Future Cricket Stars: The Next Fab Four Revealed by Former England Captain

Former England Players , named Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, think that Yashasvi Jaiswal from India is very good at cricket. They both picked him and Harry Brook from England to be part of the new 'Fab Four.' The 'Fab Four' is a name that was first used by someone named Martin Crowe in 2013. Mister Crowe used it to note the four amazing cricket players: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson.

They were the best in all kinds of cricket games. But now, cricket is changing, and Hussain and Atherton chose different players they believe will be the new stars. Hussain and Atherton made sure it was safe by each putting a helmet on each head when they chose Jaiswal to be in charge of the game later. Hussain thinks Saim Ayub from Pakistan might be a very good hitter at the beginning of the game. He picked him because he believes Saim can play well in any kind of cricket match, whether it's a quick match or a long match. Even though Saim was injured and people weren't sure if he could play in the important trophy game, Hussain is still sure he can do well.

Nasser Hussain picks Saim Ayub, Harry Brook, Travis Head, and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the next 'Fab Four' of cricket 🌟 pic.twitter.com/q06Cf2SKTO

— CricWick (@CricWick) January 17, 2025

Nasser Hussain's Fab Four:

      1.Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)

      2.Harry Brook (England)

      3.Travis Head (Australia)

      4.Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

ALSO READ: Ashwin lauds Gill's vice-captaincy appointment ahead of CT 2025

Michael Atherton's Fab Four:

     1.Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)

     2.Harry Brook (England)

     3.Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)

     4.Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)

Atherton, on the other hand, leaned towards consistency and versatility, selecting Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis and New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra. Ravindra, in particular, stood out after leading New Zealand to an improbable Test series win in India in late 2024 and amassing 1,079 runs in the calendar year. The six players identified by Hussain and Atherton delivered exceptional performances in 2024, finishing among the top run scorers across formats.The selections by Hussain and Atherton offer an exciting glimpse into cricket's future, highlighting the next generation of global stars. Whether it be Jaiswal's consistency, Brook's explosive batting, or the emerging talents of Ayub, Mendis, Head, and Ravindra, the future of cricket looks promising with these young players at the forefront.

Former Australian captain and Indian head coach Greg Chappell recently praised an in-form English cricketer and compared him with the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

He might even have outpaced the Indian maestro: Greg Chappell

Recently, the legendary Australian all-rounder Greg Chappell wrote a column for the Sydney Morning Herald, where he highly praised the 25-year-old English cricketer Harry Brook. Comparing him with the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, with whom Chappell worked as a head coach of the Indian national cricket team, the former Aussie cricketer felt that Brook might have outpaced Tendulkar at a similar stage.

Chappell claimed, “Harry Brook, a batting sensation whose performances and approach I compare to the great Sachin Tendulkar. Remarkably, Brook’s early career stats suggest he might even have outpaced the Indian maestro in terms of impact at the same stage.”

Chappel is impressed with Brook’s effective batting method, who is confident and strong in the crease.

The former Australia star added, “At just 25, Brook has rapidly become one of the most talked-about cricketers in the world. He boasts a simple but devastatingly effective batting method. Much like Tendulkar in his early years, Brook doesn’t move excessively in the crease before the ball is delivered.”

After making his international cricket debut in January 2022, Brook has scored 2281 runs in 24 Test matches, 719 runs in 20 ODIs, and 707 runs in 39 T20Is. The right-handed batter has a Test batting average of 58.48, including eight centuries and 10 half-centuries. Last October, during the Multan Test against the hosts Pakistan, Brook recorded a triple century (317), which was the first Test triple century by an English cricketer in the 21st century. 

See Also: Former Proteas all-rounder calls for more relaxation of the wide rule

Why is Harry Brook a nightmare for bowlers?

Talking about why the English batter looked dangerous, Chappell claimed, “Brook’s ability to combine aggression with consistency makes him a nightmare for bowlers because, much like Tendulkar, he’s incredibly hard to contain.”

Chappell also clarified why Brook read the bowlers better than the other batters. He wrote, “Brook’s stability and minimalistic technique allow him to read the angles of the bowler and adjust his strokes with precision. The result? An extraordinary ability to score from most deliveries, whether they’re pitched full, short, or on an awkward length.”

Last year, Brook finished as the fourth-leading run-scorer in Test and international cricket with 1100 and 1575 runs, respectively.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the final shortlists for the ICC Awards 2024, celebrating the exceptional performances of cricketers in various categories. These include the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy: ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year

The nominees for this prestigious accolade feature some of the finest names in cricket.

• Harry Brook (England): Brook lit up the cricketing world with his explosive performances across all formats. He maintained an incredible average of over 50 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing his versatility and power hitting.
• Joe Root (England): Root had a phenomenal year in Tests, scoring more runs (1,556) and centuries (six) than any other batter. His form in the longest format has been nothing short of remarkable.
• Jasprit Bumrah (India): Bumrah shone as India’s pace spearhead, excelling in World Test Championship duels and leading India to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He was named Player of the Tournament, claiming 15 wickets at a staggering average of 8.24.
• Travis Head (Australia): Known for his flair, Head scored nearly 1,400 runs across all formats in 2024. As the top-ranked Men’s T20I batter, he aims to better his nomination from last year.

ALSO READ:Rohit Sharma on Rishabh Pant: Balancing Flair with Responsibility

Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy: ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year

This category honors the most outstanding women cricketers, with four deserving nominees.

• Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): Athapaththu led from the front for Sri Lanka, amassing over 1,100 runs and taking 30 wickets across formats. She also guided Sri Lanka to their first Asia Cup victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.
• Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa): Wolvaardt had a sublime year, scoring over 1,500 runs and leading South Africa to their second consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup final.
• Amelia Kerr (New Zealand): Kerr excelled as an all-rounder, scoring 651 runs and taking 43 wickets. She was the Player of the Tournament at the Women’s T20 World Cup, where her performances were pivotal to her team’s success.
• Annabel Sutherland (Australia): The young star had a breakthrough year, smashing the fastest double-century in women’s Test history and contributing significantly with both bat and ball.

ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year

This category recognizes the best performers in the longest format of the game.

• Harry Brook (England): Brook scored 1,100 Test runs at an average of 55, including four centuries and a memorable triple-hundred in Multan.
• Joe Root (England): Root continued to dominate Test cricket, becoming England’s all-time highest run-scorer and reclaiming the top spot in the ICC Men’s Test Batter Rankings.
• Jasprit Bumrah (India): With 71 wickets at an average of 14.92, Bumrah was the leading wicket-taker in Tests. His fiery spells were key to India’s success against top teams like South Africa, England, and Australia.
• Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka): Mendis had a record-breaking year, scoring 1,049 runs at an average of 74.92. He became the first batter in history to hit a half-century in each of his first eight Tests and the fastest in 75 years to reach 1,000 Test runs.

These nominations showcase the remarkable talent and dedication of the players, highlighting their impact on international cricket. The winners, decided through votes from cricket experts and fans, will be announced in early 2025.

🚨 THE COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES FOR ICC AWARDS 2024. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/NZRvQhT9lO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 30, 2024

Runs galore in the first Test at Christchurch as England dominated the Black Caps and registered a thumping victory on the back of a breathtaking knock from Harry Brook. Brook's counter-attacking 171 set the foundation for an emphatic eight-wicket win in the second innings as England managed to chase down 104 in just under 15 overs.

After playing that match-winning innings, the 25-year-old Englishman has moved up by two spots to no.2 position in the ICC Test Batting rankings. And by doing so, the dazzling top-order English batsman has bridged the gap between him and Joe Root who is currently at the top of the table with a rating of 895. Moreover, after bettering his rating to 854, the difference between him and Root is now down to just 41.

See also: New Zealand receive another huge blow in WTC points table

Yashasvi Jaiswal loses his no.2 position to Harry Brook

Brook has emerged as someone who can go close to challenging Joe Root's dominance at the top. Jaiswal's heroics at Perth in the second innings (161) propelled the dashing opener to the second position. However, the considerable gap between the first and the second Test opened a window of opportunity for Brook to make some rapid gains.

Following Brook's blistering batting show in Hagley Oval, Jaiswal was displaced from the no.2 position and slipped two more spots down the rankings at no.4. The start Kiwi batter Kane Williamson managed to hold on to the third position by scoring an impressive 93 & 61 upon his comeback. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gains for the other batters

Apart from the ongoing BGT 2024-25 & England-New Zealand Test series, the recently concluded first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Durban also produced some extraordinary batting performances. 

The Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma led his side from the front by playing a gutsy innings of 70 on a difficult seaming wicket followed by a sensational ton in the second innings which virtually decided the match in his side's favor. On the back of that performance, Bavuma managed to break into the top 10 of the ICC Men's Test batting rankings.

Tristan Stubbs' brilliant 122 in the second innings catapulted him by 29 spots to no.42 position in the batting table. On the other hand, Dinesh Chandimal of Sri Lanka rose by two places to the 17th spot as a result of his resilient second-innings 83.

During the Multan Test between Pakistan and England, England cricketers Joe Root and Harry Brook set up a record fourth-wicket partnership in Test cricket history. 

After Pakistan chose to bat first in the three-match Test series opener, three centuries helped the hosts to score 556 runs. In reply, Joe Root and Harry Brook’s powerful batting led the visitors to score a mammoth total of 823/7 before the declaration with a lead of 267 runs. It was the fourth-highest total in Test cricket history. 

Root scored 262 runs off 375 balls and Brook scored 317 runs off 322 balls. They had a giant fourth-wicket partnership of 454 runs. 

SEE ALSO: Harry Brook records second fastest triple century in Test

Here are some records of the 454-run fourth-wicket partnership between Root and Brook. 

Broke a 90-year record

It was the highest partnership for any wicket by the visiting batters in Test cricket history. The previous record was a 451-run partnership for the second wicket between the Australian cricketers Don Bradman and Bill Ponsford against England at The Oval in 1934. 

Broke a 67-year record

It was the highest Test partnership for any wicket by the England batters. The previous record was a 411-run fourth-wicket partnership between Colin Cowdrey and Peter May against West Indies during the 1957 Birmingham Test.

Broke an almost nine-year record

It was the highest fourth-wicket partnership in Test cricket history. The previous record was the 449-run partnership by the Australian cricketers Shaun Marsh and Adam Voges against West Indies during the 2015 Hobart Test match.

First in the ICC World Test Championship history

It was the first 400+ partnership in the ICC World Test Championship history. The previous record partnership in this competition was a 369-run partnership for the fourth wicket between the New Zealand cricketers Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls against Pakistan in the 2021 Christchurch Test match. 

Fourth highest Test partnership

It was the fourth-highest partnership for any wicket in Test cricket history. 

Highest partnership for any wicket in Test cricket history

In the Multan Test, England cricketer Harry Brook fired up a triple century, which set a new record for the second fastest triple century in Test cricket history. 

Multan has brought a batting-friendly Test pitch for the first Pakistan vs England Test of the three-match Test series. Many experts have highly criticised the Test pitch.

After Pakistan scored 556 runs with the help of three centuries, England set up a strong reply. By scoring 823/7 declare in 150 overs, England have set up the Test match to produce a result. England declared their first innings with a lead of 267 runs. 

During England’s strong reply, former captain Joe Root scored 262 runs off 375 balls with the help of 17 fours. Meanwhile, Harry Brook scored 317 runs off 322 balls with the help of 29 fours and three sixes.

Second fastest Test 300

Brook completed his century in 310 balls. It was the second fastest Test triple century. The fastest record in this list is the triple hundred in 278 balls by Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag against South Africa at Chennai in March 2008. 

England batters

Brook became the sixth England batter to record a Test triple-century. However, after Wally Hammond and Andy Sandham, Brook became the third English cricketer to record a Test triple hundred outside the home country. 

England batters with triple centuries

ICC World Test Championship

Also, after the former Australian opener David Warner, Brook became the only second cricketer to record a triple century in the ICC World Test Championship history. During the 2019 Adelaide Test against Pakistan, Warner scored 335 not out.

So, Brook records the highest individual score by a foreign batter in the ICC World Test Championship history. In the same innings, while Root scored 262 runs, he stands in second place in the list of the highest individual score by a foreign batter in the ICC World Test Championship history. Root was also the previous record holder in this list with 228 against the hosts Sri Lanka during the 2021 Galle Test. 

Visiting batters in Pakistan

Brook also became the third overseas batter to score a Test triple-century in Pakistan. He now holds the record for the second-highest individual Test score by a visiting batter in Pakistan. 

Visiting batters with triple centuries in Pakistan

English stand-in ODI captain Harry Brook’s century ended Australia’s ODI winning streak. In the rain-interrupted Chester-le-Street ODI match against Australia, England made a comeback in the home ODI series after winning the match by 46 runs in the DLS method. 

Leading the five-match ODI series by 2-0 after the first two matches, Australia were sent to bat first in the third ODI. Steven Smith (60 off 82 balls), Cameron Green (42 off 49 balls), Alex Carrey (77 not out off 65 balls), Glenn Maxwell (30 off 25 balls), and Aaron Hardie (44 off 26 balls) helped Australia score 304/7 at the end of 50 overs.

In reply, England lost both openers in the first three overs when the hosts scored only 11 runs. Will Jacks and the stand-in skipper Harry Brook controlled the innings and set up a 156-run partnership for the third wicket. While Jacks scored 84 off 82 balls, Brook recorded his maiden ODI century.

Before the rain interruption, England scored 254/4 in 37.4 overs. The hosts ultimately won that ODI by 46 runs (DLS method) and made the series 2-1 after the third ODI. England must win the last two matches to win this ODI series, while another win will be enough for the visitors Australia to seal the series.  

SEE ALSO: Jaiswal targets to join elite 1000 run club in 2024 Test journey

Youngest English captain with an ODI century

With his match-winning 110 not out off 94 balls, which he scored at the age of 25 years and 215 days, Harry Brook became the youngest English captain to record an ODI century. Sir Alastair Cook (26 years and 190 days) was the previous record holder in this list, which he recorded in 2011. 

Top 5 youngest English captain’s maiden ODI centuries

Second most consecutive ODI wins stopped

On the other hand, before this ODI match, Australia already secured the second-most successive ODI wins by recording 14 straight victories. Their consecutive ODI winning journey started during the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in India, when the Aussies beat Sri Lanka by five wickets at Lucknow. After Australia won the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, they also won the home ODI series against the West Indies by 3-0 last February. 

After winning the first two matches of the ongoing series against the hosts England, Australia finally suffered an ODI defeat. 

By winning 14 straight ODIs, Australia settled the new record for the second most consecutive ODI wins for a team. 

Most consecutive ODI wins for a team 

England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the five-match home ODI series against Australia due to a right calf injury. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named a new captain for the upcoming home ODI series. 

On Sunday (September 15), the ECB announced the 15-member full ODI squad for the upcoming home ODI series against Australia. Trent Bridge will host the five-match ODI series opener on September 19.  

SEE ALSO: India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill to miss Bangladesh T20 Series

Harry Brook will lead the England team against Australia in the upcoming ODI series

As injured Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming home five-match ODI series against Australia, the ECB named the 25-year-old Harry Brook as the captain for the forthcoming ODI series. It will be the first time that Brook will lead the English cricket team in any international cricket match. 

Brook led the English U19 cricket team during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018. Under his leadership, the England U19 team reached the Super League quarter-finals where they lost against Australia U19 and then finished in seventh place. 

It's going to be a great opportunity for Brooky to be the captain: Jos Buttler

English white-ball skipper Jos Buttler is excited about Brook’s leadership.

Buttler said, according to ESPNcricinfo, "It's going to be a great opportunity for Brooky to be the captain. He is a pretty laid-back character, but I think he has everything in line. He is a really good thinker about it... I'm sure he'll do that his own way, and he'll get a feel for those moments [in games]. That's what we're encouraging everyone as a side - whether that's a player or a captain - is to try and identify those moments that you think can go a long way to you winning the game and going for it and committing to it."

Meanwhile, the left-arm pacer Josh Hull, who just made his Test debut during The Oval Test against Sri Lanka, will also miss the upcoming home ODI series due to a quad injury. 

The 31-year-old English batting all-rounder Liam Livingstone has been included in the 15-member ODI squad that will face Australia at home. He last played an ODI in December 2023 at Bridgetown. In his 25 ODIs, Livingstone has scored 558 runs, including three half-centuries, and has picked up 17 wickets. 

England's full squad for the five-match home ODI series against Australia

Harry Brook (C), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, John Turner.

England made a stunning comeback in the second Test at Trent Bridge against the West Indies. For the first time in Test cricket history, England scored over 400 runs in both innings of a match.

West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl first. England scored 416 in their first innings, led by a century from Ollie Pope and other solid contributions. The West Indies then fought back, scoring 457 in their first innings to take a lead.

In response, England scored over 400 runs again in their second innings, reducing the deficit. Centuries from Harry Brook (109) and Joe Root (122) gave England a lead of over 350 runs.

Joe Root’s record-breaking performance at Trent Bridge

Joe Root hit his 32nd Test century, including his sixth against the West Indies and his fifth at Trent Bridge. He reached this milestone in just 260 innings, with only Alastair Cook ahead of him among English players.

Historically, teams have scored over 400 runs in a Test innings 12 times. England has been on the receiving end five times. Australia has done it six times, India three times, and South Africa, Pakistan, and England once each.

Australia achieved this six times between 1924 and 2008. South Africa did it against England in Durban in 1939. India scored over 400 against Pakistan in 2005, Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad in 2009, and England in 2024. Pakistan did it against India in Faisalabad in 2006. Recently, England achieved this against the West Indies in the second Test.

Historic achievement for England in Test cricket

England has set a target of 385 runs for the West Indies at Trent Bridge. After being bowled out for 425, England made a remarkable comeback after initially being overtaken by the West Indies’ first innings score. The West Indies need 385 runs to win with one and a half days left.

England sets a challenging target for West Indies

It’s a tough challenge for the West Indies batters. Despite their first Test win, England is still at the bottom of the WTC points table, while the West Indies are sixth. England’s win could move them above South Africa in the standings.

Jayden Seals took 4-97, while Alzarri Joseph claimed 2-103. Shamar Joseph, Jason Holder, and Kevin Sinclair each took a wicket.

Harry Brook is growing in stature with every game. His ability to perform in tough situations, especially in Test cricket, is impressive. In the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, he scored a brilliant century off just 118 balls. When he came to bat, England was at 140-3 with a lead of nearly 100. From the moment he started, he looked confident and played some beautiful shots.

Brook reached his fifty late on Day 3 and completed his century in the first session of Day 4. This is his fifth Test century and his first one at home, making it extra special. After reaching his century, he shared a warm hug with Joe Root, highlighting the camaraderie between the players.

Watch Harry Brook’s Century

Brook is surely a player to watch in the coming years.In this match, Brook was joined by the ever-reliable Joe Root. Root also reached his fifty, marking his 63rd half-century and tying with cricket legends Allan Border and Rahul Dravid. England’s lead has now surged over 250, putting them in a strong position.

Despite losing a lead of 41 earlier, England has regained control of the game. Brook’s performance has been a significant factor in this turnaround. His ability to deliver under pressure and his partnership with Root have been crucial.Brook’s growing presence and consistent performance make him a key player for England. His contributions in this Test match showcase his talent and promise for the future.