The Most Complete Cricketer in Test Cricket: An In-Depth Analysis

When it comes to who is the most complete cricketer in Test cricket, opinions vary widely. Some experts argue for an all-rounder like Ravichandran Ashwin, while others champion more batsmen such as Steve Smith or Virat Kohli. In this article, we will delve into the performance and characteristics of these players to determine who stands out as the most complete cricketer in Test cricket.

Porus of the Debate

The debate between different cricketers is not new. Some believe that an all-rounder with both batting and bowling skills, like Ravichandran Ashwin, can provide comprehensive support to a team. On the other hand, some prefer strong batsmen who excel in batting with occasional effective bowling to back up their game.

Ravichandran Ashwin: The Perfect All-Rounder

Many agree that Ravichandran Ashwin is a true all-rounder, capable of delivering both with the ball and the bat. His versatility has made him a reliable addition to the Indian team, especially in crucial matches. Ashwin’s ability to pick up wickets consistently, along with his decent batting average, makes him a well-rounded cricketer.

Steve Smith: The Batting Star

For those who favor a more focused batting approach, Steve Smith is often highlighted. His orthodox batting style and ability to score runs at a high average with precision in both home and away conditions stand out. Smith is renowned for his ability to maintain his wicket, making it incredibly challenging for bowlers to dismiss him. His performances against India, particularly his 499 runs, make him a standout player.

Virat Kohli: The Global Threat

Virat Kohli, another notable mention, is celebrated for his consistent performance across all formats of the game, including Test cricket. His exceptional batting skills and ability to play under pressure have made him a global threat. Kohli’s consistent performance and his ability to score runs even when wickets are falling have cemented his status as one of the best all-time Test batsmen.

Supporting Data and Analysis

Let’s take a closer look at the statistics to evaluate these cricketers further:

Steve Smith’s Stats

Overall Test Average: 57.92 Home Average: 51.13 Away Average: 63.56 Best Innings: 240* vs India, Pune, 2018 Total Runs: 11,927 (as of May 2023) Centuries: 18

Virat Kohli’s Stats

Overall Test Average: 53.86 Home Average: 57.64 Away Average: 45.29 Best Innings: 249* vs England, Chennai, 2017 Total Runs: 14,852 (as of May 2023) Centuries: 24

Ravichandran Ashwin’s Stats

Overall Test Average: 29.35 (as of June 2023) Wickets: 375 (as of June 2023) Average: 29.35 Leading Parade: 5 times (as of June 2023) Total Runs: 2,448 (as of June 2023) Top Fours: 7 (as of June 2023)

Conclusion

Choosing the most complete cricketer in Test cricket is subjective and depends largely on the criteria used to evaluate performance. However, Steve Smith’s consistent high average, exceptional batting form, and ability to perform under pressure, especially in away conditions, make him a compelling candidate. His stats against India further solidify his status as one of the most formidable Test batsmen.

Keywords

Ravichandran Ashwin, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli

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Explore the debate on who is the most complete cricketer in Test cricket, with a deep dive into the performances of Ravichandran Ashwin, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli.