The era of the “Fab Four” is slowly passing and a new dawn is dawning in Test cricket. The red-ball format, whose survival was often questioned in the 20s, found its patrons in a crop of fearless, technically gifted and dynamic young batsmen. Fans are actually witnessing a generational shift where players aren’t just surviving sessions; they dictate to them. In recent years, like several modern-day greats nearing the twilight of their careers, new young stars have emerged with the skill sets and fearlessness to dominate the red-ball format.
These players don’t just survive at the highest level; they are reshaping how test cricket is played – combining classical foundations with modern aggression. Among the many rising stars, three names separated themselves from the pack, consistently turning match situations on their heads and scoring runs with an authority that belies their age. The conversation for the “next greatest” has narrowed down to a thrilling trident of talent: England’s Harry BrookeNew Zealand Racine Ravindraand of India Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Mark Waugh picks the next champion in Test cricket
The debate over who will rule the next decade of Test cricket is fierce, but the Australian legend Mark Waugh made his position clear. when asked by You Sports to identify the successor of the modern greats, Waugh did not hesitate to support the young Indian key. He backed Jaiswal as the front-runner, highlighting the Indian opener’s age, temperament and early achievements in Test cricket.
Just 24, Jaiswal already has a double century and averages hovering around the elite mark of 50 – numbers that highlight both consistency and a hunger for big scores. Waugh described him as a “special” talent and tipped him to join the elite club of champion Test batsmen in the coming years. Such accolades, coming from a former great who succeeded under the most difficult circumstances, carry considerable weight.
“There are three in the running: Jaiswal, Brook and Ravindra. I’m going with Jaiswal, 24. He already has two hundreds and an average of less than 50. There’s something special about this kid. I have Jaiswal as the next champion to join the elite group. Waugh said.
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How did the trio change the red ball scene?
While Waugh made his choice, the reality is that all three of these cricketers fundamentally changed the landscape of Test cricket. They represent the modern evolution of batting, where defense is solid but attack is the primary instinct.
- Jaiswal (Dominant key): Jaiswal has redefined what it means to open in Test cricket for India. Unlike the traditional approach of sending the new ball away, he treats it as a scoring opportunity. His turning ability is turning into a ‘Hundreds’ and double centuries at a rapid clip have solved India’s long-standing desire for a devastating left-hander at the top. His fearless high shots against world-class fast bowlers disrupted the rhythm of opposition attacks by prompting captains to spread the pitches early.
- Brook (The Baseball Engine): Brooke is the embodiment of England’s aggressive “Baseball” philosophy. He doesn’t just score runs; hitting them at a disheartening rate. With a strike rate that rivals ODI cricket and a penchant for massive scores – including three centuries that showcased his hunger – Brook proved that you can score quickly without being careless. He made the middle order a launch pad rather than a consolidation zone.
- Ravindra (Gentle Accumulator): bears the name Rahul Dravid and Sachin TendulkarRavindra carries the burden of that legacy with grace. It brings a classic, flowing elegance to the trio. After a record-breaking ODI World Cup, his transition to red-ball cricket has been seamless. He offers a calm counterpoint to the aggression of Jaiswal and Brook, breaking up bowling attacks with precise timing and superior technique rather than brute force. He has become a linchpin of the Kiwi batting line-up, capable of playing long, match-saving innings in foreign conditions.
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