5 of the most underrated Test cricketers in the world currently

Over the past few decades, the popularity of cricket has grown enormously, largely due to the increased commercialisation attached to the sport. Subsequently, more number of eyes have been trained on the performances (or lack of) from cricketers with them being subjected to equal amounts of adulation and scrutiny.

However, akin to all walks of life, some players have been decorated more than others, courtesy a more eye-catching style of play, despite not being head and shoulders above those to have produced similar numbers.

Yet, it would be a travesty to ignore such underrated cricketers, especially considering the consistent performances they keep conjuring, irrespective of the conditions and surroundings.

Moreover, in the longest format of cricket, the tendency to get the job done, despite not showcasing a flamboyant edge is paramount as it enables sides to fulfil their personal objectives.

Thus, through the course of this article, we would chalk out five underrated Test cricketers, who aren’t appreciated as much as their displays have warranted.

Without further ado, here is a look at them.

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#5 Jason Holder (West Indies)

Holder is a vital cog in the West Indian wheel

The West Indian Test skipper has often divided opinion among the Caribbean cricket faithful. The all-rounder was thrust with the ODI captaincy in 2014 at 23 years of age and he faced teething problems; none more important than silencing doubters questioning his place in the team, let alone his captaincy credentials.

However, since then, Jason Holder has managed to turn in numerous accomplished displays to establish himself as a vital cog in the West Indian wheel, especially in the Test format.

Red-ball cricket hasn’t been the West Indies’ forte over the past few years but Holder has somehow managed to hold his own, in spite of the Caribbean outfit unravelling quite frequently.

In a Test career spanning 39 games, the all-rounder has scored 1887 runs at a healthy average of 33.10 while he has been equally impressive with the ball, where he averages 27.26, having accumulated 101 wickets in 67 innings.

More importantly though, Holder has managed to stand up whenever the chips have been down for the West Indies. The Caribbean outfit’s top order hasn’t necessarily covered itself in glory in the past couple of years. Yet, on most of those occasions, the West Indian Test skipper has bailed his nation out, thereby highlighting his importance to the team.

However, despite his magnificent performances, he rarely fails to garner as much attention, with plenty overlooking Holder when talking about the premier all-rounders in Test cricket.

And, that, just makes the West Indian the epitome of an underrated cricketer.

Also see – World Test Championship points table

#4 Dean Elgar (South Africa)

Elgar has been brilliant at the top of the order for South Africa

At the turn of the decade, South Africa dominated the cricketing landscape as they got the better of each Test playing nation during that period. However, since the retirement of a string of stars, the Proteas have found it tough to replicate that kind of success.

And, unfortunately, most of their replacements haven’t taken to Test cricket well, meaning that they’ve been outplayed quite a bit, especially in the past eighteen months. Yet, a certain Dean Elgar has proved to be the anomaly and has set his place at the top of the order in stone.

Though the left-hander isn’t the most elegant batsman going around, he certainly is as effective as any across the globe. Blessed with immense grit and determination, Elgar attaches a significant value on his wicket and rarely throws it away, thereby forcing oppositions to plot his downfall elaborately.

In 52 matches, he has scored 3644 runs at an average of 39.18, scoring 13 fifties and 12 centuries in the process. Thus, highlighting his propensity to make his innings count after getting established at the crease.

However, his upturn in form has surprisingly coincided with South African cricket falling off a cliff, meaning that his showings haven’t been recognised as much as they should’ve been.

And, inevitably, despite the dogged nature of his displays, he still isn’t mentioned in the same breath as some of the other top openers in the world.

#3 Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)

Karunaratne is perhaps the best Test opener in the world

Sri Lankan cricket has been on the wane over the past few years and they’ve understandably relinquished their reputation of being a side capable of ruffling feathers. However, amidst that decline, there has been a bright spot, namely Dimuth Karunaratne.

The left-hander has been a picture of consistency at the top of the order and has played a vital role whenever the Islanders have caused a flutter on the international stage.

Though an average of 36.93 in 62 Tests looks a touch uninspiring, he has managed to come up trumps in adverse conditions and against top-notch bowling attacks.

14 of his 32 fifty-plus scores have come away from home whereas 20 of his 32 fifty-plus scores have come against the likes of Australia, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa.

Additionally, he has had to juggle captaincy along with his batting, meaning that he has shouldered a humungous amount of responsibility; a prospect that has often been detrimental to several players.

Yet, Karunaratne has managed both exemplarily so far and if recent evidence is any indicator, he looks primed to do so for years to come.

#2 Umesh Yadav (India)

Umesh Yadav has gotten into his groove recently

Back in 2010-11, the whole of India rejoiced at the sight of an Indian fast-bowler clocking speeds in the high 140s and one capable of extracting zip off even the most docile surfaces. However, Umesh Yadav’s career hasn’t been as smooth as many had predicted, meaning that he has had to endure his fair share of crests and troughs.

Recently though, the speedster has gotten into his groove and provided India with a good selection headache.

While a bowling average of 31.66 doesn’t send shockwaves through the cricketing circuit, it certainly is a tally that shows Yadav’s quality.

On dour and dull Indian pitches, the pacer has the ability to generate pace and trouble the batsmen with his speed. In addition, he is an excellent exponent of reverse swing, meaning that he is extremely useful on abrasive surfaces.

More importantly though, he is willing to put in the hard yards for the team, even if it might impact his personal numbers. On countless occasions, he is chosen to break partnerships, despite there existing a risk of him going for runs. However, he takes on those challenges without any fuss and usually delivers, especially at home.

Thus, Yadav represents a weapon that each team would love to boast in its arsenal. But unfortunately, he isn’t as celebrated as much as some of his peers.

#1 BJ Watling (New Zealand)

Watling has been exceptional for New Zealand

New Zealand have been around the higher echelons of the cricketing circuit over the past decade and a lot of it has been down to superlative team performances.

Though Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor are perhaps the most decorated in the side, the Black Caps’ support acts have pulled their weight regularly, meaning that the Kiwis have salvaged draws and victories from seemingly improbable positions. And, none has embodied that approach more than BJ Watling.

On several occasions, the wicket-keeper has stood up to be counted with the most recent example coming against Sri Lanka. In both games, New Zealand were staring down the barrel yet Watling ensured that they restored parity to an extent.

However, despite his immaculate efforts, Watling rarely ever makes the headlines, leaving many bewildered in the process.

An unassuming batsman, the wicket-keeper never goes searching for the limelight and is instead content to perform his role to absolute perfection; a combination that isn’t ubiquitous these days, especially with the increased media coverage.

In 100 innings, he has amassed 3279 runs at a commendable average of 38.57, a number made even more impressive considering he does quite a few squats behind the wicket as well.

Thus, whenever a conversation of the most underrated cricketers in the world comes up, one just can’t ignore Watling.