Comparing the No. 5 batsmen of the best Test teams
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Michael Clarke, and Steve Waugh were arguably the best No. 5 batsmen in Test cricket. The No. 5 position is a very crucial position in Test cricket and demands flawless technique and a great temperament.
A No. 5 batsman often needs to flexible with his batting style. Based on the situation of the game the No. 5 has to either opt for a cautious approach or attack from ball one in order to get quick runs on the board.
Apart from this, there are many situations wherein the No. 5 has to win or save the game batting alongside tail-enders in the second innings.
Thus, batting at No. 5 is no mean task, and requires a combination of tenacity and a capability to keep the team buoyant. Let us compare the No. 5 batsmen of top 5 Test teams.
#1 India - Ajinkya Rahane
The vice-captain of India in Tests, Ajinkya Rahane has bailed out India from several tough situations with his calm head and calculated batting. He plays spin extremely well - a trait that is required for a batsman batting at No. 5. Against the fast bowlers, Rahane plays the short ball really well and thus was instrumental in the team's best performances on bouncy pitches.
Rahane's dwindling form is a matter of concern for the Indian team management. Having scored just one Test hundred in 2017, Rahane needs to get out of his funk and play positive cricket in the South Africa series starting in January 2018.
Here are his Test career stats :
