In the past, there were great all-rounders like Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, Richard Hadlee, Jacques Kallis who have done wonders for their countries. It is a crucial part of a team who bats and balls according to the situation of the game.
Here we look at the 5 best all-rounders in test matches at present times
- Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is one of the best all rounders in test matches at the present moment. He made his test match debut on 5th December 2013. Since then he has played a total of 36 matches scoring 2201 runs with an average 34.39.
His ability to play with positive attitude and change the course of the game with his power hitting makes him one of the best all-rounders with the best score of 258. The hard hitting all-rounder is currently at number 5 in the rankings. In the recently concluded, South Africa test series, Ben Stokes played a key role with bat and ball.
During the 2016 season, Ben Stokes scored a total of 904 runs in 21 innings (12 matches) with 2 centuries and 3 half centuries, also took 33 wickets in 20 innings (12 matches). In the 4 matches, the hard hitting all-rounder has scored 299 runs in 8 innings ( 4 matches) and also 7 wickets in 7 innings ( 4 matches). He could be a great all-rounder in any conditions.
- Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is the number 1 ranked all-rounder in test matches at the present moment. He has improved as an all-rounder in the recent times. The left arm spinner scored 70 runs and picked 7 wickets in the second test match played at SSC, Colombo. He made his Test debut in 2012 against England. Since then he played a total of 32 matches scoring 1136 runs.
In the 2016 season, Ravindra Jadeja picked 43 wickets in 18 innings ( 9 matches). He also played crucial role lower down the order in 13 test matches at home scoring 375 runs in 14 innings ( 9 matches). His best score was 90 against England during the 3rd test at Mohali. This year, the left arm spinner has taken 44 wickets in 14 innings ( 7 matches) and has also scored 288 runs in 10 innings ( 7 matches with the best score of 70*)
He needs to prove his abilities in overseas conditions where the pitches do not help the spinners.
- Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is proving to be India’s best all-rounder so far. He is the fourth quickest to score 2000 runs and pick 200 wickets. His ability to provide stability at number 6 gives the team a solid foundation for team India to put pressure on the opposition batsmen. Ashwin made his Test debut in Delhi on 6th November 2011. Since his debut, he has scored 2004 runs in 51 test matches with the best score of 124. He has taken 286 wickets with best figures of 7/59 in an innings.
In the 2016 season, Ravichandran Ashwin took 72 wickets in 23 innings ( 12 matches) and scored a total of 612 runs in 14 innings ( 12 matches). He is currently 3rd and also has to play well in overseas to become a top all-rounder. This year he has scored a total of 188 runs in 9 innings ( 7 matches) with the best score of 54.
- Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib- AL- Hasan is another top all-rounder for Bangladesh who plays a key role with the ball and bat. He made his Test debut in May 2007 against India. Since then, the top quality all-rounder has played a total of 49 matches scoring 3479 runs with a top score of 217. Apart from that, he has taken 176 wickets with best figures of 7/36.
In the 2016 season, Al Hasan he was not in the wicket takers and runs scorer list. This year the left arm all-rounder has taken 17 wickets in 10 innings ( 5 matches). He will play an important role in upcoming test series against Australia starting from August 22nd. At the present moment, AL Hasan slipped down to number 2 in the rankings.
- Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali is another emerging all-rounder in the England team. He comes at number 7 and provides crucial runs which make life tough for the opposition team. His first match in test matches for England came in 2014 against Sri Lanka. Since then he has played 41 games scoring a total of 2179 runs with the best total of 155*. With the ball, Ali has taken so far 123 wickets with best figures in an innings of 6/53.
Moeen Ali took 37 wickets in 29 innings ( 17 matches) during 2016 and scored 1078 runs in 29 innings ( 17 matches). This year he has scored a total of 252 runs in 8 innings ( 4 matches) and taken 25 wickets in 8 innings ( 4 matches). He played a key role in helping England win the series against South Africa by 3-1.