their statistical achievements, impact on the game, and overall legacy in Test cricket. Below is my list for Test batsmen. I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any names you think I missed!

Test Batsmen Grades

A+++ (The Absolute Elite)
These players are the pinnacle of Test batting, with unparalleled records and game-changing influence:

• Don Bradman
• Viv Richards
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Brian Lara
• Garry Sobers

A++ (Exceptional Legends)
Batsmen who consistently dominated their eras and left a lasting mark on the game:

• Ricky Ponting
• Steve Waugh
• Steve Smith
• Herbert Sutcliffe
• Jack Hobbs
• Wally Hammond
• Allan Border
• Joe Root
• Kumar Sangakkara
• Jacques Kallis
• Javed Miandad
• Gordon Greenidge
• Sunil Gavaskar

A+ (Outstanding Performers)
Players who delivered remarkable performances and were among the best of their time:

• Kane Williamson
• Inzamam-ul-Haq
• Mohammad Yousuf
• Virender Sehwag
• Kevin Pietersen
• Geoffrey Boycott
• Greg Chappell
• AB de Villiers
• Matthew Hayden
• Michael Clarke
• Graeme Smith

A (To Be Added)
I’m still working on this tier—any suggestions for players who belong here?

Notes:
The grading is based on a mix of stats (e.g., averages, centuries), impact on matches, and their role in shaping Test cricket.

I’ve tried to balance eras to account for differences in playing conditions and competition.

Let me know if you think someone deserves a higher/lower grade or if I’ve overlooked anyone!

Looking forward to your feedback and discussions!

You should have named Shakoor Rana and the rest of the Pakistani umpires in place of Miandad. But even they couldn't prevent him from averaging 29 against the best team of his time, the West Indies.​

 

[Hitman]

From recent players surely Dravid is missing.
Even Younis Khan deserved to be there.

Tendulkar in a different league compared to Smith? Well, everyone acknowledge has THE goat test batter from the current era and many go as far as saying he is second only to Bradman.

Who? I'm speaking of ex players and pundits of the game.

 

[Mobashir]

Inzamam in A++ (Exceptional Legends)? A guy that the late, great Shane Warne rated at #90 in his list of '100 Greatest Players I Played With or Against'? The same guy with 1 century in 120 international innings combined in Tests and ODI's against Australia and South Africa?​

You should have named Shakoor Rana and the rest of the Pakistani umpires in place of Miandad. But even they couldn't prevent him from averaging 29 against the best team of his time, the West Indies.​

So all you see in this kind of thread is hate for pakistani players.
12/13 years on a pakistani forum and still this is your level.

I don't like going to much into detailed stats anymore, but you mentionning ODI's here ?
You want an interesting ODI stat ?
Sachin away average/SR in Australia is 31/70 and in SA 25/66. I'm sure you Still consider him the goat ?

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sachin away average/SR in Australia is 31/70 and in SA 25/66. I'm sure you Still consider him the goat ?

But but but he is GOD but but but but....

wait for excuses now

 

[Hitman]

So all you see in this kind of thread is hate for pakistani players.
12/13 years on a pakistani forum and still this is your level.

I don't like going to much into detailed stats anymore, but you mentionning ODI's here ?
You want an interesting ODI stat ?
Sachin away average/SR in Australia is 31/70 and in SA 25/66. I'm sure you Still consider him the goat ?

Really? In Australia it's 34.67 at an SR of 75.26. In South Africa, it's 38.23 at an SR of 79.39

All that in 1 ball per innings era.

Link: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting

 

[Hitman]

So all you see in this kind of thread is hate for pakistani players.
12/13 years on a pakistani forum and still this is your level.

I don't like going to much into detailed stats anymore, but you mentionning ODI's here ?
You want an interesting ODI stat ?
Sachin away average/SR in Australia is 31/70 and in SA 25/66. I'm sure you Still consider him the goat ?

And what hatred are you speaking about? I posted facts about Inzamam. It's a fact that Warne rated him at #90 in his list, and it's also a fact that he has 1 century in 120 international innings against Australia and South Africa combined.

It's also a fact that Miandad average 29 against the best team of his time, the West Indies.​

 

[Mobashir]

Really? In Australia it's 34.67 at an SR of 75.26. In South Africa, it's 38.23 at an SR of 79.39

All that in 1 ball per innings era.

Link: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting

This is the problem, and this is why I post lot less here. After 13 years on the forum you can't read stats correctly.
I was talking about away stats.

 

[Hitman]

This is the problem, and this is why I post lot less here. After 13 years on the forum you can't read stats correctly.
I was talking about away stats.

I'm mentioning away stats as well. Stats in Australia and South Africa. And Test cricket is true format of the game, the format by which players are judged. Pyjama cricket is for pimple faced teenage boys.​

 

[Mobashir]

I'm mentioning away stats as well. Stats in Australia and South Africa. And Test cricket is true format of the game, the format by which players are judged. Pyjama cricket is for pimple faced teenage boys.​

No you are not mentioning away stats. Go and search the difference between home, away ans neural. It's not like there are many categories that it's to hard to understand for you.

About second part, look at the thread and see who talked about ODI's first here.

 

[AZulfi]

You should have named Shakoor Rana and the rest of the Pakistani umpires in place of Miandad. But even they couldn't prevent him from averaging 29 against the best team of his time, the West Indies.​

Every country had some biased home umpires back then. It was not just limited to Pak. India also benefited from umpires such as Sarup Kishan and Ramadwamy (if I can recall correctly!)

England had Dickie Bird (one of the finest) but they also had some of the worst umpires (David Constant (arguably the worst), Merv Kitchen, Palmer brothers - Ken and Roy)

And of course Shakoor Rana also umpired test matches at The Oval (260 in 1987) and Christchurch vs Hadlee and co. (271 in 1989)

Yes, Miandad should have done better against the Windies but he did score two hundreds during the 1988 test series in the Caribbean which Pak drew 1-1.

Let’s look at Miandad’s record against the other major teams of his time.

Test Average:

Vs Australia 47.28 (38.07 in Australia)
Vs England 51.11 (46.61 in England)
Vs India 67.51 (no hundreds in India but still averaged almost 50 (49.89))
vs New Zealand 79.95 (77.33 in NZ)

One could say New Zealand attack back then was weak apart from Hadlee but no one-else among his contemporaries averaged that high in New Zealand.

Miandad had a better record than Gavaskar against both England (ave: 38.20 and 41.14 in Eng) and New Zealand (ave: 43.40 and 43.55 in NZ) who was one of the best batsmen of his era.