Ricky Ponting's Big Statement
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting made a significant revelation regarding his choice of the best number 4 batsman in Test cricket.
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Not Virat Kohli or Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting picks his best No. 4 Test batter of all time, his name is…
Ricky Ponting surprises the cricket world by choosing a different legend as the greatest No. 4 Test batter ever, ahead of Kohli and Tendulkar.
By Ankit Kumar | Updated: November 21, 2025 5:07 AM IST
Poll Among Several Legends
Ponting initially chose Kevin Pietersen ahead of Mahela Jayawardene and Mark Waugh, but later considered Javed Miandad better than Pietersen.
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Who Was Ultimately Chosen?
Ponting chose Steve Smith over Miandad. Smith then outperformed Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis, and Virat Kohli.
Even Better Than Sachin Tendulkar
The final comparison was with Sachin Tendulkar. Surprisingly, Ponting ranked Smith even above Tendulkar, declaring him the best number 4 batsman in Test cricket.
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Statistics Prove It
Steve Smith has scored 10,477 runs in 212 innings so far. His performance at number 4 is even more impressive – 6,666 runs in 125 innings, an average of 60.05, with 23 centuries and 27 half-centuries.
Smith Leads Australia in the Ashes
Steve Smith will captain Australia after Pat Cummins was ruled out of the first Ashes Test. Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett have been given the opportunity to make their Test debuts in this match.
Smith's Record Against England
Smith's record against England has been remarkable. In 37 Tests so far, he has scored 3,417 runs, averaging 56.01 – including 12 centuries and 13 half-centuries.
Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar vs. Steve Smith – What Do the Statistics Say?
Virat Kohli has 9,230 runs and 30 centuries in 123 Tests, while Sachin Tendulkar has 15,921 runs and 51 centuries in 200 Tests. At No. 4, Kohli has 7,564 runs (average 50.09), while Tendulkar has 13,492 runs (average 54.40) and 44 centuries at this position – yet Ponting considers only Steve Smith the best.