Test verdict list

Best Test Batters of the 2010s

Steven Smith rises above Kumar Sangakkara by a breath. Kumar Sangakkara keeps the better away average in Test batting, 60.46 to 60.15. Steven Smith's volume in Test batting settles it, 7,164 runs to 4,851 runs.

#PlayerTestVerdict

Transparent by design

How this ranking was calculated

The list is computed from scorecards, not selected by an AI model. Every player is measured against the same qualified peer population, and the rules below determine the order.

From scorecards to a verdict score

Build the eligible peer population using the selected format, time window and qualification bars.
Calculate every batting or bowling factor directly from the matching scorecards.
Convert each factor to a score against qualified peers, respecting whether higher or lower is better.
Apply the published weights. If a factor is unavailable, it earns no points; its weight is not transferred to that player's recorded factors.
Add the weighted factors to produce the verdict score out of 100, then rank from highest to lowest.

Batting factors and weights

Compared with 336 batters who played at least 10 innings.

Important scoring choices

Contribution: total runs or wickets measure output within the selected period.

Fixed-era weighting: longevity is not scored because a player should not be penalised when only part of their career overlaps the era. Its allocation moves to runs or wickets.

Test average magnitude: overall averages use 85% peer position and 15% raw distance from the best qualified average. For bowlers the ratio is reversed because a lower average is better. Contextual averages remain pure percentiles.

Editorial scope: this is a transparent judgement model, not an official record table. It does not insert or promote named players.

Data and query audit

TestBest Test Batters of the 2010sTop 10

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