Does the ‘Fab 4’ exist in Test Cricket? Is it ‘Fab 3’ now?

Martin Crowe, the late New Zealand cricketer, first used the term “Fab 4” in 2014. The Fab 4 at the time were Virat Kohli from India, Kane Williamson from New Zealand, Steve Smith from Australia, and Joe Root from England. Many people have expressed the notion over the years that the Fab 5 or Fab 6 might include Pakistan’s, Babar Azam or Rohit Sharma. When it comes to white ball cricket, there are many players who have been able to compete with these four over the years, but when it comes to Test cricket, these four have been playing in their own leagues. All four of these players have long been essential for their respective nations, but does Test Cricket still feature the “Fab 4” or are there now only the “Fab 3”?

Fab 4 a term of the past?

The ‘Fab 4’ has many people wondering if the name is now obsolete. While Williamson and Kohli have had more success in the white ball format, Test cricket was where players like Smith and Root in particular had the most success. It has become clear in recent years that Virat Kohli has lagged behind his rivals in the longest format. Since 2020, Smith, Root, and Williamson have maintained excellent form, but Kohli hasn’t.

Virat Kohli

Since 2020, Virat Kohli has participated in 25 test matches and amassed 1277 runs over that time. Since 2020, he has only been able to score one century. The Border Gavaskar Trophy match versus Australia is where the century was scored earlier this year. The century was scored in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, which had one of India’s most level playing fields in recent memory. His average throughout that time was only 29.69. As a result of failing to turn six of his 50+ scores into centuries, his conversion of 50s to 100s has also decreased. Playing in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) nations is considerably different from playing in India. While playing in various places requires distinct skill sets, Kohli has had trouble scoring runs both in India and in SENA nations.

• Kohli in India

In India, Kohli has amassed 586 runs at an average of 34.47. His batting average in India suggests that, even when playing at home, he has had trouble finding his form. He has only scored two half-centuries in 11 games despite being dismissed for ducks three times in India.

• Kohli in SENA

Kohli has had difficulties in SENA nations as well. In 12 games, he has scored 646 runs at an average of 28.08. His finest performance was in South Africa, where he scored 161 runs in two games with an average of 40.25, while his worst performance was in New Zealand, where he only managed 38 runs in two games with an average of 9.50.

Steve Smith

Since 2020, Steve Smith has been in excellent form. In 27 games, the Australian batter has scored 1915 runs. He has six centuries and nine half-centuries during this time. In this time, he even has a double-century and averages 50.39. He has been a crucial part of his team’s success both at home and away. He also had a significant impact on Australia’s victory against India in the opening innings of the World Test Championship final.

• Smith in Australia

Smith has participated in 15 matches and 1106 runs in Australia. At his home ground, he has three centuries and six half-centuries. His average stands at 50.27. While playing in Australia, Smith also has three ducks to his credit.

• Smith in India and England

In this time, Smith has amassed 432 runs in both England and India. Australia hasn’t made any trips to South Africa and New Zealand recently. His overall average in both India and England is 43.2. Even in England, one of the hardest places to bat in, he has scored two centuries.

Joe Root

Since 2020, Joe Root has played in most games of the “Fab 4.” Many experts agree that Root’s form is at his best right now. In 43 games, he has scored 3819 goals, for an average of 55.34. Captain Root kept the England team’s batting together during a difficult period before the Bazball era. 

• Root in England

England’s Root has been in outstanding form. Despite the fact that he plays the majority of his matches in England, where batting is already difficult, he is already at a disadvantage, he has been performing better lately than any of the “Fab 4.” Root has scored 1730 runs at an average of 61.78 in 21 games played in England. He has four half-centuries and seven centuries. His conversion rate was heavily questioned, but since 2020, he has proven everyone wrong by consistently converting his 50s to 100s.

• Root in India, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand

Root has also played brilliantly for the England side while they were away from home. He has 1249 runs scored, averaging 48.09. His finest performance came in New Zealand, where he scored 319 runs in two games at an average of 106.33. His worst performance came when he scored 322 runs at an average of 32.2 against Australia in Australia.

Kane Williamson

The ‘Fab 4’ average is led by Kane Williamson at the moment. He has played 16 games and recorded 1745 runs at an average of 72.70 in those games. Nine of his 16 games were played in New Zealand.

• Williamson in New Zealand

In nine games, Williamson has scored 1215 runs in New Zealand. In New Zealand, he is averaging 93.46. During this period he has six centuries and a solitary half-century at home. 

• Williamson in India and England

Williamson has had difficulty away from New Zealand. He has competed in four games in England and one game in India. In both countries, he has amassed 263 runs at an average of 29.22.

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