5 reasons why Steve Smith is the best Test batsman amongst the 'Fab Four'

#3 Scores against every opposition

The Fab Four of this generation have been in rollicking form over the last 4-5 years as far as the longest form of the game is concerned, with each one enjoying a purple patch at various stages of their careers. All four have an average of over 50, with an almost identical number of matches played. However, the most consistent among the lot has been Steve Smith, as is testified by his average of 63.41, which is the best among all. After a minimum number of 20 Tests, Steve has the highest average ever; only after Don Bradman's 99.94.

Another striking feature of his batting has been the ability to score runs, opponent notwithstanding. He's among the only few to have an average of more than 40 against every nation played. As compared to the other three, Kohli has historically struggled against England as his average of 13 suggests. Also, his critics will always point that, even though he got a staggering six double centuries within two years from 2015-17, three of them came against a pedestrian bowling attack of Sri Lanka and one against Bangladesh.

Root has quite surprisingly struggled against New Zealand even though the conditions there are similar to those in England. Williamson quite often has faced critics' wrath as the one making 'cheap runs', with his averages of 36,37, and 38 against Pakistan, England, and India respectively, thus doing no good to counter that school of thought.

Smith does exceedingly well against every opposition, which has contributed to his batting rating shooting up to 945, the second best in test cricket ever. 2017 became the fourth consecutive year in which Smith scored more than 1000 Test runs which shows his unparalleled consistency. Judging by his current form, he looks set to match Hayden's record of scoring more than 1000 runs for five years at a stretch. One would require a brave heart to bet against him beating Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of six.

Smith's centuries against South Africa, India, and England have been a treat to watch and once he gets his eye in, it becomes too difficult to see his back, doesn't matter if you're a Dale Steyn or Ravi Ashwin or Jimmy Anderson.