Top 5 Test batsmen in the current era

The just-concluded Test between India and Australia was an attritional affair. Lasting the entire five days - a rarity in this era - it rekindled the passion of fans who vouch for Test cricket being the best format of the game.

The Indian second innings featured several contrasting Test innings, each of which held its own importance in securing the draw. Rishabh Pant's pyrotechnics were crucial in pushing the fielders to the fence, as much as Cheteshwar Pujara's stoic defence was in blunting out the Aussie pace attack. Hanuma Vihari and R Ashwin then demonstrated the value of the good old blockathon in saving the Test match.

For a player to be successful in the longest format, he should have the ability to switch gears to do exactly as the team needs. Whether the situation demands playing out the session, or scoring above five runs an over, the batsmen at the top manage the transition seamlessly. Interestingly enough, four of these five batsmen play all three formats, and are equally valuable in all. Here's a look.

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#5 Babar Azam (PAK)

Babar Azam's absence on Pakistan's tour to New Zealand heavily cost the visitors.

Although he missed out on Pakistan's tour of New Zealand - an absence that was cited among the reason for the losses - Babar Azam has been a top-order pillar for his team in the longest format. With an average above 45, Babar boasts of an impressive conversion ratio - 5 tons and 15 fifties from 53 innings at the crease.

Known for being one of the most aesthetic batsmen in the modern game, Babar typically plays the ball late, relying on timing rather than expansive footwork. A Test strike rate above 56 also shows the ability to get a move on when needed.

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#4 Marnus Labuschagne (AUS)

Marnus Labuschagne has grown to become Australia's rock at No. 3.

Emerging out of Steve Smith's shadow during the 2019 Ashes, Marnus Labuschagne quickly showed an appetite for big runs and occupying the crease. In a remarkable yet short career that has seen him score a fifty-plus score nearly every alternate innings, Labuschagne has a stellar average above 60 and a strike rate near 55.

In the ongoing series against India, Labuschagne has been the most consistent batsman, with 40s when the going was tough and the big fifties in the third match in Sydney. As the leading run-scorer of the series, he has posed problems to the Indian pace attack in particular.

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#3 Virat Kohli (IND)

Virat Kohli's strong overseas record explains his continued dominance.

Briefly out of action for paternity leave, Virat Kohli has been one of India's most consistent Test batsmen overseas. Such are the standards he is held to, that his century-less 2020 was seen as an aberration. Still, he averages above 53 and strikes above 57 runs every 100 balls.

Known for his cover drive, Kohli has also showed a number of technical adjustments to counter for swing, spin and seam movement over the years. In the first Test against Australia, he also showed an ability to strap in for the long haul on a tough pitch.

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#2 Steve Smith (AUS)

Steve Smith returned to run-scoring ways in the third Test against India.

One player who has continuously played musical chairs with the top three ICC Test Batting Rankings is Steve Smith. After a breakthrough home series against India in 2014-15 where he also gained the captaincy, there was no looking back for Smith, who has a scarcely believable average of over 62 at a strike rate of 55.

The 12-month ban that he suffered hardly affected his Test batting, as he held on to his spot with strong performances on return. Although it looked like India had worked him out in the Test series, Smith responded brilliantly with a hundred and a fifty at Sydney to take Player of the Match honours.

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#1 Kane Williamson (NZ)

Kane Williamson has helped his side to a historic No. 1 Test Ranking.

Top of the pile is the ever-understated Kiwi batting colossus. Kane Williamson has taken captaincy within his stride to lead New Zealand to the top of the ICC Test Rankings for the first time in their history. An average of 54 and strike-rate of 52 belie a fighting attitude and consistency that is crucial in Test matches.

One of the biggest exponents of playing the ball late, Williamson scores heavily behind the wicket, although he is capable of upping the ante in front of the wicket as well. Along with his rock-solid presence at the crease, his gentlemanly conduct has won him fans all over the globe.