Ranking the 7 best No. 4 batters in the history of Test cricket – 1 New Zealander holds his own among several big names
It is always tough to know when to call it quits and retire from the game. The consensus is that you want to do it when you are still playing and performing at the highest level.
But so often the temptation is there to stay a little longer, maybe eke out some more runs and improve your stats. It’s a tricky decision to make, especially if cricket has been a huge part of your life.
Two legends of the game, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have both retired this month, confirming that as of now they will only be seen playing ODIs for India and, of course, in franchise cricket.
Kohli was one of the great number four batsmen in recent years, but in terms of runs scored coming in at second wicket down, who are the top scorers of all time in that position and where did Kohli rank amongst them? Let’s take a look at the great Test cricket No. 4s.
7. Ross Taylor (New Zealand) – 7,087 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 47.24
A mainstay of the New Zealand middle order for over a decade, Ross Taylor’s consistency at number four was remarkable.
His ability to adapt to various match situations made him one of the most dependable batters for the Black Caps.
6. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 7,535 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 51.25
A genius with the bat, Brian Lara was a master of big scores. His highest Test score of 400 not out came while batting at number four, underscoring his ability to dominate bowlers from this position.
Never one to stand back in the face of a challenge, Lara had all the shots in the book. He carried the West Indies batting for a long period and was one of the greatest ever batsmen to watch – Lara wasn’t just a batsman, he was an artist.
5. Virat Kohli (India) – 7,564 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 50.09
An iconic figure in modern cricket, Virat Kohli’s dominance at number four was defined by his remarkable consistency, aggression, and ability to chase down targets.
His centuries came in all conditions and against the best attacks in the world – and when he was operating as skipper, he took it up another level.
4. Joe Root (England) – 7,745 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 51.63
Joe Root’s ability to play long innings has been a defining feature of his career. As England’s most prolific run-scorer at number four, he has been a rock in their batting lineup, thriving in various conditions.
Still actively playing Root looks set to add to his bucket-load of runs, although given that he is already 34 he may run out of time before he scores the more than 1000 runs needed to catch the man ahead of him.
3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 9,033 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 61.86
The greatest all-rounder in the modern era, Jacques Kallis was a colossus for South Africa.
His record at number four is simply incredible, as he combined immense technical ability with unparalleled patience and concentration.
Kallis spent a large portion of his career batting at three, but it was at four where he really thrived.
2. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 9,509 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 52.24
A stylish batsman known for his elegant stroke play; Mahela Jayawardene was a giant for Sri Lanka.
His record at number four includes several match-winning and match-saving innings, particularly in home conditions.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 13,492 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 54.4
The greatest of them all, Sachin Tendulkar’s achievements at number four are unmatched.
His incredible tally of runs and ability to deliver in pressure situations made him the benchmark for all other number four batsmen.
Tendulkar doesn’t just boast the second highest average on this list he is also so far ahead at the top of the list that it will take something quite incredible to see him caught – especially in an era where less Test cricket is being played.
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