India have absolutely dominated the World Test Championship (WTC) so far. In fact, the Virat Kohli-led side have brushed aside every opposition they’ve played. They have won every game and are well ahead of all the other teams on the points table.

One of the reasons for their success has been their fast bowlers. In the top five leading wicket-takers of this WTC, the Indian pacers occupy three spots. Mohammed Shami,<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammed-shami-hunting-in-packs-with-hunters-umesh-yadav-and-ishant-sharma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ishant Sharma</a> and Umesh Yadav have been absolutely brilliant and each of them have taken in excess of 20 wickets. Shami has 31 wickets while Ishant and Umesh have 25 and 23 respectively. Jasprit Bumrah has played just two Tests in the WTC and has already taken 13 wickets.

Thus, this Indian pace attack is simply getting better and is challenging every opposition they face. However, India face stiffer challenges in their upcoming WTC assignments. They travel to <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-vs-england-2019-2nd-test-day-1-lathams-record-hundred-taylors-milestone-williamsons-first-innings-woes-and-more-stats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a> in early 2020 and go back to Australia late next year for a four-match Test series before finishing up with England at home in a five-Test rubber.

Here we look at five batsmen who could give Indian pacers a tough time in the WTC:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-350237" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_364001.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-350237" class="wp-caption-text">Ben Stokes (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption>

When you look at Ben Stokes’ batting record against India in Test cricket, it doesn’t look great. In 11 games, he has scored 545 runs at a mediocre average of 27.25. However, Stokes has come a long way in the recent past and has improved as a batsman big time as well.

This year, Stokes has been at his best with the bat. He has made 746 runs at an average of nearly 50 and has been by far, England’s best bet with the bat in Test cricket. He had a phenomenal<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/documentary-series-showing-australias-journey-from-sandpapergate-to-ashes-defence-to-be-released-early-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ashes</a> series and was England’s lone ranger on quite a few occasions.

England tour India in early 2021 in what would be their last series of the World Test Championship and Stokes will be the key in the middle order. The last time he was in India, he scored 345 runs at an average of 38.33. Moreover, he has the ability to counter the Indian pace threat as well. He defied the Aussie quicks beautifully and can do the same against the relentless Indian pace attack.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-350975" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_362267.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-350975" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</figcaption>

2019 may not have been a big year for Kane Williamson in terms of runs and performances. He has had a pretty quiet 2019 despite averaging 58.83. But the New Zealand skipper is someone who has always relished a big challenge. And he is going to get one in February next year when India tour.

Williamson doesn’t boast of a great record against India. However, he has been New Zealand’s second highest run-getter against them in this decade. The Kiwi No. 3 has scored 631 runs at an average of 37.11. He has two hundreds, last of which came back in 2014. In 2016, when <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ben-stokes-in-doubt-to-bowl-again-in-the-second-test-against-new-zealand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a> toured India, he had a disappointing series where he could score 135 runs in four innings.

Thus, he will be itching to correct his average record against India. He will be up against India’s fiery pacers but Williamson has the game, technique and the temperament to come out on top.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-351756" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_360416.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-351756" class="wp-caption-text">Steve Smith (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Steve Smith will be the first name on everybody’s mind. The former Australian skipper is an absolute machine. Ever since he returned from his 12-month long ban, he has been churning out runs for fun. It seems like he hasn’t missed a beat and has only got better as well.

He has been outstanding in the World Test Championship (WTC). In fact, he made his return to Test cricket with the start of the WTC as well. Smith is the leading run-getter in the WTC and has shown that he is a class apart. In tough batting conditions in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/saqlain-mushtaq-has-helped-me-moeen-ali-and-other-spinners-of-england-adil-rashid/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">England</a>, he scored a staggering 774 runs at an average of 110.57 which included three hundreds and as many fifties.

Moreover, Smith loves batting against India. In the 2010s decade, Smith has the second-most runs against India in Test cricket. He has amassed 1429 runs at an average of 84.05. Be it in India or in Australia, the Aussie No. 4 has kept churning out the runs against India. He has scored seven tons against them. Thus, he will be a big thorn in India’s flesh when they travel to Australia in late 2020.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-374583" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Marnus-Labuschagne.jpg" alt="Marnus Labuschagne" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-374583" class="wp-caption-text">Marnus Labuschagne (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Ever since he came on as a concussion substitute, Marnus Labuschagne has taken the world by storm. Barring three innings, he has scored fifty-plus in every innings of the World Test Championship (WTC). Moreover, he has had a fabulous 2019 so far. In 13 innings, he has scored 829 runs at an average of 63.76. He has scored five half-centuries and two hundreds this year.

The 25-year-old has a solid technique and has shown the hunger for big runs and has got them too. If teams find it tough to break through Steve Smith who bats at No. 3, they need to get past Labuschagne as well. He has proved that it is tough to get him out and with him at 3 and Smith at 4, it will be a real challenge.

He has faced <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-using-india-games-to-test-camera-spotting-of-no-balls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">India</a> only once and it was earlier this year during the New Year’s Test. He made a solid 38 but couldn’t convert that start. However, he is a much improved and a better player and India will face a big challenge to get past him and then Smith.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-376647" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tom-Latham.jpg" alt="Tom Latham" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-376647" class="wp-caption-text">Tom Latham. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

For the last couple of years, openers have struggled quite a bit in Test cricket. However, there is one man who has stood out and that is Tom Latham. He is one of the only three opening batsmen who have scored more than 1000 runs in Test cricket since the start of 2018.

Only 10 openers have more than 500 runs and among those,<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-latham-ton-stands-out-on-rain-marred-day-in-hamilton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Latham</a> is the only one to aggregate more than 1000 runs and also average in excess of 60. The left-hander has an average of 64.72 while amassing 1165 runs which is the most by any opener in the aforementioned period.

Hence, he has shown that he can counter quality bowling attacks. Latham doesn’t have a great record against India as he averages just 27.87 against them, the second-lowest for him against any team in Test cricket. However, he last played them in 2016 and Latham has improved quite a bit over the last few years. Thus, the Indian attack will face a tough challenge to break Latham’s defence.

India have absolutely dominated the World Test Championship (WTC) so far. In fact, the Virat Kohli-led side have brushed aside every opposition they’ve played. They have won every game and are well ahead of all the other teams on the points table.
One of the reasons for their success has been their fast bowlers. In the top five leading wicket-takers of this WTC, the Indian pacers occupy three spots. Mohammed Shami,<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammed-shami-hunting-in-packs-with-hunters-umesh-yadav-and-ishant-sharma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ishant Sharma</a> and Umesh Yadav have been absolutely brilliant and each of them have taken in excess of 20 wickets. Shami has 31 wickets while Ishant and Umesh have 25 and 23 respectively. Jasprit Bumrah has played just two Tests in the WTC and has already taken 13 wickets.
Thus, this Indian pace attack is simply getting better and is challenging every opposition they face. However, India face stiffer challenges in their upcoming WTC assignments. They travel to <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-vs-england-2019-2nd-test-day-1-lathams-record-hundred-taylors-milestone-williamsons-first-innings-woes-and-more-stats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a> in early 2020 and go back to Australia late next year for a four-match Test series before finishing up with England at home in a five-Test rubber.
<h3>Here we look at five batsmen who could give Indian pacers a tough time in the WTC:</h3>
<h3>Ben Stokes </h3>
<figure id="attachment_350237" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-350237" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-350237" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_364001.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-350237" class="wp-caption-text">Ben Stokes (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
When you look at Ben Stokes’ batting record against India in Test cricket, it doesn’t look great. In 11 games, he has scored 545 runs at a mediocre average of 27.25. However, Stokes has come a long way in the recent past and has improved as a batsman big time as well.
This year, Stokes has been at his best with the bat. He has made 746 runs at an average of nearly 50 and has been by far, England’s best bet with the bat in Test cricket. He had a phenomenal<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/documentary-series-showing-australias-journey-from-sandpapergate-to-ashes-defence-to-be-released-early-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ashes</a> series and was England’s lone ranger on quite a few occasions.
England tour India in early 2021 in what would be their last series of the World Test Championship and Stokes will be the key in the middle order. The last time he was in India, he scored 345 runs at an average of 38.33. Moreover, he has the ability to counter the Indian pace threat as well. He defied the Aussie quicks beautifully and can do the same against the relentless Indian pace attack.
&nbsp;

<h3>Kane Williamson </h3>
<figure id="attachment_350975" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-350975" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-350975" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_362267.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-350975" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
2019 may not have been a big year for Kane Williamson in terms of runs and performances. He has had a pretty quiet 2019 despite averaging 58.83. But the New Zealand skipper is someone who has always relished a big challenge. And he is going to get one in February next year when India tour.
Williamson doesn’t boast of a great record against India. However, he has been New Zealand’s second highest run-getter against them in this decade. The Kiwi No. 3 has scored 631 runs at an average of 37.11. He has two hundreds, last of which came back in 2014. In 2016, when <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ben-stokes-in-doubt-to-bowl-again-in-the-second-test-against-new-zealand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a> toured India, he had a disappointing series where he could score 135 runs in four innings.
Thus, he will be itching to correct his average record against India. He will be up against India’s fiery pacers but Williamson has the game, technique and the temperament to come out on top.
<h3></h3>

<h3>Steve Smith </h3>
<figure id="attachment_351756" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-351756" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-351756" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_360416.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-351756" class="wp-caption-text">Steve Smith (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Steve Smith will be the first name on everybody’s mind. The former Australian skipper is an absolute machine. Ever since he returned from his 12-month long ban, he has been churning out runs for fun. It seems like he hasn’t missed a beat and has only got better as well.
He has been outstanding in the World Test Championship (WTC). In fact, he made his return to Test cricket with the start of the WTC as well. Smith is the leading run-getter in the WTC and has shown that he is a class apart. In tough batting conditions in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/saqlain-mushtaq-has-helped-me-moeen-ali-and-other-spinners-of-england-adil-rashid/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">England</a>, he scored a staggering 774 runs at an average of 110.57 which included three hundreds and as many fifties.
Moreover, Smith loves batting against India. In the 2010s decade, Smith has the second-most runs against India in Test cricket. He has amassed 1429 runs at an average of 84.05. Be it in India or in Australia, the Aussie No. 4 has kept churning out the runs against India. He has scored seven tons against them. Thus, he will be a big thorn in India’s flesh when they travel to Australia in late 2020.
<h4></h4>

<h3>Marnus Labuschagne</h3>
<figure id="attachment_374583" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-374583" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-374583" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Marnus-Labuschagne.jpg" alt="Marnus Labuschagne" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-374583" class="wp-caption-text">Marnus Labuschagne (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Ever since he came on as a concussion substitute, Marnus Labuschagne has taken the world by storm. Barring three innings, he has scored fifty-plus in every innings of the World Test Championship (WTC). Moreover, he has had a fabulous 2019 so far. In 13 innings, he has scored 829 runs at an average of 63.76. He has scored five half-centuries and two hundreds this year.
The 25-year-old has a solid technique and has shown the hunger for big runs and has got them too. If teams find it tough to break through Steve Smith who bats at No. 3, they need to get past Labuschagne as well. He has proved that it is tough to get him out and with him at 3 and Smith at 4, it will be a real challenge.
He has faced <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-using-india-games-to-test-camera-spotting-of-no-balls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">India</a> only once and it was earlier this year during the New Year’s Test. He made a solid 38 but couldn’t convert that start. However, he is a much improved and a better player and India will face a big challenge to get past him and then Smith.

<h3>Tom Latham </h3>
<figure id="attachment_376647" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-376647" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-376647" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tom-Latham.jpg" alt="Tom Latham" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-376647" class="wp-caption-text">Tom Latham. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
For the last couple of years, openers have struggled quite a bit in Test cricket. However, there is one man who has stood out and that is Tom Latham. He is one of the only three opening batsmen who have scored more than 1000 runs in Test cricket since the start of 2018.
Only 10 openers have more than 500 runs and among those,<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-latham-ton-stands-out-on-rain-marred-day-in-hamilton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Latham</a> is the only one to aggregate more than 1000 runs and also average in excess of 60. The left-hander has an average of 64.72 while amassing 1165 runs which is the most by any opener in the aforementioned period.
Hence, he has shown that he can counter quality bowling attacks. Latham doesn’t have a great record against India as he averages just 27.87 against them, the second-lowest for him against any team in Test cricket. However, he last played them in 2016 and Latham has improved quite a bit over the last few years. Thus, the Indian attack will face a tough challenge to break Latham’s defence.

India have absolutely dominated the World Test Championship (WTC) so far. In fact, the Virat Kohli-led side have brushed aside every opposition they’ve played. They have won every game and are well ahead of all the other teams on the points table.
One of the reasons for their success has been their fast bowlers. In the top five leading wicket-takers of this WTC, the Indian pacers occupy three spots. Mohammed Shami,<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammed-shami-hunting-in-packs-with-hunters-umesh-yadav-and-ishant-sharma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ishant Sharma</a> and Umesh Yadav have been absolutely brilliant and each of them have taken in excess of 20 wickets. Shami has 31 wickets while Ishant and Umesh have 25 and 23 respectively. Jasprit Bumrah has played just two Tests in the WTC and has already taken 13 wickets.
Thus, this Indian pace attack is simply getting better and is challenging every opposition they face. However, India face stiffer challenges in their upcoming WTC assignments. They travel to <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-vs-england-2019-2nd-test-day-1-lathams-record-hundred-taylors-milestone-williamsons-first-innings-woes-and-more-stats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a> in early 2020 and go back to Australia late next year for a four-match Test series before finishing up with England at home in a five-Test rubber.
<h3>Here we look at five batsmen who could give Indian pacers a tough time in the WTC:</h3>
<h3>Ben Stokes </h3>
<figure id="attachment_350237" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-350237" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-350237" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_364001.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-350237" class="wp-caption-text">Ben Stokes (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
When you look at Ben Stokes’ batting record against India in Test cricket, it doesn’t look great. In 11 games, he has scored 545 runs at a mediocre average of 27.25. However, Stokes has come a long way in the recent past and has improved as a batsman big time as well.
This year, Stokes has been at his best with the bat. He has made 746 runs at an average of nearly 50 and has been by far, England’s best bet with the bat in Test cricket. He had a phenomenal<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/documentary-series-showing-australias-journey-from-sandpapergate-to-ashes-defence-to-be-released-early-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ashes</a> series and was England’s lone ranger on quite a few occasions.
England tour India in early 2021 in what would be their last series of the World Test Championship and Stokes will be the key in the middle order. The last time he was in India, he scored 345 runs at an average of 38.33. Moreover, he has the ability to counter the Indian pace threat as well. He defied the Aussie quicks beautifully and can do the same against the relentless Indian pace attack.
&nbsp;

<h3>Kane Williamson </h3>
<figure id="attachment_350975" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-350975" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-350975" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_362267.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-350975" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
2019 may not have been a big year for Kane Williamson in terms of runs and performances. He has had a pretty quiet 2019 despite averaging 58.83. But the New Zealand skipper is someone who has always relished a big challenge. And he is going to get one in February next year when India tour.
Williamson doesn’t boast of a great record against India. However, he has been New Zealand’s second highest run-getter against them in this decade. The Kiwi No. 3 has scored 631 runs at an average of 37.11. He has two hundreds, last of which came back in 2014. In 2016, when <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ben-stokes-in-doubt-to-bowl-again-in-the-second-test-against-new-zealand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a> toured India, he had a disappointing series where he could score 135 runs in four innings.
Thus, he will be itching to correct his average record against India. He will be up against India’s fiery pacers but Williamson has the game, technique and the temperament to come out on top.
<h3></h3>

<h3>Steve Smith </h3>
<figure id="attachment_351756" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-351756" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-351756" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_360416.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-351756" class="wp-caption-text">Steve Smith (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Steve Smith will be the first name on everybody’s mind. The former Australian skipper is an absolute machine. Ever since he returned from his 12-month long ban, he has been churning out runs for fun. It seems like he hasn’t missed a beat and has only got better as well.
He has been outstanding in the World Test Championship (WTC). In fact, he made his return to Test cricket with the start of the WTC as well. Smith is the leading run-getter in the WTC and has shown that he is a class apart. In tough batting conditions in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/saqlain-mushtaq-has-helped-me-moeen-ali-and-other-spinners-of-england-adil-rashid/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">England</a>, he scored a staggering 774 runs at an average of 110.57 which included three hundreds and as many fifties.
Moreover, Smith loves batting against India. In the 2010s decade, Smith has the second-most runs against India in Test cricket. He has amassed 1429 runs at an average of 84.05. Be it in India or in Australia, the Aussie No. 4 has kept churning out the runs against India. He has scored seven tons against them. Thus, he will be a big thorn in India’s flesh when they travel to Australia in late 2020.
<h4></h4>

<h3>Marnus Labuschagne</h3>
<figure id="attachment_374583" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-374583" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-374583" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Marnus-Labuschagne.jpg" alt="Marnus Labuschagne" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-374583" class="wp-caption-text">Marnus Labuschagne (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Ever since he came on as a concussion substitute, Marnus Labuschagne has taken the world by storm. Barring three innings, he has scored fifty-plus in every innings of the World Test Championship (WTC). Moreover, he has had a fabulous 2019 so far. In 13 innings, he has scored 829 runs at an average of 63.76. He has scored five half-centuries and two hundreds this year.
The 25-year-old has a solid technique and has shown the hunger for big runs and has got them too. If teams find it tough to break through Steve Smith who bats at No. 3, they need to get past Labuschagne as well. He has proved that it is tough to get him out and with him at 3 and Smith at 4, it will be a real challenge.
He has faced <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-using-india-games-to-test-camera-spotting-of-no-balls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">India</a> only once and it was earlier this year during the New Year’s Test. He made a solid 38 but couldn’t convert that start. However, he is a much improved and a better player and India will face a big challenge to get past him and then Smith.

<h3>Tom Latham </h3>
<figure id="attachment_376647" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-376647" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-376647" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tom-Latham.jpg" alt="Tom Latham" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-376647" class="wp-caption-text">Tom Latham. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
For the last couple of years, openers have struggled quite a bit in Test cricket. However, there is one man who has stood out and that is Tom Latham. He is one of the only three opening batsmen who have scored more than 1000 runs in Test cricket since the start of 2018.
Only 10 openers have more than 500 runs and among those,<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-latham-ton-stands-out-on-rain-marred-day-in-hamilton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Latham</a> is the only one to aggregate more than 1000 runs and also average in excess of 60. The left-hander has an average of 64.72 while amassing 1165 runs which is the most by any opener in the aforementioned period.
Hence, he has shown that he can counter quality bowling attacks. Latham doesn’t have a great record against India as he averages just 27.87 against them, the second-lowest for him against any team in Test cricket. However, he last played them in 2016 and Latham has improved quite a bit over the last few years. Thus, the Indian attack will face a tough challenge to break Latham’s defence.

In the top five leading wicket-takers of this WTC, the Indian pacers occupy three spots.

Five batsmen who will give a tough time to Indian pacers in World Test Championship

Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav have been absolutely brilliant for India and each of them have taken in excess of 20 wickets, WTC points table