5 most underrated batsmen in world cricket right now

Overshadowed by their more illustrious counterparts, some batsmen just find a way to keep the scoreboard ticking even if they don't always get the credit they deserve. Each team has its set of established superstars.

For most countries, including India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England, it is their captain who also leads from the front with the bat. But there are other batsmen who contribute to their sides' victories but don't get the praise that their performances deserve.

So here are the 5 most underrated batsmen in world cricket right now:

#5 Asad Shafiq

Whenever there is talk about the best middle-order batsmen in Tests, there are the usual suspects from England, Australia, India, New Zealand and South Africa. Even when it comes to Pakistan, the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq, Babar Azam and Sarfraz Ahmed draw plenty of plaudits when compared to Asad Shafiq.

The unassuming right-hander is one of Pakistan's integral pillars in Tests and yet continues to fly under the radar. Tasked with the responsibility of batting at No.6 and marshalling the tail, he holds the world record for most centuries (9) at No.6 in Tests. An average of almost 40 might not make for great reading but considering the fact that he bats with the tail predominantly or is putting out fires, they look much better.

With the retirement of Misbah and Younis, the 31-year-old has shuffled up the order but remains one of the most underrated batsmen in the side. Yet, he continues to pile on the runs irrespective of whether he is appreciated for them or not.

#4 BJ Watling

Watling has been one of his side's most consistent performers

The role of a wicketkeeper has undergone a major change in the last two decades. From being asked to just be good behind the wickets, the modern keeper has to command a place in the side as a batsman while also being good behind the stumps.

While the likes of Quinton de Kock and Sarfraz Ahmed get plenty of plaudits, BJ Watling, despite being incredibly consistent for New Zealand in Tests, is seldom mentioned. In a team that has the likes of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, Watling's efforts almost go under the radar.

His numbers though indicate a completely different story. Despite primarily batting at No.7 and having to play with the tail, he averages almost 40 in Tests with six centuries. Whether it is shielding the tail and scoring crucial runs to take a first innings lead or reducing the defeat and attacking from one end, Watling has shown he has an impeccable temperament and the resilience to fight his way out of any tricky situation.

#3 Kraigg Brathwaite

One of the few bright sparks for West Indies in Tests

West Indies cricket has been in transition for a while now. One man who has consistently kept his nation's flag flying, at least in Tests, has been Kraigg Brathwaite. The 24-year-old opener has been a rock at the top of the order and one of the sole bright sparks in an otherwise dark period of West Indies cricket.

An average of almost 37 in 42 Tests might not make for great reading but when you consider that he is the man who is largely putting out fires and being the sole steady hand in a crumbling inferno around him, you understand that his impact is more than just mere numbers.

Centuries in England, South Africa and UAE highlight his ability to adapt to conditions and come out on top. As does an average of over 45 in both Australia and England. While Darren Bravo and more recently Shai Hope and Roston Chase may dominate headlines, Brathwaite continues to fly under the radar.

#2 Dean Elgar

Elgar scored his career-best Test score in 2017

Ever since Graeme Smith called time on his career, South Africa's search for a reliable opener has been well-documented. After a long wait, Dean Elgar has ensured that the void has finally been filled in Tests.

The 30-year-old has scored a Test century in every year since 2013. 2017 was his career-best year as well, as he smashed five centuries in the calendar year along with his career-best Test score. He was also the first batsman to cross 1,000 Test runs in 2017, the first time he achieved it in his career.

He boasts an average of over 42 in 41 Tests opening the batting predominantly in tricky home conditions and yet his performances are often overshadowed by the likes of Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and even Quinton de Kock.

#1 Jonny Bairstow

Bairstow has been sensational since his comeback

Since returning to the England side in 2015, Jonny Bairstow has been in sensational form in both Tests and ODIs. While the likes of Alastair Cook and Joe Root dominate the headlines in Tests and Alex Hales and Jos Buttler do the same in ODIs, the Yorkshire keeper has flown under the radar while putting up impressive numbers.

In 2016, he broke the record for most runs in a calendar year by a wicketkeeper, scoring 1,470 runs at an average of almost 60 with three centuries and eight fifties. He has since established himself as the first-choice keeper for England in Tests and taken his average, which was just 26 when he was dropped from the side in January 2014, to almost 40 now.

Although Buttler is the keeper in ODIs, Bairstow has been knocking the door down with his performances in ODIs as well. Since his comeback, he averages 56 at No.3, 62 at No.5 and a staggering 115 after being promoted to open, including two centuries in six innings in 2017.

From an average of 29 when he made his ODI comeback in June 2016, he now averages 49.60.