In the annals of Test cricket, few discussions are as revered as those surrounding the Fab Four – Steve Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli.
These four batsmen have not only dominated the cricketing landscape over the last decade but have also redefined what it means to be a top-order batsman in the longest format of the game.
Here, we explore their journey through the lens of Test centuries, a testament to their consistency, skill, and resilience on the international stage.
Steve Smith
Leading the pack with 36 Test centuries in just 206 innings, Steve Smith has solidified his status as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation.
His journey in Test cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by his ability to adapt, innovate, and conquer in various conditions around the world.
Smith’s technique, often unconventional yet highly effective, has allowed him to score runs at an astonishing pace, averaging just under 60 in Test cricket.
As Australia faces Sri Lanka, Smith’s current form is a vivid reminder of his prowess.
Scoring an unbeaten 120, he has put Australia in a commanding position with Alex Carey, with the score at 330/3 and a lead of 73 runs.
This performance is not just about adding to his century count but also about showcasing his ability to anchor an innings under pressure, a trait that has defined his career.
Joe Root
Tied with Smith for the highest number of Test centuries at 36, but in 278 innings, Joe Root has been the backbone of England’s batting line-up.
Root’s journey has been one of evolution from a promising youngster to England’s most dependable batsman.
His classical technique, combined with an aggressive approach when needed, has led him to amass over 11,000 runs in Test cricket. Root’s centuries span across all conditions, showcasing his adaptability and the depth of his skill.
Root’s role in England’s cricketing narrative has been pivotal, often carrying the team through tough situations with innings of both substance and style.
His record in Test cricket is not just a number; it’s a reflection of his commitment to the game and his team’s cause, making him a central figure in discussions about the Fab Four.
Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson, with 33 Test centuries in 186 innings, might not always grab headlines like his counterparts, but his impact on the game is profound.
His batting style, characterized by calmness and precision, has made him one of the most admired players in contemporary cricket.
Williamson’s ability to play long, match-winning innings has been crucial for New Zealand, leading them to numerous victories in Test matches.
His consistency is not just in scoring centuries but in maintaining a high average across all conditions.
Williamson’s leadership on the field complements his batting, making him a dual threat.
His centuries are often scored with a sense of responsibility, aiming not just for personal milestones but to steer his team towards victory.
Virat Kohli
With 30 Test centuries in 210 innings, Virat Kohli rounds out the Fab Four but is by no means the least.
Kohli’s aggressive approach to batting, combined with an insatiable hunger for runs, has seen him break numerous records and set new benchmarks in cricket.
His journey in Test cricket has been about translating his ODI and T20 prowess into the longest format, with an emphasis on fitness, technique, and mental toughness.
Kohli’s centuries often come in crucial games, underlining his role as not just a run-scorer but a match-winner.
His conversion rate from fifties to hundreds is among the best, reflecting his ability to turn starts into significant scores.
Although he currently trails in the century count among the Fab Four, Kohli’s overall impact on the game, including his captaincy, has been monumental.
The Current Scenario
As we witness Steve Smith’s latest century against Sri Lanka, it’s a reminder of how each of these players continues to shape Test cricket.
Their battles against each other, their performances in critical matches, and their ability to score when their team needs them the most have made Test cricket a spectacle during their era.
The ongoing match where Australia is leading, thanks to Smith’s unbeaten 120 alongside Alex Carey, not only adds to his personal tally but also puts pressure on his counterparts in the Fab Four to keep up.
These players, through their performances, not only compete against opponents but also push each other to elevate their game.
In Summary
The Fab Four – Steve Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli – have not just been about the numbers; they are about the narratives they’ve created, the games they’ve turned, and the standards they’ve set.
Their Test centuries are more than personal achievements; they are chapters in the evolving story of cricket where each century adds to the legacy of Test cricket.
With the game constantly evolving, their contributions will be remembered as benchmarks for future generations, defining an era where batting was both an art and a science, executed with unparalleled mastery.
