Archive · 27 Jun 2025
Test Cricket's No. 3 Batting Spot Struggles: A Deep Dive
In test cricket, the players who bat third in the lineup are not doing as well as they used to.
Their average scores have gone down a lot in the last few years.
Many teams are having trouble finding good players for this spot.
Players like Kane Williamson are doing well, but most others are not.
The change could be because it's harder to bat now or because of new ways of playing.
Test cricket's No. 3 batters have seen their averages drop significantly in recent years.
The average for No. 3 batters has fallen below 35 in the last four years, a sharp decline.
Several top teams, including Australia, South Africa, England, and India, are struggling to find consistent No. 3 batsmen.
Kane Williamson is an exception, maintaining a high average, especially at home.
Factors such as tougher conditions and changes in batting strategies may contribute to the decline.
- Who
- No. 3 batsmen for various international teams, including Australia, South Africa, England, and India.
- What
- Decline in performance of No. 3 batters in Test cricket.
- When
- Over the last few years, especially since 2020.
- Where
- Across Test cricket nations.
- Why
- Potentially due to tougher conditions, new strategies, and the inability to find consistent performers in the No. 3 position.
Potential Reasons for Decline
Impact of Newer New Ball Spells
Tougher Conditions
Potential Reasons for Decline
Batters are facing tougher conditions in recent years.
Impact of Newer New Ball Spells
Opening batsmen are not seeing a striking dip in contributions as well.
- Collective Average (2001-2010)
- 44.77
- Collective Average (2021-2025)
- 34.27
- Kane Williamson's Average (since 2020)
- 71+
- Marnus Labuschagne's Average Drop
- From 66 to 48.83