The era of the “Fab Four” is slowly changing, and a new dawn is dawning in Test cricket. The red ball format, often questioned for its survival in the T20 era, has found its savior in the form of fearless, technically gifted and dynamic young batsmen. Fans are, in fact, witnessing a generational shift where players don’t just survive seasons; They direct them. In recent years, when many modern great players are in the twilight of their careers, a new generation of young stars have emerged with the skill set and fearlessness to dominate the red ball format.
These players are not just surviving at the highest level; They are reshaping the way Test cricket is played – combining classical foundations with modern aggression. Amidst the crowd of rising stars, three names have separated themselves from the pack, consistently turning match situations on their head and scoring runs with an authority that belies their age. The conversation for the “next greatest” has come down to an exciting trident of talent: England’s harry brooknew zealand Rachin Ravindraand India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal,
Mark Waugh chosen the next champion batsman in Test cricket
The debate is intense over who will rule the next decade of Test cricket, but the Australian legend mark waugh has made its stand clear. When asked by Kayo Sports Seeking to identify the successor to the modern greats, Waugh did not hesitate to support the young Indian opening batsman. He endorsed Jaiswal as the front-runner, highlighting the Indian opener’s age, temperament and early achievements in Test cricket.
At just 24, Jaiswal already boasts a double century and an average hovering around the elite mark of 50 – underlining both consistency and hunger for big scores. Waugh described him as a “special” talent and tipped him to join the exclusive club of champion Test batsmen in the years to come. Such praise from a former great man who thrived in the most difficult circumstances means a lot.
“There are three in the race: Jaiswal, Brook and Ravindra. I’m going with the 24-year-old Jaiswal. He has already scored a double century and averages under 50. There is something special about this kid. I have got Jaiswal as the next champion batsman to join the elite group. Brilliant player, so this is my choice, young Indian,” Waugh said.
How did this trio change the red ball scene?
While Waugh has made his choice, the reality is that all three of these cricketers have fundamentally changed the landscape of Test cricket. They represent the modern evolution of batting where defense is solid, but attack is the primary trend.
- Jaiswal (Dabangg opener): Jaiswal has redefined what opening means in Test cricket for India. Contrary to the traditional approach of seeing the new ball, he treats it as a scoring opportunity. His ability to convert starts into “Daddy Hundred” and score double centuries in quick succession has solved India’s long-standing desire for a devastating left-handed batsman at the top. His fearless lofted shots against world-class fast bowlers have forced captains to spread fielding early, disrupting the rhythm of opposition attacks.
- Brooke (The Buzzball Engine): Brook embodies England’s aggressive “baseball” philosophy. He doesn’t just score runs; He scores them at a frustrating pace. With a strike rate that rivals ODI cricket and a penchant for big scores – including a triple century that demonstrated his hunger – Brook has proved that you can score runs quickly without being careless. They have made the middle order a launchpad rather than an integration zone.
- Ravindra (Beautiful Accumulator): after name Rahul Dravid And Sachin TendulkarRavindra bears the burden of that legacy with great grace. He brings a classical, fluid elegance to the trio. After a record-breaking ODI World Cup, his transition to red-ball cricket has been seamless. He responds calmly to the aggression of Jaiswal and Brook and dismantles bowling attacks with precise timing and supreme technique rather than brute power. He has become the lynchpin of the Kiwi batting lineup, capable of playing long, match-saving innings in overseas conditions.
Also read: Alastair Cook names the top 4 greatest opening batsmen of all time