First things first, all the records in this article are from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2019. These dates are taken to judge the top current test batsmen over a period of five years. The rankings will be updated annually with one year being dropped from the rankings and the new year being added.
To find out the best current batsmen in test cricket, we considered all batsmen who scored more than 2,500 runs in the above specified period or scored more than 1,000 runs at an average of more than 40. We then judged the batsmen who qualified on the basis of seven criteria to arrive at the final 10 top batsmen. It is to be noted that we have mentioned only the final 10 batsmen in all the criteria to make things uncomplicated.
All ratings are based on some basis. Our rating favours batsmen who have scored more runs at a high average. Thus runs scored and average are the most important criteria. After that, our rating favours batsmen who play big innings, who dominate the bowling and who score 100s at a good consistency. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 best current test batsmen from 01/01/2015 till 31/12/2019.
PRIMARY CRITERIA
#1 PROLIFIC
This criteria gives points for the number of runs scored in the above mentioned period. The batsman with the most runs gets 300 points and others are given points as a ratio of his runs.
#2 CONSISTENT
In this criteria, points are given for your average. A batsman can earn a maximum of 300 points for his average.
#3 BIG INNINGS POTENTIAL
This criteria gives points for the top 7 highest scores made by a batsman in the last five years. The scores are summed up and then divided by 7 to arrive at the Average High Score (Ave HS). The top batsman gets 300 points and others are given points as a ratio to his Ave HS.
#4 DOMINANT
To rank the most dominant batsmen, we compared their strike rates (runs per 100 balls). The batsman with the best SR gets 300 points and others are given points as a ratio of his SR.
#5 100 CONSISTENCY
In this criteria, we found out the number of innings taken by a batsman to score a 100. The batsman with the least number of innings/100 tops the criteria and gets 200 points.
SECONDARY CRITERIA
#6 HOME/AWAY RECORD
6.1 RECORD AWAY FROM HOME
To find out the best batsmen away from home, we considered two factors: the runs scored and the average. 100 points are given for the number of runs scored and 100 points are given for average. The points are given the same way that they are given in the previous criteria. Note that in Away Rating we have excluded the record of the batsmen against Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe. The Away Rating is out of 200 points, which is double of the Home Rating.
6.2 RECORD AT HOME
To find out the best batsmen at home, we considered two factors: the runs scored and the average. 50 points are given for the number of runs scored and 50 points are given for average. Note that in Home Rating also we have excluded the record of the batsmen against Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe.
#7 UNFAMILIAR/FAMILIAR CONDITIONS RECORD
7.1 RECORD IN UNFAMILIAR CONDITIONS
Unfamiliar conditions are defined as Outside Asia for Asian batsmen and In Asia for Non-Asian batsmen. The points are given in the same way as in Home/Away Rating. The points for unfamiliar conditions is double than that for familiar conditions.
Non Asians In Asia
Asians Outside Asia
7.2 RECORD IN FAMILIAR CONDITIONS
Familiar conditions are defined as Outside Asia for Non Asian batsmen and In Asia for Asian batsmen.
Non Asians Outside Asia
Asians In Asia
THE FINAL CURRENT RATING
The final rating has been arrived after adding the scores of the batsmen in the above 7 criteria. To make is more readable it has been reduced to per 1,000 points. Here are the top 10 best current test batsmen.