Who is the best Test batsman in the world at the moment?

[sensible-indian-fan]

He has done better overseas than Williamson, Root, Rahane etc. His only weak point is his failure at home (which can be excused considering the difficult pitches) and England. Root hasn't done well in multiple countries (like NZ and Aus) but people still rate him as the best.

1. If we go by that, then Smith should unanimous number 1. he averaged 58 with a huge sample set and has balanced records and has done well recently atleast statistically.

2. Root is recently improving. Averaged 57 in Ashes, 57 in UAE, 55 in SA, 73 against Pak in Eng...only flop is SL in Eng and Bangladesh. If he hadn't flopped against Bangladesh, he would get the best bat tag now. Super impactful batsman.

3. Kohli has immense ability but his impact quotient on Asian tracks where he plays majority of his games is nowhere close to being called number 1. Even in general, his impact quotient is not high. He had a good SA series, insane Aus series, was decent in NZ (last innings century did make his stats good), horrible in Eng, ok in SL, ok in India, ok in WI (for that 200 but unimpactful after that). But if we go by recent performances, he did nothing special to be rated number 1.

4. Rahane too hasn't set the stage on fire with Asian performances but atleast he is a super gun bat averaging 48 outside Asia in his first overseas tour with good scores in all tours.

If I honestly think, the tag should go to no one for now. Maybe that's why there is so much disparity in views.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Maybe Bairstow really deserves it as of now.

I so wish Rahane would become a beast against spin. Would tower over everyone if he did. But that guy shows no sign of improving.

 

[Boom boom legend]

1. Joe Root
2. Alaistair Cook
3. Virat Kohli
4. Ajinkya Rahane
5. Steve Smith
6. Kane Williamson
7. Jonny Bairstow
8. Hashim Amla
9. Younis Khan
10. AB de Villiers

3 English players in the top 10 yet their team was bundled out cheaply against Bangladesh on more than one occasion.

 

[Boom boom legend]

Regarding Bairstow he should be nowhere near the top 10 despite having a very good year. Bats at a comfortable position where the new ball is seen off and there are a number of overs left for the second new ball.

Also read somewhere that he is not keen on moving up the order which in my opinion is down to fear, as he is in a very comfortable position right now.

 

[Sachin136]

Regarding Bairstow he should be nowhere near the top 10 despite having a very good year. Bats at a comfortable position where the new ball is seen off and there are a number of overs left for the second new ball.

Also read somewhere that he is not keen on moving up the order which in my opinion is down to fear, as he is in a very comfortable position right now.

England's middle order is very weak, so Bairstow often has to come in very difficult situations to save them from a collapse. He might not face the new ball often but that isn't the only thing that matters.

 

[Boom boom legend]

England's middle order is very weak, so Bairstow often has to come in very difficult situations to save them from a collapse. He might not face the new ball often but that isn't the only thing that matters.

That right there is his biggest problem. You simply cannot be the best test batsman in the world coming in at number 6 or 7. Makes no sense at all.

Surely instead of coming in when the top order has collapsed, he should come in at 4 to prevent the collapse. But his lack of willingness to do so shows to me that he fears the added pressure of responsibility and also when its a more difficult time to bat.

Until he moves up the order and performs consistently there, you cannot in any way call him the best. If you want to put Bairstow in the top 10 world batsman then you might as well have Asad Shafiq there who has performed just as well high up the order.

 

[Sin Nombre]

Is there any other test batsman who is good or better in every condition bar Rahane? And has evidence of the same in the last 24 or so months.

Maybe him and Steven Smith. Younis will go to #1 if he has a good Tasmanic tour.

Root has failed in 2 of the last 3 series so belongs nowhere in this discussion.

 

[Sin Nombre]

Analyzing individual data more,

Steve Smith - 0 recent failures
Younis Khan - 0 recent failures (* played mostly in "home" conditions)
Hashim Amla - 2 recent failures
Kane Williamson - 2 recent failures
Joe Root - 2 recent failures
Ajinkya Rahane - 1 recent failure
AB de Villiers - AWOL
David Warner - 3 recent failures
Misbah-ul-Haq - 2 recent failures (* played mostly in "home" conditions)
Alastair Cook - 3 recent failures
Azhar Ali - 1 recent failure (* played mostly in "home" conditions)
Angelo Mathews - 5 recent failures (what is he even doing in this list)
Jonny Bairstow - 3 recent failures
Virat Kohli - 2 recent failures

Based on this, the ranking would be

1. Steven Smith
2. Younis Khan
3. Ajinkya Rahane

T4 - Amla / KW / Root / Azhar Ali / Kohli


Why is Smith not running away with this poll?

 

[Sin Nombre]

Overall figures - top 8

 

[Sin Nombre]

Voges is second by average but has failed in 2 of his 6 test series. And failed in 2/2 if we only include challenging ones.

 

[Adijazz1706]

That right there is his biggest problem. You simply cannot be the best test batsman in the world coming in at number 6 or 7. Makes no sense at all.

Surely instead of coming in when the top order has collapsed, he should come in at 4 to prevent the collapse. But his lack of willingness to do so shows to me that he fears the added pressure of responsibility and also when its a more difficult time to bat.

Until he moves up the order and performs consistently there, you cannot in any way call him the best. If you want to put Bairstow in the top 10 world batsman then you might as well have Asad Shafiq there who has performed just as well high up the order.

Keepers usually play at 4-down or lower to have adequate rest after keeping, Gilly opened in ODIs but played 5-down in Tests.

 

[Hasan123]

Rahane
Amla
Younis
Smith
Cook

Root in place of Cook actually

 

[AlizeeFan]

Such narrow mindedness explains the Kohli fandom, Azhar averages 66 in the last two years and has played countless match winning innings.

Still avg of 30 in 20 matches outside Asia means he is nowhere among top 10 young batsmen.

Even Ashwin is better batsman than him outside Asia.

 

[Mamoon]

3 English players in the top 10 yet their team was bundled out cheaply against Bangladesh on more than one occasion.

Everyone gets bundled out cheaply on rank turners except Pakistan, who have the luxury of not playing on rank turners because UAE pitches are the flattest in the world and other Asian teams don't prepare rank turners for us because of our spin threat.

 

[shaz619]

Still avg of 30 in 20 matches outside Asia means he is nowhere among top 10 young batsmen.

Even Ashwin is better batsman than him outside Asia.

How many of those batsman scored more runs then him in England, so you believe Ashwin has more potential then Azhar; we"ll hold you to that

 

[shaz619]

Okay, Younis is leading the way in the poll.

Right now the standings are:

1. Younis
2. Smith/Amla
3. Rahane.

My verdict on the batsmen:

1. Steve Smith:
Positives: He has probably the best record everywhere in the world (along with Amla) and is a prolific run scorer for Australia.

Negatives: He has been crticised by people for failing when the ball moves around or turns a lot where his unorthodox technique has come under scrutiny.

2. Kane Williamson:
Positives: Has a great technique, probably the best in the business and fantastic temperament.

Negatives: Has an average record in Asia particularly in India. Similarly in England as well. His technique against spin was found wanting against Ashwin in India.

3. Joe Root:
Arguably the best batsman in the world who can dominate attacks and has very good versatility.

Has a poor conversion rate, has to make more big scores outside of England. His form has been patchy by his lofty standards this season and will face an acid test in India.

4. Younis Khan:
One of the best spin players in the world and can beat any attack into submission in Asia. Clutch player who can pull out great knocks out of the blue.

He is inconsistent overseas. Played one of the great knocks at the Oval but struggled in the rest of the series otherwise. Was a similar case in South Africa.

5. Ajinkya Rahane:
Has played excellent knocks all over the world in every country he has played in a very short career. Has been in great form in the last year averaging 60+.

Was guilty of not putting up big scores and failing to dominate a series. Had a tendency of playing a great knock but otherwise having an average series until this year.

6. Virat Kohli:
Has been in great form ever since the Australian series averaging nearly 54 in the last 2 years. Can put any attack to the sword at his peak. Has a very good record almost everywhere except England.

Needs more consistency. Struggled to cope up with the lateral movement in England two years ago. Has a tendency of playing one shot too many sometimes.

7. Alastair Cook:
Arguably the best opener in the world. Has probably the best temperament in the world along with Amla. Can make mammoth scores and has one of the best records for a non asian player in asia.

Struggles a bit against quality fast bowling and had a largely forgettable series in Australia and South Africa.

8. Hashim Amla:
Has the best record in the world. A complete batsman who has a very good technique and temperament. Arguably the best batsman in the world in the last 3 or 4 years.

Has been struggling for form in the last one year or so averaging 41 in the last 12 months. Slightly susceptible against the short ball.

9. David Warner:
Can change any match in a session and can pummel attacks into submission. Has been in very good form as well.

Struggles against turn in Asia and there are some questions over his temperament.

10. Johnny Bairstow:
The most in form batsman in the world. Is excellent against pace ans swing bowling and in crunch situations. One of the great prospects for the future and is very consistent.

Struggled against Yasir in the UAE and has an average record in Asia. Will face a huge test in India in the upcoming tour.

11. Azhar Ali:
Has brilliant temperament. Is a very solid batsman who can dig in and play big knocks. Showed good skill in his century at Birmingham when the ball was moving a bit on the 2nd day.

Has a poor record outside asia which he will need to correct in his tours next to Australia and New Zealand.

Overall taking "current form" and their records everywhere into consideration, I think Joe Root, Younis Khan, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Johnny Bairstow are in contention while Smith and Williamson aren't far behind (both have had a bit of below par series in their last tour). It's very hard to pick one honestly and will probably become clear in the next 2-3 months.

Root ahead of Khan? Rahane at no.5 :ym2

 

[AlizeeFan]

How many of those batsman scored more runs then him in England, so you believe Ashwin has more potential then Azhar; we"ll hold you to that

First he averages 56 in last 2 years and not 66 as you think.

Second he is not even among top 30 outside Asia even if we consider players younger than him only.

His avg in Eng places him at 11th position.

And yes Ashwin averages 35 compared to Ali's 31 outside Asia

 

[street cricketer]

Root ahead of Khan? Rahane at no.5 :ym2

Lol that was a random order.

 

[shaz619]

First he averages 56 in last 2 years and not 66 as you think.

Second he is not even among top 30 outside Asia even if we consider players younger than him only.

His avg in Eng places him at 11th position.

And yes Ashwin averages 35 compared to Ali's 31 outside Asia

It is 66 there's a thread on PP. He has scored more runs then Kohli in England, it is better to compare Kohlis and Ashwins stats who seems to be more consistent with the bat then him. Azhar is set to be the greatest 10 years from now, Ashwin would hav started chucking by then and Kohli would have retired after getting owned in England again

 

[AlizeeFan]

It is 66 there's a thread on PP. He has scored more runs then Kohli in England, it is better to compare Kohlis and Ashwins stats who seems to be more consistent with the bat then him. Azhar is set to be the greatest 10 years from now, Ashwin would hav started chucking by then and Kohli would have retired after getting owned in England again

That was after first inning in first test. It's 55.8 and not 66 anymore.

Once again, Azhar is not even in top 30 outside Asia.

8 test teams 6 top order batsmen. 48 batsmen, out of those probably 40 get consistent chances.

 

[OS_89]

Strange how underrated Smith is on PP. He, Root and KW are all up there vying for the #1 spot imo.

 

[abughio]

no comment potential wise.. just performance oriented.

pak-YK
InD- MV
Aus-smith/warner
SA-amla
Nz-kw
WI-Darren bravo
Eng-bairstow(as of now)
Ban-tamim
SL-AM


and the best among them seems to be YK.

 

[shaz619]

That was after first inning in first test. It's 55.8 and not 66 anymore.

Once again, Azhar is not even in top 30 outside Asia.

8 test teams 6 top order batsmen. 48 batsmen, out of those probably 40 get consistent chances.

Well it was 66 , 55.6 is still incredible and it will be 77 soon. Azhar has score more runs then Kohli in England which makes him 10x better

 

[anuk]

Will go with root although he wasn't great against recently.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Rahane.

Most complete bat.

Sucks in good turners (and rank turners) but is a beast in all other tracks. Acceptable in normal turners.

Hasn't been acceptable even in normal or easy spin tracks these days.

On current form, it has to be Kohli and Bairstow with Root somewhere up there.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Steve
Bairstow, Kohli, Root
Amla
Williamson

In that order. Poor Jonny boy doesn't get daddy hundreds because of his batting position.

 

[Slog]

Root

 

[Sidilicious]

Cook should be much higher. That dude scores everywhere and is around whenever England need him.

Don't think Root is better than him yet. He will become, but not yet.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Cook and Kohli

 

[Protea Fan]

Root.....not look that flawless in india but still scoring runs

If he can display something special tomorrow then that will buttress his numero uno position

De kock too deserved a mention.....he is going to be a revelation

 

[Hasan123]

Lol certainly not Younis Khan

 

[Napa]

How can anyone rate Kohli as the best Test bat currently?

He has ability but not yet the best.

Not even close.

Ready to change your mind?

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Ready to change your mind?

Absolutely.

I said he has the ability.

Now he has applied himself.

Hope he keeps doing the same.

 

[Napa]

Rahane and Kohli? Really? Rahane is a quality batsman <b>but he's clearly notthe best in the world and Kohli is nowhere near the best test batsmen in the world. Put your nationalism aside while voting, people.</b>

The best batsman in the world is Hashim Amla and by a distance too. His only weakness is old age especially because he's not as fit as a Younis Khan or Misbah ul Haq. Other than that, he's immense against all types of bowling, scores everywhere around the world and has a near perfect test record. Also has the best smiley ever.

Whatever challenge you set for Kohli, he will destroy it.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Whatever challenge you set for Kohli, he will destroy it.

Is this based on some sound analysis or hope?

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Kohli is not that great when ball genuinely turns properly but Root, Williamson are worse than him by a big margin.

Steve Smith is good against the turning ball but I would want to see a bit more of him.

 

[Aman]

1) Kohli
2) Smith
3) Root

 

[Napa]

Kohli, with 2 double tons in the last 2 months.

Watch him <b>beat Eng</b> and Aus in the coming series.

As I was saying

It is just the combination of ability and personality, the kind that Gavaskar and Tendulkar had.

 

[Napa]

Is this based on some sound analysis or hope?

Neither analysis or hope, but what I am seeing in front of me.

 

[Buffet]

Root looked very uncomfortable in both innings against Ashwin here. He needs to play Ashwin well here going forward for Eng to have a chance.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Neither analysis or hope, but what I am seeing in front of me.

Hope and gut feel I take it.

Fair enough...nothing wrong in it.

Others go for a more pros and cons style approach.

Here's what I think of Kohli:

1. Excellent player of pace and bounce
2. Potentially good against swing (England failure notwithstanding) but has weakness outside off (he has improved but still relentless lines can get him to commit mistakes)
3. Good against spin but not so good when it really turns big (if he puts his mind, he can score on any spin track but still can commit the odd mistake which can be costly)
4. Patience in test is an issue which he has worked on big time and results are showing
5. Unbelievable player when it comes to uneven bounce
6. At times, he seems to get a bit hurried reg bouncers on rib cage....could have got out for 50 in first innings (did like that against NZ) but not a major threat if he concentrates properly

If he keeps working on his game, there is no reason why he can't do excellently.

Its an ongoing process really.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

1) Kohli
2) Smith
3) Root

I personally finad Root more attractive than Smith .

 

[Napa]

Hope and gut feel I take it.

Fair enough...nothing wrong in it.

Others go for a more pros and cons style approach.

Here's what I think of Kohli:

1. Excellent player of pace and bounce
2. Potentially good against swing (England failure notwithstanding) but has weakness outside off (he has improved but still relentless lines can get him to commit mistakes)
3. Good against spin but not so good when it really turns big (if he puts his mind, he can score on any spin track but still can commit the odd mistake which can be costly)
4. Patience in test is an issue which he has worked on big time and results are showing
5. Unbelievable player when it comes to uneven bounce
6. At times, he seems to get a bit hurried reg bouncers on rib cage....could have got out for 50 in first innings (did like that against NZ) but not a major threat if he concentrates properly

If he keeps working on his game, there is no reason why he can't do excellently.

Its an ongoing process really.

Good analysis.

Looking forward to more great innings from Kohli this and the following Aus series.

 

[cric_fanatic]

There seems to be an obsession with that England series of Kohli. A lot has happened since that mate. Smith has had poor series in Asia. Amla had a horrible tour to India. Every batsman has had at least one poor series in their careers, does that make them any less of a great? Your judgement of Kohli is utter bias. He is definitely one of the best going around ATM.

 

[Ankit007]

I think that one bad patch on England tour has came to bite back Kohli way too much. That was the only time he looked of color in his entire career till now. Also nothing that he is not good with swinging balls. He did very well against Steyn and co at their very best in SA. And against Boult and co in NZ. So he is #1 for me at the moment. Only DeCock comes a bit close along with Cook

 

[Indiafan]

I think that one bad patch on England tour has came to bite back Kohli way too much. That was the only time he looked of color in his entire career till now. Also nothing that he is not good with swinging balls. He did very well against Steyn and co at their very best in SA. And against Boult and co in NZ. So he is #1 for me at the moment. Only DeCock comes a bit close along with Cook

Its the same tactic as people used with Sachin. If you reach Sachin/Kohli level then they dont see where you do well. They will try to find your one weakness and highlight it. On the other hand with others like Ponting, Kallis, Inzi, Dravid, Laxman. Sanga, amla etc you find that one or two good things and highlight them.

I am not saying that the second set of players is not at the level of the first. I am saying this is classic tactics being used to put down someone you dont like and was constantly used with Sachin

 

[Bilal7]

Whatever challenge you set for Kohli, he will destroy it.

I certainly did not challenge him to pummel the English on a flattish track at home. He's not the best batsman in his own team and a single game does not change that.

 

[Bilal7]

Its the same tactic as people used with Sachin. If you reach Sachin/Kohli level then they dont see where you do well. They will try to find your one weakness and highlight it. On the other hand with others like Ponting, Kallis, Inzi, Dravid, Laxman. Sanga, amla etc you find that one or two good things and highlight them.

I am not saying that the second set of players is not at the level of the first. I am saying this is classic tactics being used to put down someone you dont like and was constantly used with Sachin

Kohli is not fit to lace Sachin's boots. He was an outstanding batsman who had zero weaknesses in test cricket and scored mountains of runs everywhere. If fans were picking on Sachin, it was to have fun with his emotional fans.

Kohli has done nothing in comparison, in test cricket. The criticism against him has sound basis behind it. He's an inferior test batsman to Rahane, Vijay and arguably even Pujara in his own team but you have people here calling him the best in the world after one good match. Height of being overrated.

 

[Ab Fan]

I think irrespective of his double hundreds he scored in previous two series where Ashwin stole the show, I think this was one match where it was Kohli who owned the game. A brilliant century coming at 20 odd -2 in first inning and then an attacking 80 odd in second inning which made Indians favourite in the series.

He is getting his mark nicely in test cricket now and pushing his way to the fab four but still I would recommend not to overhype this thing unnecessarily by calling him a creditible ATG or such.

 

[Ab Fan]

Kohli is not fit to lace Sachin's boots. He was an outstanding batsman who had zero weaknesses in test cricket and scored mountains of runs everywhere. If fans were picking on Sachin, it was to have fun with his emotional fans.

Kohli has done nothing in comparison, in test cricket. The criticism against him has sound basis behind it. He's an inferior test batsman to Rahane, Vijay and arguably even Pujara in his own team but you have people here calling him the best in the world after one good match. Height of being overrated.

He is definitely better than Vijay and Pujara.

The former lacks the ability to play long innings and dominate games like great players do and perhaps that is the reason he avgs low 40s.

The latter has to prove himself outside Asia or else he will be a Mahela Jawayardene which to be fair won't be bad if you consider he is the 4th best cricketer in the team.

 

[Bilal7]

He is definitely better than Vijay and Pujara.

The former lacks the ability to play long innings and dominate games like great players do and perhaps that is the reason he avgs low 40s.

The latter has to prove himself outside Asia or else he will be a Mahela Jawayardene which to be fair won't be bad if you consider he is the 4th best cricketer in the team.

Vijay has stuck it out in tough conditions way more than Kohli has and good openers usually average what Vijay is averaging right now.

Pujara is better than Kohli in Asia and equal with him in England and South Africa. I would rate Pujara higher than Kohli.

Regardless, Kohli has ways to go if he wants to establish himself as a great test player like he has already done in ODIs.

 

[Ab Fan]

Vijay has stuck it out in tough conditions way more than Kohli has and good openers usually average what Vijay is averaging right now.

Pujara is better than Kohli in Asia and equal with him in England and South Africa. I would rate Pujara higher than Kohli.

Regardless, Kohli has ways to go if he wants to establish himself as a great test player like he has already done in ODIs.

Vijay has been well rounded and has scored in tougher conditions no doubt but he lacks the skill to play long innings( scores 70s-80s) and then gets out( a bit like Tom Latham) .

As an opener, you need to play longer innings after getting set which is what differentiates him from someone like Alastair Cook.

Even Azhar Ali, whose record outside Asia isn't impressive, knows how to convert his starts into big hundreds something which Vijay lacks and hence Virat is clearly better than Vijay IMO.

Pujara has a valid case but his failure outside Asia goes against him.

I am not calling Kohli as an ATG or even potential ATG but he is steadily getting up to the level of fab four even in the longer format also.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Kohli has done nothing in comparison, in test cricket. He's an inferior test batsman to Rahane, Vijay and arguably even Pujara in his own team

On basis of what? Technique, temperament, 50's, 100's, overall batting avg, 2nd innings avg, impact innings, number of matches saved???

 

[SLcric123]

This keeps changing with every series or even every game..

In LoIs, it doesn't though.

 

[Tusker]

Whatever challenge you set for Kohli, he will destroy it.

As I was saying

It is just the combination of ability and personality, the kind that Gavaskar and Tendulkar had.

Neither analysis or hope, but what I am seeing in front of me.

yep good call ... closest to Tendulkar !!

 

[Hasan123]

One thing made clear to me do far in this series that overall Kohli is a better test match batsmen than Rahane. Rahane is brilliant but he isn't going to dominate a series, he's good at playing supporting knocks and one brilliant innings a series but in crunch situations I'll take Virat.

Best test players

Root
Amla
Cook
Smith
Younis

 

[Aman]

Its the same tactic as people used with Sachin. If you reach Sachin/Kohli level then they dont see where you do well. They will try to find your one weakness and highlight it. On the other hand with others like Ponting, Kallis, Inzi, Dravid, Laxman. Sanga, amla etc you find that one or two good things and highlight them.

I am not saying that the second set of players is not at the level of the first. I am saying this is classic tactics being used to put down someone you dont like and was constantly used with Sachin

Kohli isn't on the same level as Sachin

Hell he isn't even on the Dravid level yet.

 

[Sin Nombre]

Kohli isn't on the same level as Sachin

Hell he isn't even on the Dravid level yet.

None of the young guns are on the same level as Dravid at his peak as a test batsman.

Based on some peak analysis done a few years back, his peak was considered higher than Tendulkar's in tests.

 

[Sachin136]

Kohli isn't on the same level as Sachin

Hell he isn't even on the Dravid level yet.

He never said Kohli was on the same level as Sachin.

 

[Napa]

Its the same tactic as people used with Sachin. If you reach Sachin/Kohli level then they dont see where you do well. They will try to find your one weakness and highlight it. On the other hand with others like Ponting, Kallis, Inzi, Dravid, Laxman. Sanga, amla etc you find that one or two good things and highlight them.

I am not saying that the second set of players is not at the level of the first. I am saying this is classic tactics being used to put down someone you dont like and was constantly used with Sachin

And while these "classic tactics" are being used... Kohli keeps winning matches (Tests and ODIs) for India

 

[Sin Nombre]

The answer to this is still Steve Smith.

He is the only player who hasn't failed in any condition and can dominate when the pitches are flatter.

Ranking is

1. Steve Smith
2. Younis Khan
3. Root/Rahane/KW/Kohli/Amla - all have some question marks
4. Warner/Pujara/Bairstow/Cook/Misbah/Azhar Ali/De Kock

Root somehow on this board seems to get a free pass on his repeated struggles in 4th innings.

 

[Napa]

The answer to this is still Steve Smith.

He is the only player who hasn't failed in any condition and can dominate when the pitches are flatter.

Ranking is

1. Steve Smith
2. Younis Khan
3. Root/Rahane/KW/Kohli/Amla - all have some question marks
4. Warner/Pujara/Bairstow/Cook/Misbah/Azhar Ali/De Kock

Root somehow on this board seems to get a free pass on his repeated struggles in 4th innings.

You are saying that <b>"at the moment</b>" a batsman who just scored 2 and 1 as his team lost, is a better batsman than one who just scored 167 and 81 as his team won.

Excellent!!!

 

[Space Cat]

Lmao at Younis Khan topping this poll.

 

[street cricketer]

Steve Smith just scored the 17th century of his career.

Innings/century ratio of the fab 4 now:

Smith - 5.29
Kohli - 6.0
Root - 8.90
Kane - 7.35

Other top bats:
Warner - 6.41
Azhar - 8.75
Shafiq - 8.5
Che - 7.0
Rahane - 6.87

Smith has a great shot of becoming the batsman with 3rd most test runs after his 50th test which is at the SCG. Has become a run machine, in fact, has been a run machine for some time now.

Who do you guys think is the best bat in the world right now?

Smith? Root? Kohli? Kane? Warner? Azhar? De Kock?

 

[Sidilicious]

Steve Smith just scored the 17th century of his career.

Innings/century ratio of the fab 4 now:

Smith - 5.29
Kohli - 6.0
Root - 8.90
Kane - 7.35

Other top bats:
Warner - 6.41
Azhar - 8.75
Shafiq - 8.5
Che - 7.0
Rahane - 6.87

Smith has a great shot of becoming the batsman with 3rd most test runs after his 50th test which is at the SCG. Has become a run machine, in fact, has been a run machine for some time now.

Who do you guys think is the best bat in the world right now?

Smith? Root? Kohli? Kane? Warner? Azhar? De Kock?

When you say 'right now', we would need to look at a minimum of 12 months to make a call on this.

Unfortunately for Kane, its been a bit difficult one. Azhar has surely climbed up in my opinion.

Steve Smith
Kohli
Root
Azhar
Warner
QdK
Kane
Shafiq
Che
Rahane

 

[Gilly]

When you say 'right now', we would need to look at a minimum of 12 months to make a call on this.

Unfortunately for Kane, its been a bit difficult one. Azhar has surely climbed up in my opinion.

Steve Smith
Kohli
Root
Azhar
Warner
QdK
Kane
Shafiq
Che
Rahane

How does Shafiq with 717 runs @ 37 beat Bairstow with 1479 runs @ 58

 

[Gilly]

Batting averages for the last 12 months, minimum 500 runs.

V Kohli (INDIA) 75.93
SPD Smith (AUS) 67.60
Azhar Ali (PAK) 64.16
Q de Kock (SA) 63.18
LRPL Taylor (NZ) 60.60
KL Rahul (INDIA)59.88
DM de Silva (SL) 59.30
JM Bairstow (ENG) 58.80
F du Plessis (SA) 56.70
CA Pujara (INDIA)55.73
KC Brathwaite (WI) 55.72
AM Rahane (INDIA)54.41

 

[Sidilicious]

How does Shafiq with 717 runs @ 37 beat Bairstow with 1479 runs @ 58

Fair point. I just looked at the names Streety had in his post. As you correctly pointed out, I have overlooked various other batsmen such as Bairstow, Braithwaite and the SL one.

 

[Slog]

How does Shafiq with 717 runs @ 37 beat Bairstow with 1479 runs @ 58

His runs are prettier than majorit batsmen in that list so that gets bonus points

 

[Gilly]

Most runs for the last 12 months

JE Root (ENG) 1477
JM Bairstow (ENG) 1470
AN Cook (ENG) 1270
V Kohli (INDIA)1215
Azhar Ali (PAK) 1155
MM Ali (ENG) 1078
SPD Smith (AUS)1014
BA Stokes (ENG) 904
CA Pujara (INDIA)836
UT Khawaja (AUS) 753
KS Williamson (NZ)753
DA Warner (AUS) 748

 

[ExplicitAI]

Honestly with no feelings attached it's definitely Steve Smith

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

De Kock is the most exciting batsman in Test, he plays for the team and not for stats like most.

 

[EliteCynical]

Smith is currently averaging 59.7 and just scored his fourth 100 this year. I think i had voted for Smith back then, but if not, i have no issues in accepting that it is Steve Smith, hands down.

Regarding YK, I am shocked to see he is topping this poll. He is not even the second best batsman in the Pakistan team anymore. For Pakistan's sake, I hope gets to 10k ASAP.

 

[spade]

Joe Root for me at present but closely followed by Virat Kohli.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Smith
.
.
Williamson/Kohli
ATM Smith is a league above everyone, it will be interesting to see how he performs in India.

Last 36, 24, 12 months stats. Smith's consistency is staggering, and 15 centuries in 3 years!

 

[Haroon786]

Smith by a country mile.

 

[SandyB]

Tests alone its still Smithy . Hard to admit for a VK fan.

But the King 2 is catching up . As long as we are winning tests, I don't mind Smith acting as a Target for Virat to chase. !
I don't want to see Virat overdosing on Tests and putting his LOI game in danger. We need him more there than ever ! Tests are to be won by a Batting Unit , not a single Batsman.

 

[KhalidRafi]

Smith followed by Root.

 

[Vayuu]

The thing is smith is already at its peak as far as test is concerned, whereas virat hasn't hit peak yet in tests.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

Kohli or Root, Qdk is also catching up.