Cricket, a sport loved by millions around the world, has witnessed the rise of several legendary players. In the modern era, four exceptional batsmen have stood out with their consistent brilliance, earning them the title of the “Fab Four players.” Their performances are often compared under the widely discussed Fab four Stats.
Virat Kohli recently announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier today (May 12) with a post on his official Instagram handle. He ended his 14-year illustrious career in the format.
In this article, we will take a closer look at their remarkable careers, comparing their updated statistics and achievements to understand what makes them the finest batsmen of the modern era in Test cricket.
So, let's take a look at the statistics of the Fav Four in Test cricket.
Fav four in Test cricket | Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith
Test cricket, often considered the ultimate test of a player’s skill and temperament, has seen these four players shine brightly. Here’s how they stack up in the longest format.
Virat Kohli's peak in Test cricket arrived well before the likes of Joe Root and Kane Williamson. Steve Smith matched him toe to toe during that period, but the 12-month ban due to the sandpaper gate overshadowed his brilliance in the format.
However, when we compare the numbers of Fab four in 2025, Kohli has fallen way behind his contemporaries. Root is at the peak of his powers in Test cricket in the last five years while Williamson has never really been out of form in the whites.
Smith has been on and off over the last couple of years, but his form has never been a concern for Australia in Tests. When it comes to runs, averages and centuries, Kohli ranks last among Fab four and a lot of it has to do with his downfall in the format since November 2019.
Fav four in Test cricket | How Kohli finished in Tests compared to Fab four
It is certain that Virat Kohli, who was once untouchable in the debate of Fab Four, will remain at the bottom forever when compared to his contemporaries. Only if his form hadn't dropped after November 2019, the 36-year-old, today, has stepped down from the format with some unreal numbers.
Despite a great fight on the last day at Lord's, India suffered a heartbreak defeat by 22 runs in the third Test against England. Along with this, the discussion has intensified about the batting order of the team, especially the batting at number 3.
After the defeat at Lord's, the Indian men’s cricket team would like to come up with a big show in the fourth Test to level the series. The fourth red-ball match of the ongoing ENG vs IND five-match series will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to 27. For the match at Old Trafford, Indian team management could make multiple changes to the playing XI.
Karun Nair looked solid whenever he was on the pitch in the 6 innings so far. But he could never take his innings beyond 50. Nair scored 0, 20, 31, 26, 40 and 14 runs in the 6 innings so far. During this time, he got out unlucky many times. But it is possible that the team management may now plan to try talented and young cricketer Sai Sudharsan in his place.
23-year-old Sai Sudharsan from Chennai got a chance to debut in the ENG vs IND Leeds Test. But the first opportunity slipped from his hands like sand from his fist. He played innings of 0 and 30 runs in Leeds. The team lost the Test and he was also dropped from the playing XI.
Kuldeep can make a return
Discussions have once again intensified about the inclusion of 30-year-old left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has taken 56 wickets in 13 Tests, in the playing XI. This tour could prove to be a good opportunity to include Kuldeep in the team.
Bumrah and Rishabh Pant out
Before the start of the series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Shubman Gill, and even Bumrah himself confirmed that he will play only three matches in England, and since the pacer has already featured in two matches out of three played so far, there is a high possibility that he will miss the game in Manchester to return for the final fixture at The Oval in London from July 31 to August 4.
In addition to Bumrah, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could also miss the match in Manchester. Pant suffered a finger injury during the first day’s play of the Lord’s Test, and as a result, he didn’t keep after 34 overs in the first innings. There is still no clarity over Pant’s injury. If he misses out, then Dhruv Jurel will replace him in the playing XI.
The 24-year-old stumper from Agra impressed with his glovework during the third Test, and he has amassed a total of 202 runs in six innings of four Tests played so far. Jurel’s best score in Test cricket is 90, which he registered against the English team in Ranchi last year.
Akash Deep likely retain Bumrah's place
Akash Deep could only manage to take one wicket in the third Test, but if Bumrah misses out due to workload management, then he is likely to retain his place.
Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav are the other four bowlers in India’s Test squad for the England series, and for the game at Old Trafford, Arshdeep could come in for Bumrah. Arshdeep is a left-arm pacer, and his inclusion will bring variety to India’s bowling attack.
Australia pacer Mitchell Starc scripted history in the third Test against West Indies in Jamaica as he grabbed the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history, in just 15 balls. No player in world cricket has ever managed to take a 5-wicket haul in fewer deliveries. With this Starc also surpassed Chaminda Vaas in terms of taking most wickets in tests by left-arm seamers.
In this article, we will take a look at those left-arm bowlers with most wickets in tests.
Neil Wagner, the former New Zealand fast bowler, claimed 260 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.60 for New Zealand, from 2012 until his international retirement in February 2024, earning plaudits along the way for his indefatigable left-arm line of attack.
He was a key member of the team that reached number one in the world and won the inaugural Test world championship in 2021. Among career highlights were his roles in famous victories over England in 2018 and last year's one-run win over the same opposition in Wellington.
6. Zaheer Khan | 311
Zaheer Khan, India’s finest left-arm seamer, has played 92 tests and took 311 wickets with 11 five-wicket hauls. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Zaheer was a key figure in many of India’s overseas wins. His standout performances in England and South Africa helped India win Test matches in challenging conditions.
5. Mitchell Johnson | 313
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who struck fear into batsmen around the world but especially on the bouncy pitches of his homeland, took 313 wickets in 73 tests at an average of 28.40.
He was a pretty decent bowler throughout his career, but during his peak, he was one of the terrifying bowlers in the world. One of the most notable performances from him was the 2013-14 Ashes in Australia, where he ripped apart the English lineup, match-after-match, innings-after-innings.
4. Trent Boult | 317
Trent Boult is a New Zealand cricketer who is known for being a threat to batsmen all over the world because of his ability to swing the ball on both sides. Boult debuted in Test matches in 2011. He’s the fourth-highest wicket-taker as a left-arm seamers in Tests as he took 317 wickets in 78 matches. He owns 18 four-wicket hauls, 10 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul.
His best bowling figures in Test innings are 6 for 30 runs and a single Test match 10 wickets for 80 runs. He was a part of the winning squad of the ICC World Test Championship in 2019-2021.
3. Chaminda Vaas | 355
In a time when Murali was taking all the plaudits, Vaas was undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s greatest fast bowler, picking up 355 wickets in 111 Tests at an impressive average of 29.58. He’s the only seamer from the island nation to have over 200 wickets and took career best figures of 7/71 with his deceptive swing and persistent line and length.
2. Mitchell Starc | 402
Australian speedster Mitchell Starc set several records in the 3rd and final Test against West Indies in Kingston. In his 100th Test appearance, Starc took seven wickets, including six in the final innings. He recorded a fifer off just 15 balls.
Starc returned figures worth 6/9 from 7.3 overs in the fourth innings, his career-best in the format. This was his 16th Test fifer. Starc, who became the 16th Aussie to complete 100 Test appearances, has now 402 wickets as a left-arm seamers in test at an average of 27.02.
Regarded as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers to have played the game, Wasim Akram represented Pakistan in 104 Tests between 1985 and 2002, claiming 414 wickets at an average of 23.06. He also took 25 5-wicket halls. Among these, he took two Test hat-tricks. His best bowling figures in a test match were 7/119.
West Indies vs Australia: West Indies register second lowest test score in an inning by a team
After getting all out for 27 in the fourth inning of the third West Indies vs Australia test in Kingston, West Indies have now registered the second lowest test score in an inning by a team.
Mitchell Starc celebrates the wicket of Brandon King, his third of the first over. Image | AFP/Getty Images
West Indies just registered their lowest test score in their history after registering only 27 in the fourth innings of the third West Indies vs Australia test in Kingston. While chasing only 204 in the last inning of the test match, West Indies were bundled out for 27 after Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland ran through them.
For the West Indies, only Justin Greaves could reach the double-figure (11) mark. 7 of 11 batters of the West Indies team were dismissed for ducks.
Mitchell Starc celebrates the wicket of Brandon King, his third of the first over. Image | AFP/Getty Images
Australia started the inning on a fiery note, with Mitchell Starc taking three wickets in the first over. He then went on to break the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in a test inning as he reached the landmark in just 15 balls. West Indies once were 6 for 11, but a small partnership from Alzarri Joseph and Justin Greaves helped them reach 26.
Scott Boland became the 45th bowler to take a test hat-trick. Image | AFP/Getty Images
But from 26/6, Scott Boland took a hat-trick to reduce them to 26/9. Mitchell Starc then wrapped up the inning with his sixth wicket as he finished with a bowling figure of 7.3-4-9-6.
What is the lowest test score in history?
New Zealand in 1955 registered the lowest test score in history when they were bundled for only 26 in the third inning against Australia in Auckland. Bert Sutcliffe could only reach the double-figure mark (11) for the Kiwis.
Frank Tyson started the attack for Australia, taking the first two wickets. But it was Brian Statham and Bob Appleyard who finished the job for the team from down under. Statham returned with 9-3-9-3 while Appleyard had the bowling figure of 6-3-7-4.
Although New Zealand had played 27 overs to score those 26 runs. They lost the test match by an innings and 20 runs.
10 lowest test scores in test cricket
Mitchell Starc celebrating after getting Jayden Seals out as West Indies were bowled out for 27. Image | AFP/Getty Images
Along with New Zealand in 1995 and the West Indies in 2025, South Africa features in the top five of the lowest test scores in test cricket.
In 1896, South Africa were bundled for 30 against England in Gqeberha, which was the lowest test score for nearly 59 years.
South Africa again matched their record when England bowled them out for 30 again, this time in Birmingham in 1924. In 1899 and 1932, South Africa registered 35 and 36, respectively, against England and Australia.
Then comes India's 36 all-out against Australia in 2020 in Adelaide. India comes on the list again with their 42 against England in 1974 at Lord's.
However, before all of these, Australia had the record for the lowest test score, before New Zealand broke the record. In 1888, Australia were bundled out for 42 against England at their own turf in Sydney.
Mohammed Siraj faces ban risk over his aggressive send-off and shoulder barge to Ben Duckett
Will Mohammed Siraj face ban risk over his aggressive send-off and shoulder barge to Ben Duckett on Day 4 of the Lord's test? Find out how his fiery celebration in the IND vs ENG match can lead to an ICC penalty.
The third test between England and India at Lord's has been a gripping contest. After an intense Day 3, where tensions noticeably escalated between the two teams, Day 4 saw even heightened clashes.
In just the fifth over of the day, India's Mohammed Siraj struck up a sharp back-of-a-length delivery at 140 kph. Batting at 12, the English opener Ben Duckett mistimed the ball while attempting to pull from outside the off stump, which resulted in a straightforward catch for Bumrah.
What followed was an aggressive, in-your-face celebration from Siraj, involving a direct charge towards the batsman and a prolonged, intense stare. Things got even worse as the celebration involved a visible shoulder barge with Duckett.
This unexpected and fiery encounter raised concerns about a serious issue: Will Mohammed Siraj face a ban risk over his aggressive send-off and shoulder barge to Ben Duckett on Day 4 of the Lord's test? Find out what the ICC code of conduct suggests:
Is Mohammed Siraj at a bank risk over his aggressive send-off to Ben Duckett?
Mohammed Siraj giving an intense stare during his aggressive send-off to Ben Duckett. Image | X
Mohammed Siraj provided an early breakthrough to his nation by dismissing England's explosive opener, Ben Duckett. High-stakes matches in cricket often saw intense celebration from both sides. However, Siraj's celebration involving a shoulder barge has put him under a ban and in potential trouble.
Siraj could be found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which states: "Using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match."
The article "includes any language, action or gesture used by a Player and directed towards a batter upon his/her dismissal which has the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter, whether or not any reaction results, or which could be considered to disparage or demean the dismissed batter, regardless of whether the batter him/herself feels disparaged or demeaned (in other words, a ‘send-off’)"
Lines that Siraj seemed to cross with his celebration:
"excessive celebration directed at and in close proximity to the dismissed batter": The celebration after Duckett's dismissal involved Siraj coming within close proximity of him, while keeping his glares.
"verbally abusing the dismissed batter": Even though any usage of verbal abuse can't be concluded in the footage, as Siraj is probably seen yelling "come on" – this point will be a crucial one to look at and re-check.
"pointingor gesturing towards the pavilion": There is no evidence of this third point being involved.
Besides the mentioned article, there's also article 2.12, which states: "Without limitation, Players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another Player or Umpire. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made."
“The game is better with the likes of Mohammed Siraj: it is an emotional game... It was actually Duckett who went towards Mohammed Siraj,” said on air after Siraj's aggressive send-off and shoulder barge.
Regardless of the speculations, the match referee, Richie Richardson, has to give a close look into this matter, to confirm whether Mohammed Siraj's barge to Ben Duckett was done "deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently."
If found guilty of breaching what's mentioned in 2.5, Siraj will be charged with a Level 1 offence – in other words, a warning, up to two demerit points, and up to 50% of match fees.
Additionally, if the shoulder barge is proved to be deliberate, he could also be charged with a Level 2 offence, the highest sanction for which can include two suspension points, enough for him to miss a Test match.
Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship
Former England captain Joe Root has scored the most test centuries in the World Test Championship so far. Cricket stars like Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are on the list as well.
The World Test Championship was started in 2019 to make Test cricket interesting. The Championship has changed the way Test Cricket is being played. Though England has shown their aggressive brand of cricket, which has taken the world by storm, but failed to win the title.
South Africa are the current winner of the ICC World Test Championship. New Zealand and Australia have won the World Test Championships in the first two editions, while India played the final on both occasions.
Here are the players with the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship.
1. Joe Root | 19
England's Joe Root has the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship. So far, he has scored 19 centuries in 122 innings of 67 matches. Root is also the batsman who has scored the most runs in this tournament, with 5756 runs at an average of 51.85.
His best knock came against India in 2021 when he scored 228 in Chennai to help his side win the game.
Australia's Steve Smithhas now scored the most test centuries in the World Test Championship. The Aussie top-order batter has been one of the best test batters of this generation and has scored runs all around the world.
Smith is known for his unorthodox and yet effective batting style, which keeps on annoying the opponent's bowling lineups.
Till now in WTC, Steve Smith has scored 4225 runs at an outstanding average of 50.29, including 13 test centuries.
Australia's Marnus Labuschagne has scored 11 centuries in his Test career, and all have been scored in the World Test Championship. In 53 matches, he has scored 4225 runs at an average of 48.01 during the Test Championship.
Marnus used to have his test average over 50. However, a recent dip in form, which also led to him being dropped from the test side as well, brought his batting average down.
Still, he is the batter with the second-most test centuries and third-most runs in WTC history so far.
4. Kane Williamson | 11
Kane Williamson has batted amazingly in the World Test Championship. He has played only 28 matches so far in this tournament, but has managed to score 11 centuries in his 50 innings.
Williamson has the best average (61.34) among the batsmen who have scored at least 2000 runs in the World Test Championship. During the Test match versus South Africa, the former Kiwi skipper scored two tons in the same game.
Former Indian test captain Rohit Sharma is the only Indian batter included in the 'most Test centuries in the World Test Championship' list.
Before retiring from the format, Rohit played 40 matches during the Test Championship since 2019. In his 69 innings, he has scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries with his bat.
With 2716 runs in the World Test Championship in just 40 Tests, Rohit is the highest scorer for India in WTC history so far, with an average is 41.15. Rohit Sharma's all of 9 test tons in WTC came in winning cause for India.
The former Pakistan skipper has scored 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle. Babar Azam is the sixth in the list of batters with most test centuries in WTC history.
In 36 matches, he has also scored 2998 runs at an average of 48.35 during the Test Championship.
The 29-year-old isn’t in the greatest of form currently, but on his day, Babar Azam is a delight to watch.
One of his most memorable knocks came against Australia in Karachi in 2022. Babar scored 196 while chasing a huge total in the 4th inning of the game.
7. Harry Brook | 8
Brook after scoring his latest test century, vs India in Birmingham. Image | Getty Images
Currently, the ICC No.1 Men's test batter, Harry Brook, comes at number seven on our list of players with most test centuries in the World Test Championship.
The English youngster has just played 24 test matches during the WTC cycles and has scored 8 centuries so far.
Apart from Joe Root, he has been the shining armour of the English batting lineup in the last two seasons. Brook, till now, has scored 2234 test runs in WTC at an average of 55.85, with an outstanding strike rate of 83.54, the highest in WTC history.
Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya De Silva might be one of the surprising names on this list.
The Sri Lanka captain has been one of the best batters for his country despite lacking support from the other end, most of the time.
So far, he has scored 8 centuries in 62 innings of 35 matches. Dhananjaya also scored 2509 runs, with an average of 44.80, during the Test Championship. Dhananjaya is also one of the active players with the most test centuries currently.
9. Travis Head | 8
Head after scoring a ton against India in 2024. Image | Getty Images
Travis Head, the swashbuckling left-handed batter, has also scored 8 test tons during the World Test Championship cycle. The Aussie batter is one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in the world at the moment in test cricket.
Till now, in 51 matches in WTC, Head has scored 3264 runs at an average of 40.80, with a strike-rate of 72.85. Head also scored 15 fifties during the World Test Championship.
Head's 7 out of 8 test tons during the WTC came in a winning cause for Australia.
Australian opener Usman Khawaja has hit 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle.
In 42 matches, he has scored3251 runs at an average of 45.78. The Southpaw batter is a treat to watch when he is in song and has restored his career with some outstanding scores for the current WTC champions.
He was also the second-highest-scoring batsman in the 2021–2023 WTC cycle with 1,621 runs, the highest by an Australian batsman.
Gill after scoring his double ton against England at Edgbaston. Image | BCCI
Before starting his tenure as the captain of the Indian men's test cricket team, Shubman Gill was nowhere on this list of batters with most test hundreds in WTC history.
But as he wore the blazer of the Indian team, he was a different beast. In the first two tests as captain, he hit three centuries, which also had a highest score of 269, the highest by any Indian test captain.
Till now, in 35 tests in WTC, Gill has scored 2494 runs at an average of 42.27, including 8 test tons.