Fab 4 Cricket: Who are Fab Four in Cricket- Centuries, Runs, and Captaincy Records

Every era of cricket has seen a different league of batters. Starting from the Border-Gavaskar era in the 70s and 80s to the Sachin-Jaisurya era in the 90s to 2000s.

What is Fab four Cricket?

Similarly, the post-2010 era is known as the fab 4 (fab four) era in cricket. It is an unofficial group of elite batters who are presently dominating cricket at its peak.

These fab four in cricket come from four different countries and, at their peak, were the captain of their respective national side. And while in the position, they brought several feats of glory for their team and broke individual records.

Hence in this article, we will be looking at who are the fab four in cricket and also witness their peak in cricket, along with comparing their stats across all formats.

Who are the 4 cricketers in FAB 4 cricket?

The four cricketers featured in the fab four of cricket list comprise the best players from India, Australia, New Zealand and England in the last decade. Below are the players featuring in the list:

Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson have been performing at the best of their potential for the best part of the last decade or so. And that is why they are considered the top players in Test cricket and dubbed the Fab 4 of cricket. 

This distinction will be easier to understand once we get into the personal stats of the individual players. So without further ado, let’s see how the players have fared in their careers since their debut in Test Cricket. 

Most Hundreds by Fab 4 Cricket

The biggest litmus test of a test batter is not just scoring but making big runs. Hence hundreds in the longest format of the game are considered very important. And the best way to recognize a great batter from good ones is by looking at their test centuries.

In this part of the article, we have tried to look at the centuries scored by the fab 4 in cricket.

The most number of centuries among the Fab four in cricket are scored by Steve Smith, the Australian. He has a total of 32 test hundreds to his name from just 94 games. And hence is one of the best batters not only in the list of Fab four in cricket. But the overall list of sports.

The rest three batters on this list have uncannily the same number of centuries in test to their name. While Joe Root has 30 test centuries to his name Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, have 28 test hundreds to their name.

This shows how close the competition between these four cricketers in Test cricket is.

Most Double Hundreds by Fab four Cricket

When the metrics are changed and the number is doubled, we can see a stark difference between these four players. This tells a lot about the four players.

While the Fab Four had nearly had the same number of Centuries to their name. The Number of double centuries is very different. In this list, we see a stark difference.

The player with most double hundreds in the list of Fab 4 in cricket is Virat Kohli. The former Indian skipper has an astronomical number of 7 double-hundreds in Test cricket.

Kane Williamson is second on the list of most double hundreds by the Fab four in Cricket. The former Kiwi skipper has a total of 6 double hundreds to his name.

The third batter on this list is Joe Root with 5 double centuries. The former England captain has been a man of vendetta ever since he gave up his captaincy.

Steven Smith has the least number of double hundreds on this list. It is ironical, given that he has the most number of centuries among the fab 4 in cricket.

Fab 4 Cricket: Captaincy records

Most Games as Test Captain

Kohli has been the longest-reigning captain of the national side among the Fab four in cricket. He has captained India in 68 tests over the period from 2014 to 2022.

In second is Joe Root of England, who captained England in 64 games. He is followed by Kane Williamson with 40 games to his name, and the shortest and un-ended career is that of Steve Smith, who has captained Australia in 34 tests.

The first three members of Fab four have stepped down as the captain and are not in any leadership role at all. While Steve Smith is the only player who last captained his side in 2023.

Fab 4 cricket: Most Wins as test captains

The Fab Four have made quite the impression on cricket while they were the captains of the Test team of their national sides. Hence, this becomes another key number to understand their dominance in the sport.

Virat Kohli is the most successful captain of the fab four, with the most wins in test matches. He has captained India in 68 games and has managed to win 40 games. Kohli only lost 17 games as captain and drew around 11 games.

Joe Root is the second on the list of Fab Four with the most wins in test matches. In his 64 matches as captain Root won 27 and lost 26 games while drawing the remaining 11.

Williamson has a short career compared to others, but he has managed to have a 50% winning rate in those matches. Out of the 40 games in which he has captained New Zealand, the team emerged victorious on 22 occasions.

Steve Smith has captained the least number of matches for his team. He has only been the captain in 33 games but has an impressive 18 wins to his name as well.

FAB 4 Cricket: Individual Records

Joe Root

Joe Root has played an impressive 247 Test innings throughout his career, demonstrating his remarkable consistency and durability as a batsman. He has also remained not out on 20 occasions, highlighting his ability to see off crucial innings and guide his team to victory.

The former England captain boasts an outstanding batting average of 50.3, placing him among the elite batsmen in Test cricket history. This remarkable average is a testament to his technical prowess, shot selection, and ability to score consistently across various conditions. Additionally, Root maintains a healthy strike rate of 56.49, indicating his ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking.

Root has also amassed a remarkable 30 centuries and 58 half-centuries throughout his Test career. These impressive numbers showcase his ability to convert starts into substantial scores and contribute significantly to his team’s success. His penchant for scoring big runs has made him a vital asset to the English batting lineup.

Joe Root’s batting style is characterized by his elegance and ability to find the boundaries with precision. Whether it is against Pacer or Spinners, he has the knack to find the rope more often than not. With all the cricketing shots in his arsenal he has accumulated 1,247 fours and 43 sixes in his Test career, demonstrating his wide range of shots and ability to score runs in all areas of the ground.

Joe Root’s Test cricket statistics paint a picture of an exceptional batsman who has consistently delivered at the highest level. His impressive numbers, coupled with his unwavering dedication and remarkable consistency, have cemented his place among the modern greats of the game.

Steve Smith

Since his debut in 2010, Steve Smith has showcased remarkable consistency and durability in Test cricket. With 181 innings played, he has amassed a total of 9320 runs, at an impressive average of 58.61. This highlights his ability to perform consistently and contribute significantly to the Australian batting lineup.

The former Australian Captain’s highest score of 239 indicates his ability to play long and impactful innings. This innings reflects his knack for converting starts into substantial scores, playing crucial roles in steering Australia to commanding positions in Test matches.

Smith’s batting average of 58.61 places him among the elite batsmen in Test cricket history. This impressive average underscores his technical proficiency, shot selection, and the capability to score runs across various playing conditions.

Maintaining a healthy strike rate of 53.89, Smith exhibits the ability to rotate the strike effectively and keep the scoreboard ticking. This balance between a high average and a commendable strike rate highlights his adaptability and skill in different match situations.

With 32 centuries and 39 half-centuries, Steve Smith has consistently been a century-maker for Australia. His penchant for converting starts into three-figure scores has made him a vital asset in the team’s success.

Smith’s ability to find the boundaries is evident from the impressive count of 1026 fours and 52 sixes in his Test career. This showcases his wide range of shots and the capability to score runs in all areas of the ground.

Steve Smith’s Test cricket statistics paint a picture of an exceptional batsman who has not only maintained a high level of performance but has also played crucial roles in Australia’s success over the years. His impressive average, notable centuries, and boundary-hitting prowess firmly establish him as one of the premier batsmen in contemporary Test cricket. Smith’s contributions with the bat make him a key player to watch in the Australian lineup.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s Test cricket career has been nothing short of stellar, marked by consistency, resilience, and an insatiable appetite for runs. Since his debut in 2011, Kohli has dominated the Fab 4 debate in Cricket.

He amassed an impressive 8,676 runs in 187 innings, with a highest score of 254*. His innings include 29 centuries and 28 half-centuries, establishing him as one of the premier batsmen in contemporary cricket.

The Indian captain’s batting average of 49.30 reflects his ability to maintain high levels of performance over an extended period. This consistency is underlined by an impressive strike rate of 55.23, showcasing his ability to score runs at a brisk pace while maintaining control.

Kohli’s highest individual score of 254* underscores his capacity to convert starts into monumental innings, providing his team with a solid foundation. His 111 Test matches have seen him face 15,708 deliveries, showcasing not only his prolific run-scoring ability but also his endurance and patience at the crease.

The Indian captain has been a century machine, crossing the three-figure mark on 29 occasions. This remarkable feat highlights Kohli’s penchant for big scores and his ability to lead from the front. Additionally, his 28 half-centuries demonstrate his adaptability and ability to contribute consistently even in less dominant positions.

In terms of shot-making, Kohli has been a prolific boundary hitter. With a staggering 966 fours and 24 sixes, he has shown a wide range of strokes and an ability to find the gaps with precision. This ability to score both in singles and boundaries speaks to his well-rounded approach to batting.

Virat Kohli’s numbers not only establish him as one of India’s all-time greats but also as a global cricketing icon. His leadership, combined with an unparalleled work ethic and a hunger for success, has made him the heartbeat of Indian cricket. As he continues to captain and contribute with the bat, Kohli’s impact on the game is sure to endure for years to come.

Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson has participated in 164 Test innings, showcasing his regular presence at the crease. His ability to stay not out on 16 occasions signifies his resilience and capability to anchor innings effectively.

Accumulating a total of 8,124 runs in Test cricket, with a highest score of 251, Williamson has established himself as a prolific run-scorer. His monumental innings at the crease underlines his capacity to convert starts into substantial scores.

Boasting an impressive batting average of 54.9, Williamson ranks among the elite in Test cricket. This statistic is a testament to his technical proficiency, shot selection, and consistent run-scoring ability across various playing conditions.

With a strike rate of 51.5, Williamson showcases an ability to rotate the strike efficiently, keeping the scoreboard ticking. This balance between scoring at a good rate while maintaining consistency is a valuable asset for any top-order batsman.

Kane Williamson has notched up an impressive 28 centuries and 33 half-centuries in Test cricket. This highlights his remarkable ability to convert starts into three-figure scores and consistently contribute to his team’s success.

A prolific run-scorer, Williamson has struck 897 fours and 21 sixes in his Test career. This diverse shot selection, coupled with an ability to find the boundaries regularly, showcases his proficiency in scoring runs all around the ground.

In summary, Kane Williamson’s Test statistics paint a picture of a batsman who combines technical prowess with a consistent ability to score runs. His remarkable centuries, high average, and adept shot selection make him a linchpin in the New Zealand batting lineup, solidifying his status as one of the premier batsmen in modern Test cricket.