The 7 highest Test averages since 2020 features the biggest surprise in position No. 1
The one-off Test between England and Zimbabwe ended as expected last week, with a comfortable win for England. Despite having played Test cricket since 1992, Zimbabwe is a long way from being a major force.
Limited budgets and the inability to get regular games against the more traditional powers have made it hard for the men from Africa to make a major impact on the game.
But they are quietly going about their business, and while the waves they are making might not be big, they are still there. In recent times, the biggest names in batting have been the likes of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Joe Root.
But a look at the statistics reveals that the batsman with the highest Test average since 2020 is none other than an unheralded Zimbabwean – who did rather well in the Test cricket match against England.
Here’s a look at the batsmen with the seven best Test averages in matches played since 2020:
7. Usman Khawaja (Australia): Average: 51.57 from 36 Tests since 2020
Usman Khawaja’s Test renaissance has been one of the feel-good stories in recent Australia cricket. Having made his Test debut in 2011 Khawaja spent years on the fringes. But he made a triumphant return during the 2021–22 Ashes and hasn’t looked back.
Elegant and composed, he has excelled across conditions, including vital knocks in Pakistan and India. His 232 against Sri Lanka in Galle was a masterclass in patience and control, a fitting highlight in this late-career purple patch.
6. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India): Average: 52.88 from 19 Tests since 2020
One of the brightest stars in India’s next generation, Yashasvi Jaiswal has adapted to Test cricket with remarkable ease. His fearless stroke play is matched by a solid temperament, making him a dependable top-order force.
Jaiswal’s back-to-back double tons against England at the start of 2024 served as a declaration of intent that he belongs at the highest level. Given his youth and skill, his numbers could soar even higher in the coming years.
5. Joe Root (England): Average: 54.29 from 36 Tests since 2020
Joe Root has carried England’s batting for much of the past five years. From spinning tracks in Galle to the seaming pitches of Lord’s, Root has been the consistent pillar in England’s ever-changing Test line-up.
His 262 against Pakistan in 2024 was a mixture of elegance, precision, and stamina. While his form dipped slightly in the most recent Ashes, his average remains world-class, solidifying his place among the modern greats.
4. Harry Brook (England): Average: 58.47 from 25 Tests since 2020
Harry Brook’s explosive arrival on the Test scene was emblematic of England’s Bazball era – aggressive, fearless, and unrelenting. But what makes Brook stand out is not just his tempo but his consistency.
A triple century against Pakistan in Multan showed his ability to build innings, while his counterattacking hundreds against Australia turned heads. He is quickly becoming a cornerstone of England’s batting plans moving forward.
3. Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka): Average: 62.31 from 12 Tests since 2020
A late bloomer by international standards, Kamindu Mendis has quietly constructed one of the most reliable Test records in recent Sri Lankan cricket. Averaging over 60 in a rebuilding side is no small feat.
His 182 not out against New Zealand in 2024 was a showcase of concentration and technical skill, proving that even without the fanfare of star status, substance and grit can carve out exceptional records.
2. Kane Williamson (New Zealand): Average: 64.37 from 27 Tests since 2020
Kane Williamson continues to epitomize classical Test match batting. Calm under pressure and technically flawless, Williamson has been the bedrock of New Zealand’s success. Whether anchoring chases or batting time, he brings a rare serenity to the crease.
His double century against the West Indies in Hamilton remains one of the most complete innings in recent memory. Williamson’s consistency across formats and conditions underscores his status as one of the era’s best.
1. Sean Williams (Zimbabwe): Average: 70.86 from 10 Tests since 2020
Topping the list is the quietly brilliant Sean Williams. At 37, the Zimbabwean left-hander has found a rich vein of form later in his career, making the most of every rare Test appearance.
While Zimbabwe’s schedule means fewer opportunities, Williams has maximised his chances with poise and class.
His 154 against Bangladesh in Harare and a recent 88 against England at Trent Bridge have elevated his status from solid contributor to statistical standout. While sceptics may point to the small sample size, averaging nearly 71 over 10 Tests is a remarkable feat in any context.
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