IS JOE ROOT THE BEST BATTER AMONG THE FAB 4?

Joe Root's ability to perform in all conditions sets him apart. Although he hasn't yet scored a century in Australia, he averages nearly 40 on their challenging pitches. More importantly, he has scored centuries across various countries...

Cricket enthusiasts have long been mesmerized by the 'Fab 4'-Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. These four modern-day greats have dominated Test cricket for over a decade, leaving an indelible mark on their batting prowess. While each of them has their own strengths, the debate on who stands tallest among them continues. In this comprehensive analysis, we take a deeper look at Joe Root's career and compare his achievements, performances, and statistics with those of his illustrious peers to determine if he truly stands above the rest.

A STATISTICAL OVERVIEW OF THE FAB 4

To begin, here's a statistical snapshot of the Fab 4 in Test cricket:

- Virat Kohli: 8,848 runs in 113 Tests at an average of 49.15, with 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries.

- Steve Smith: 9,685 runs in 109 Tests at an average of 57-32, with 32 centuries and 41 half-centuries.

- Kane Williamson: 8,743 runs in 100 Tests at an average of 54.89, with 32 centuries and 34 half-centuries.

- Joe Root: 12,402 runs in 146 Tests at an average of 50.62, with 34 centuries and 64 half-centuries. Root leads in total runs, centuries, and half-centuries-a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. But the numbers alone don't tell the full story.

The Case for Joe Root: More Than Just Numbers While Joe Root's statistical dominance is clear, several key factors further cement his status as a top contender for the best among the Fab 4.

1. CONSISTENCY ACROSS ALL CONDITIONS