Star Sports had taken the challenging task of naming the best test batsman of the 21st century. A 50-member jury was set up, including a few legendary cricketers, commentators and cricket coaches. Even the fans had a say in this poll. Some of the popular names in this jury were Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Bishop, Harbhajan Singh, Shane Watson, Scott Styris, and Gautam Gambhir.
Four final contenders for the honour
The broadcasting company named four contenders to take home the prize. Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Smith, Kumar Sangakkara and Jacques Kallis were amongst whom the jury and the fans had to pick one name.
Sachin Tendulkar pips Kumar Sangakkara
Sachin Tendulkar pipped Kumar Sangakkara to be adjudged as the Greatest Men’s Test Batsman of the 21st Century. With a landslide victory of over 70% of the votes, the Master Blaster did not have to break a sweat in winning the prize.
Sachin has scored 15921 runs in 200 Tests at an average of 53.79, with 51 centuries, and the best score of 248. He is the highest run-scorer in Tests, the highest century-scorer and has the most number of appearances in the format of the game.
Sanga was also good in Tests
With 12400 runs in 134 games at an average of 57.40, the southpaw was the best ever Test batsman for his country. Since the topic was the best batsman of this century, many felt there would be a tight fight between Sanga and Sachin. Regarding this, Sunil Gavaskar said, “This was a really tough one. Both Kumar Sangakkara and Sachin Tendulkar are icons of the game. But the vote, the winner for the greatest Test batsman of the 21st century is my fellow Mumbaikar, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.”
Master Blaster >>>> Everyone else ?
It was a close call, but in the end, our jury ??? y'all ?️ for the legendary @sachin_rt as the #GOATOfThe21stCentury Men’s Test Batsman! pic.twitter.com/2btk4bGI7U
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 19, 2021
