Cricket fans and analysts have long romanticised the term ‘Fab Four’ to describe four of the finest modern-day batters: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson.

This phrase has captured the imagination of the cricketing world, but is it justified, or has it simply become a convenient narrative?

While each of these players is undoubtedly talented, there are compelling reasons to argue that the ‘Fab Four’ label may be overrated. Let us delve into the numbers and context to assess this claim.

A Matter Of Form And Longevity Of The Fab Four

One of the primary critiques of the ‘Fab Four’ term is its failure to account for form fluctuations and longevity.

For instance, Virat Kohli, often hailed as the king of modern cricket, endured a significant dip in form between 2020 and 2022.

During this period, Kohli averaged just 28.03 in Test cricket—a far cry from his career average of over 48.

Similarly, Joe Root's resurgence in the past two years has elevated his standing, but it also highlights how inconsistent he was in the preceding years.

Kane Williamson, plagued by injuries, has struggled to maintain a consistent presence on the field. His Test appearances dwindled to just six matches in 2022 and 2023 combined.

Steve Smith, while remarkably consistent, has faced criticism for his performances outside Australia, where his average drops significantly compared to his home numbers.

Ignoring The Rising Stars For Fab Four

The ‘Fab Four’ narrative has also overshadowed emerging talents who arguably deserve equal, if not greater, recognition.

Players like Babar Azam, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head have consistently delivered world-class performances in recent years.

For instance, Babar Azam averaged 69.64 in Test cricket in 2022 and continues to dominate across formats, yet he is often excluded from the elite club.

Labuschagne, who rose to prominence in 2019, currently boasts a stellar Test average of 55.22, surpassing all members of the ‘Fab Four’.

Travis Head’s attacking style and ability to score under pressure make him a vital cog in Australia’s batting line-up, yet his contributions rarely get the same limelight.

The Role Of Conditions

Another critical factor to consider is the role of playing conditions. The ‘Fab Four’ have benefited from home conditions tailored to their strengths.

Kohli’s dominance on Indian pitches, Smith’s incredible run-scoring in Australia, and Root’s mastery in England are well-documented. However, their records in challenging overseas conditions tell a different story.

For example, Kohli averages 33.55 in Test matches in England, while Root averages just 31.33 in Asia. Williamson, despite his undeniable skill, has struggled in the subcontinent, averaging 32.26 in India.

These numbers reveal that even the best batsmen face significant challenges outside their comfort zones.

A Statistical Comparison Of Fab Four And Others

To provide a more nuanced view, let us compare the career Test averages of the ‘Fab Four’ with other contemporary batsmen:

The data highlights that while the ‘Fab Four’ remain elite, other players have matched or even exceeded their contributions in recent years.

Media Influence And Fan Perception

The term ‘Fab Four’ owes much of its popularity to media narratives and fan culture. These players debuted around the same time and quickly rose to prominence, making the term an easy marketing tool.

However, cricket is a dynamic sport, and clinging to this outdated construct may do a disservice to other deserving players.

Conclusion

While the ‘Fab Four’ have undeniably contributed to the golden era of modern batting, the term has become a simplistic way to summarise a complex and evolving landscape.

Players like Babar Azam and Marnus Labuschagne, coupled with the inconsistencies of the ‘Fab Four’ themselves, suggest it is time to retire this overused label. Cricket fans would do well to celebrate the broader spectrum of talent gracing the game today.

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