Best fourth innings average among current Test batsmen
Despite the increasing popularity of limited-overs cricket, the essence of Test format is intact. Batting in the fourth innings of a Test match can be a challenging task for many batsmen as they are most likely to encounter a crumbling fourth or fifth-day pitch. In addition, there is a pressure of chasing a target and taking your team to victory while batting in the last innings. Chasing a total in the longest format of the game is not an easy task as the pitch generally loses its wear and tear in the 4th innings allowing a fest for the bowlers. Owing to these factors, a crucial knock played in the fourth innings can prove decisive.
Through this article, we would take a look at five current batsmen who have maintained the best fourth innings average. A minimum of 15 innings have been considered while picking the players.
5. Kusal Mendis – Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis popularly is unstoppable in the longest format of the game. Since his Test debut in 2015 against West Indies, the Sri Lankan batsman has amassed 2,995 runs in 44 innings at an average of 37 and strike rate of 55.6. Also, the cricketer is at the top position when it comes to performing with the bat in the fourth innings. Till now, Mendis has featured in 18 fourth Test innings scoring 805 runs at an average of 53.67. Also, he has smashed two hundreds in the 4th innings, with 116* being his highest score.
4. Virat Kohli – India
With 7,240 Test runs in 86 matches at an average of 53.6 and strike rate of 57.7 since his debut in 2011 against West Indies, the Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli has established himself as one of the greatest of the modern era in the longest format of the game. Ranked at the second position, Kohli averages 49.78 while batting in the last Test innings with 895 runs in 23 innings including 2 tons.
3. Kane Williamson – New Zealand
The New Zealand captain Kane Williamson debuted in the Test format in 2010 against India and has garnered 6,476 runs in 80 matches at an average of 51. Over the years, the right-handed batsman has also made notable runs while batting in the 4th innings as he has maintained an average of 49.14. In 19 4th Test innings, Williamson has scored 688 runs including 3 centuries.
2. Angelo Mathews – Sri Lanka
Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews also has a decent 4th innings record in his Test career of 12 years. In 28 4th innings played, he has amassed 962 runs at an average of 48.10 including one hundred. Talking about his overall Test career, the all-rounder has 5,981 runs in 86 matches to his name.
1. David Warner – Australia
Australia’s David Warner is one of the most aggressive and successful batsmen of limited-overs cricket. However, the cricketer is not behind in the longest format as he acquires the fifth spot in the list of best fourth innings average among current Test cricketers. In 27 fourth innings played, Warner has made 1,042 runs at an average of 43.42. The opening batsman has also smashed 2 centuries with 123* being his highest score.
