Shane Warne picks his best 5 Test batters; Virat Kohli missing from top three

Shane Warne picks his best 5 Test batters; Virat Kohli missing from top three

Shane Warne

Former Australia spinner Shane Warne has named his top five batters in modern-day Test cricket. He revealed this list commentating during the first Ashes Test at The Gabba, where Pat Cummins and Co registered a clinical victory of nine wickets on the fourth day. 

As per Warne, Australia’s current vice-captain in red-ball cricket, Steve Smith is the number one batter in the longer format. The right-hander currently holds the second spot in the ICC Test Player Rankings, who has aggregated over 7,500 runs in 78 games at a splendid average of 61.4.

“I’ve got Steve Smith. In all conditions and against all bowling attacks across all times, Smith is outstanding,” Warne said on Fox Cricket.

At number two and three, the veteran cricketer named the current England skipper Joe Root and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. The Englishman has smashed as many as six Test hundreds in the ongoing calendar year and meanwhile, he also surpassed Smith to claim the first spot in the ICC ratings. On the other hand, the Kiwi has been consistent as always.

“Joe Root is number two. He has made 6 centuries in this calendar year. Kane Williamson is always in thereabouts,” added the Australian.

“Virat Kohli has just dropped off a little bit” 

Virat Kohli sweater
Virat Kohli

Team India’s red-ball skipper Virat Kohli also made it to Warne’s list of top five Test batters. However, the Aussie reckoned that the 33-year-old has witnessed a dip in his batting form in recent years. Kohli’s numbers also reflect a similar story as his last Test ton came back in 2019 against Bangladesh.

The right-arm leg-break bowler finished his list with Marnus Labuschagne at number five. The youngster has been quite impressive since his debut as he amassed close to 2,000 runs in 19 Test matches, including five centuries as well.

“Virat Kohli has just dropped off a little bit, and then Marnus (Labuschagne) rounds up the top-5 for me,” Warne signed off.

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