List Of Batsmen At No. 4 Better Than Joe Root In Test Cricket: The No. 4 slot in Test cricket has long been the home of some of the most solid and elegant batters in the sport. Charged with soaking up pressure and holding innings together, these batters have provided rock-solid performances under all conditions.
In the following article, we emphasize the top 7 No. 4 batters in terms of runs scored batting in that particular position, and where icons like Virat Kohli and Joe Root fall on this list.
List of Batsmen at No. 4 in terms of runs scored in Test Cricket
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 13,492 Runs at an Average of 54.4
At the No. 4 batsman position in Test cricket, Sachin Tendulkar is a class apart. His record score of 13,492 at No. 4 is a reflection of his consistency and longevity.
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Average: 54.4
Role: Match-winner, run-machine, and pressure-absorber
Tendulkar established the gold standard at this position, performing well in almost every environment and against every bowling unit.
2. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 9,509 Runs at an Average of 52.24
Elegant and graceful at the crease, Mahela Jayawardene was the mainstay of the Sri Lankan Test team.
Runs at No. 4: 9,509
Average: 52.24
His performances, particularly in conditions in the subcontinent, ensured that Sri Lanka dominated at home and remained competitive overseas.
3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 9,033 Runs at an Average of 61.86
Perhaps the finest all-rounder of the era in Test cricket, Jacques Kallis was an unshakeable presence at No. 4.
Runs: 9,033
Average: 61.86 (highest amongst top 7)
Though sometimes he played at No. 3, Kallis came into his own best at four, blending discipline, technique, and match-winning patience.
4. Joe Root (England) – 8,316 Runs at an Average of 52.30
Joe Root has been England’s most reliable batter at No. 4 and is yet to slow down.
Runs: 8,316 (and still counting)
Average: 52.30
Root’s flexibility across continents and formats has confirmed him as one of the greatest No. 4 batters in Test cricket.
As an active player, Root can potentially move even higher on this list.
5. Virat Kohli (India) – 7,564 Runs at an Average of 50.09
One of the game’s greatest contemporary figures, Virat Kohli, has played No. 4 with élan and dependability.
Runs: 7,564
Average: 50.09
Kohli has hit centuries across each Test-playing country, more often than not taking charge in crises. His attacking style and desire for big scores defined India’s middle order during the 2010s.
6. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 7,535 Runs at an Average of 51.25
Brian Lara was no mere prolific No. 4 batsman, he was an artist and showman with the bat.
Runs: 7,535
Average: 51.25
His iconic 400 not out at No. 4 reflected his supremacy and panache. Lara led West Indies cricket out of a troubled period with courage and brilliance.
7. Ross Taylor (New Zealand) – 7,087 Runs with an Average of 47.24
Ross Taylor was the cornerstone of New Zealand’s middle-order for well over a decade.
Runs scored: 7087
Batting average: 47.24
Given his trustworthiness away and at home, his ability to adapt to pressure situations, as well as his calmness and composure in tricky situations, Taylor allowed himself to be arguably one of the most trustworthy No. 4 batsmen in the history of Test cricket.
No. 4 Is the Most Iconic Spot in Test Cricket
These No.4 batsmen in Test cricket history have not only scored runs but have also defined eras for their teams. From the incomparable legacy of Sachin Tendulkar to the current greatness of Joe Root and Virat Kohli, there continues to be ink on this batting slot when it comes to legends.
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