10 great batsmen who have excellent numbers in Tests but middling averages in ODIs
Players who are successful in Tests are regarded as better players compared to ODIs. Test matches test your technique and temperament, but in ODIs, the pitches, more often than not, favor the batsmen. On the other hand, ODIs are all about how quickly one can put the runs on the board, but in Tests, you get more time to settle in.
Some players have good numbers in Tests, some have good numbers in ODIs, and there are players who are equally good in both formats. For example, Alastair Cook has excellent numbers in Tests, Michael Bevan has excellent numbers in ODIs, and Sachin Tendulkar has excellent numbers in both formats.
In no particular order, let us take a look at 10 batting greats who average more than 40 in Tests but average in the early 30s in ODIs. This list contains plenty of iconic ODI batsmen as well as some of those who were unable to succeed in the 50-over format.
#10 VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman scored 8781 runs at an average of 45.97, including 17 hundreds in Tests. His epic 281 against Australia at Eden Gardens in Kolkata remains one of the greatest batting performances in the history of Test cricket. He won many such matches for India and mastered the art of batting with the tail.
He couldn't generate the same numbers in ODIs as he made only 2338 runs at an average of 30.76. Even though his overall numbers are not praiseworthy, he was excellent against Australia. He amassed 739 runs at an average of 46.18, including four centuries against the Kangaroos.