With Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson Gone… Who Truly Owns the Fab Four Test Crown Joe Root or Steve Smith?

For more than a decade, the term “Fab Four” has defined an unforgettable era in Test cricket.

The group consisted of four extraordinary batters — Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson — who dominated the longest format of the game and pushed each other to greater heights year after year.

Now, with Kane Williamson stepping away from international cricket and Virat Kohli having already retired from Test cricket, the conversation has shifted dramatically. What was once a four-way debate has effectively become a battle between two giants of the modern era: Joe Root and Steve Smith.

The question cricket fans around the world are asking is simple — who deserves to be called the greatest Test batter of the Fab Four generation?

The answer, however, is anything but simple.

Joe Root’s Incredible Case for the Crown

When it comes to consistency and longevity, Joe Root has built a compelling argument.

The English batting star has accumulated nearly 14,000 Test runs, placing him among the greatest run-scorers in cricket history. With over 160 Test appearances and an average above 50, Root has delivered excellence across different conditions, opponents, and eras.

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What makes Root’s record particularly impressive is his ability to score runs around the globe.

Whether in England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, or the West Indies, Root has consistently produced match-defining performances. Even in challenging conditions like India, where many overseas batters struggle, he has managed to leave a significant mark.

His dominance has become even more evident during the World Test Championship (WTC) era.

Since the introduction of the WTC, Root has scored thousands more runs than any other batter, reinforcing his reputation as the game’s most reliable run machine. The right-hander also continues to add centuries at an astonishing rate, further strengthening his already remarkable legacy.

Even in the latter stages of his career, Root appears far from finished. His recent performances suggest that he remains one of the most dangerous and technically complete batters in world cricket.

Steve Smith’s Case: The Master of Peak Greatness

While Root’s argument is built on volume and consistency, Steve Smith’s case rests on something equally powerful — dominance.

Few batters in cricket history have enjoyed a peak quite like Smith’s.

The Australian superstar has maintained an average above 56 for much of his career, a figure that places him among the elite names in Test cricket history. His ability to score heavily against world-class attacks has often left opponents searching for answers.

Smith’s performances in the Ashes are particularly legendary.

Time and again, he has tormented England’s bowlers, producing innings that have single-handedly changed the course of series. His record in high-pressure contests remains one of the strongest among modern cricketers.

Beyond Australia, Smith has also excelled in difficult overseas conditions.

He averages over 50 in countries such as England, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan, while maintaining an exceptional record in Sri Lanka. His adaptability across varying conditions is one of the reasons many experts regard him as the finest Test batter of his generation.

What makes Smith’s achievements even more remarkable is that he returned from a lengthy suspension and still managed to maintain world-class standards.

For many fans, his extraordinary peak outweighs any statistical disadvantages in overall runs scored.

Runs Versus Average: The Debate That Divides Cricket Fans

The Root-Smith debate ultimately comes down to what cricket fans value most.

If the argument centers around consistency, longevity, and total contribution, Joe Root holds a clear advantage. He has accumulated significantly more runs, played more matches, and continues to break records that once seemed untouchable.

However, if the discussion focuses on batting excellence at its absolute peak, Steve Smith becomes an incredibly difficult candidate to overlook.

His average remains superior, and his ability to dominate elite bowling attacks during his prime years has drawn comparisons with some of the greatest batters the sport has ever seen.

One player represents sustained brilliance.

The other represents extraordinary dominance.

What About Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson?

Although the current debate centers on Root and Smith, it would be impossible to discuss the Fab Four era without acknowledging Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson.

Kohli transformed Indian Test cricket with his aggressive leadership, unmatched intensity, and ability to score runs under pressure. Williamson, meanwhile, earned admiration for his elegance, consistency, and calm approach to the game.

Together, the quartet defined an era that many fans consider one of the greatest periods for Test batting.

Their rivalry elevated standards and produced countless memorable moments across continents.

So, Who Wins the Fab Four Test Crown?

The answer depends on perspective.

If greatness is measured by longevity, consistency, and record-breaking accumulation, Joe Root may have the strongest claim.

If greatness is judged by batting average, peak performance, and the ability to dominate elite attacks, Steve Smith remains a formidable contender.

Perhaps the fairest conclusion is that cricket has been fortunate enough to witness both.

As the Fab Four era slowly fades into history, Root and Smith continue to carry its legacy forward. And while statistics may fuel endless debates, their contributions to Test cricket have already secured their places among the all-time greats.

The numbers may tell different stories.

But both legends have already won something even greater — a permanent place in cricket history.