Test cricket is considered as the best format in the cricketing world as it evaluates batsman’s endurance, determination, temperament, and dexterity. This is the reason why the legends of the game rates Test as the most hard-bitten format amongst all.
Over the past many years, batsmen belonging to different teams have shown that if one has a hunger for runs, then exceptional bowlers and harsh conditions don’t matter. Some batsmen have ruled cricket with an outstanding average in the longest format of the game like Australia’s great Sir Don Bradman, who averaged 99.94 in Test cricket.
However, an interesting statistic reveals that Steve Smith averages the best against balls of speed more than 140 kmph in Test cricket. According to the CricViz, Smith averages 98.33 in Test format against deliveries that are faster than 140 km/h.
Indian captain Virat Kohli is second in the list, but the difference between him and Smith is huge. Kohli averages 56.73 against 140 kmph plus deliveries.
South Africa’s AB de Villiers (50.78) and Graeme Smith (49.15) are at the third and fourth place, whereas India’s Cheteshwar Pujara (48.64) is at the fifth position. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is at the eighth spot with an average of 46.92.
Batsmen with the highest Test average against 140 kmph+ balls:
- Steve Smith (AUS) – 98.33
- Virat Kohli (IND) – 56.73
- AB de Villiers (SA) – 49.15
- Graeme Smith (SA) – 48.64
- Cheteshwar Pujara (IND) – 48.38
- Gautam Gambhir (IND) – 48.18
- Kane Williamson (NZ) – 46.94
- Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 46.92
- Hashim Amla (SA) – 39.45
- Joe Root (ENG) – 37.59
