VVS Laxman Picks His Top 3 Best Active All-Rounders in Test Cricket

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has made his top 3 best all-rounders in Test Cricket known. The 46-year-old also mentioned that Ravindra Jadeja’s change in temperament has played a key factor in his rise in the last couple of years.

An all-rounder is a huge asset to the team who provides services with both bat and ball whilst maintaining the balance of the side. England currently is missing their best all-format player, Ben Stokes, who took a break from cricket to focus on his mental well-being. Speaking on the same topic with ESPNcricinfo, Laxman revealed who he thinks are the best all-rounders in Test cricket from the players that are currently active.

He started off with Ben Stokes at No.1, considering how pivotal his presence has been over the last few years. His famous century in the Edgbaston Test during the Ashes is a knock for the ages. Next up was Jason Holder, who is West Indies’ captain in Tests. Although Holder was seen as a bowler initially, he has developed his game and is currently ranked No.1 in Tests.

“For me, Ben Stokes is the No.1 World Test all-rounder. A great all-rounder is someone who straight away walks into the playing XI either as a batsman or a bowler. Stokes automatically walks into the England side just as a pure batsman. And it’s the other way around for Jason Holder. Even if he doesn’t contribute with the bat, Holder walks into the West Indies side as a pure bowler,” Laxman said.

Ravindra Jadeja is on No.3 in VVS Laxman’s list of best active all-rounders

Laxman felt Jadeja has improved his game after a breakthrough innings in Rajkot against West Indies when he scored his maiden and only century. He has shown incredible maturity and has upgraded from playing cameos to big knocks.

“The way he batted in this (first) Test match shows a lot of change in his temperament and mindset. He has shown a lot more temperament to be successful in trying conditions against quality fast bowlers. With Jadeja, you see him making valuable contributions with the bat, the ball, and he’s a livewire on the field.”

“After the 100 against West Indies in Rajkot, he knows how to get a big score; before that he was playing cameos, staying leg side of the ball and playing everything towards the square of the wicket on the off-side. Now he’s got a complete game to be successful in any condition and in any situation,” VVS Laxman opined.

Both Jadeja and Holder will next be seen playing for their respective countries on August 12, with the former playing against England at Lord’s and the latter up against Pakistan at Kingston, Jamaica.

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