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Root, Kohli set standard in race for No.1

The four best young batsmen in the world, all born within 18 months of each other, lead quest for No.1 ranking

Joe Root's magnificent double-century against Pakistan has propelled him into second place on the ICC Test batting rankings and in doing so contributing to the latest chapter in the fascinating battle between a quartet of young middle-order batting maestros to be the best in the world.

Root treated the Old Trafford crowd to a stunning display against Pakistan last weekend, amassing 254 in the first innings before following it with a 48-ball 71no to set up a decisive England victory in the second Test.

Root, Woakes put England in control

And with a packed schedule of international cricket looming, the 25-year-old's knock looks set to be the beginning of an exciting struggle in the coming months to claim the mantle of the No.1 ranked Test batsman, with four players under 30 leading the charge.

The current holder of that title is Australia captain Steve Smith, who is currently in Sri Lanka for a three-Test series, his first subcontinental tour as skipper of the national side.

Quick Single: Latest ICC Test rankings

Hot on his heels is Root, followed by the leader of Australia’s trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand's Kane Williamson, who sits back one spot in third in the rankings. The Kiwi captain is also currently abroad, with New Zealand to face Zimbabwe (starting on Thursday) and then South Africa in a pair of two-Test series.

Rounding out the quartet is India Test skipper Virat Kohli, whose spectacular double-century against the West Indies last week led his side to a comprehensive win in the first Test of their Caribbean tour.

Kohli, somewhat surprisingly, currently sits in 12th place on the Test batting charts, improving by two positions to sit on the outskirts of the top 10. 

Kohli all class with day one ton

So with a top three of Smith, Root and Williamson, and with the trio in Kohli’s crosshairs, there’s sure to be plenty of debate over who is the best young Test batsman.

Injured Australia fast-bowler Peter Siddle suggests Smith deserves the tag but believes each player brings a unique flavour to the game.

"The exciting thing is they all play completely differently," Siddle told cricket.com.au’s The Unplayable Podcast.

"They’ve all got different styles in the way they go about it. Williamson, and Root to an extent, are probably the more technically correct batsmen.

"Whereas Smithy and Kohli are probably a little more aggressive.

"From a visual point of view, they probably look a little bit loose at times but they just know their games so well that they just make it work."



The awesome foursome of modern batsmen have had remarkably similar journeys to this point.

Beginning with Smith (born in June 1989) through to December 1990 (Root), the four men were all born within 18 months of one another, while they’ve all played between 41 and 48 Tests to date.

And with three of the four being entrusted with the responsibility of their side’s Test captaincy – Root is currently England’s vice-captain – these modern batting talents have embraced the responsibility that comes with being their team’s most-prized wicket.

But with a buffet of international cricket coming up, competition for spots in the batting charts will be intriguing, with every Test-playing nation bar Bangladesh in action over the next month.

Adam Voges (currently the sixth-ranked Test batsman) and David Warner (eighth) will be in action for Australia on their Qantas Tour of Sri Lanka as will the hosts’ captain Angelo Mathews (10th).

Flawless Williamson scores 12th Test ton

A century from Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (eighth in the rankings) against England in the first Test prompted passionate celebrations at Lord’s but fellow veteran Younis Khan (10th) is close to slipping out of the top 10 after a lean start to his UK tour.

England skipper Alastair Cook (currently ninth) has jumped back into the top 10 following scores of 105 and 76no at Old Trafford.

South Africa pair Hashim Amla (fourth) and AB de Villiers (fifth) will get their chance to maintain their spots in the home series against the Black Caps beginning next month.

And Australia ODI seamer John Hastings insists the Proteas’ 32-year-old skipper shouldn’t be overlooked in the debate.

"I think AB de Villiers has to be up there as well, he’s an absolute freak of a player," Hastings said.

Skipper Smith hammers Windies

"For me, I just love the way Kohli goes about taking on the opposition. I just love when he comes out to bat and it’s as if he knows exactly where the bowler is going to put the ball.

"He’s almost one step ahead.

"I’ve watched Steve Smith grow. We went to the (ODI) World Cup together in 2011. His technique is totally different from what it was then to what it is now.

"I’ve loved how he’s gone about transforming his game."