Who's the best Test batter after Don Bradman?
An expert editorial analysis of the top Test batters of all time, with a focus on Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Anantha Narayanan, a renowned cricket analyst, delves into the complex world of Test batting, using a comprehensive set of parameters to rank the best batters of all time. The article is a detailed and insightful exploration of the sport, with a particular focus on Tendulkar and Kohli.
Narayanan's methodology is based on a weighted batting average (WBA) system, which takes into account a variety of factors, including batting averages, strike rate, and the context in which runs were scored. The WBA system is designed to equalize the values for all batters, regardless of their not-out innings percentage.
The top ten Test batters of all time, according to Narayanan, are:
- Don Bradman
- Brian Lara
- Kumar Sangakkara
- Joe Root
- Sachin Tendulkar
- Steven Smith
- Len Hutton
- Sunil Gavaskar
- Jacques Kallis
- Garry Sobers
Narayanan's analysis is thorough and insightful, with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each batter. He highlights the importance of context, the value of away performances, and the impact of a batter's support and consistency.
The article also includes a detailed breakdown of the top 50 batters, with a country-wise distribution and a discussion of the top openers, allrounders, wicketkeepers, and late-order batters.
Narayanan's analysis is a must-read for any cricket fan, offering a comprehensive and insightful look at the sport's greatest batters. His methodology and attention to detail make it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of Test batting.