Hashim Amla Reveals His Top 3 Test Batters of All Time Ahead of India vs South Africa 2025 Test Series
Hashim Amla, one of the greatest top-order batsmen of his era from South Africa, has declared the top 3 Test batters of all time just ahead of the upcoming India vs South Africa Test series starting November 14, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens.
Amla’s Bold Take: Kohli Misses Out from the Top 3 Test Batters of All Time
Amla’s list, while containing names of undeniable greats, stirred an uproar on social media as Kohli, the Indian legend, was missed by Amla. Amla’s thoughts just added spice to the cricketing narrative, already boiling over with excitement, between yet another red-ball clash of India and South Africa.
Setting the Stage — India vs South Africa 2025 Test Series
The much-awaited Test between India and South Africa will spark a flame on this fierce rivalry. India, under Shubman Gill, aims to carry the fort out in their home while the Proteas, under Temba Bavum, aim to end a 15-year dry spell of not winning a Test on Indian soil.
Apart from that, all eyes would be on Rishabh Pant, who is making a comeback after a long injury lay-off, while Bavuma’s return would bolster the middle order of South Africa. As both sides sharpen their swords for the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, they two sides are also preparing an incubator for their star rising talents and veterans alike.
Hashim Amla Names His Top 3 Test Batters of All Time
A day before the exclusive series talk, Amla had named the top Test batsmen, 1, 2, and 3, appreciating all their capacities of adaptability, temperament, and dominance across formats.
| Rank | Player | Country | Test Runs | Test Centuries |
| 1 | Steve Smith | Australia | 10,000+ | 36 |
| 2 | Joe Root | England | 13,500+ | 39 |
| 3 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 9,000+ | 33 |
Steve Smith – Amla’s First Pick for Top 3 Test Batters of All Time
Amla rated Steve Smith at the top of his top 3 Test batters of all time, attributing his selection to incredible consistency and unorthodox genius. He has averaged above fifty-six and scored over ten thousand runs during a decade, being the main pillar of Australia’s batting unit.
“Honestly, I really like Smith’s batting in Tests. According to me, Smith is the best Test player in the world,” said Amla.
Adaptation to any pitch, whether it is the turning tracks of India or the bounciest of Australian surfaces, confirms his position as one of the great modern masters of cricket.
Joe Root – The Technically Flawless English Maestro
Another one in Amla’s second rank; the embodiment of calmness under pressure. He has amassed over 13,500 international runs and 39 centuries, which goes to show how good he has been in all conditions at home and abroad.
Possibly the most reliable Test batsman of this age, Root has extraordinary skill against spin and pace, or, in other words, has a spectacular ability to bat under spin and pace. “After Smith, I would choose Joe Root at number two. Again, he is a great Test batsman,” said Amla.
Root’s calmness, tactical intelligence, and unmatched consistency place him, with good reason, among the top 3 Test batters of all time.
Kane Williamson – The Gentleman of Test Cricket
His top-most Test batters ever include Kane Williamson, too, New Zealand’s backbone as a batsman. Williamson is known for his graceful strokes, for being patient, and for anchoring innings under duress. And his 9,000-plus Test runs and 33 centuries complete his canvas testimony.
Not only does he lead New Zealand to its first-ever victory at the 2021 World Test Championship, but he also always gathers thrilling personal practice scenarios against the world’s most elite teams, thus justifying Amla’s appreciation for purely, classically Test batting.
The Controversy – No Place for Virat Kohli in Amla’s Top 3
What made the most noise, however, was that Amla had not included Virat Kohli. For many, that is the record:
- Matches: 123
- Runs: 9230
- Average: 46.85
- Centuries: 30
Kohli’s dominance in all forms of cricket, coupled with his fiery leadership and originality, encouraged many. Under his helm, the Indian team won 40 Test matches with dominance, both at home and abroad.
One could argue that Amla’s discarding of the Indian is based on proximity because, as recent events have shown, Kohli had called it quits from red-ball cricket at the start of this year, ending a glorious 15-year chapter.
Having said all that, according to Starexchange, Kohli still stands as one of the most iconic personalities in Test cricket history, and fans keep on including him in all discussions about the best without a doubt top 3 Test batters of all time, leaving Amla’s opinions aside.
Statistical Glance – Test Legends at a Glance
| Player | 2024 Runs | Centuries | Average | Notable Series |
| Steve Smith | 1,050 | 4 | 58.3 | vs India, Ashes |
| Joe Root | 970 | 3 | 52.1 | vs Pakistan, WI |
| Kane Williamson | 930 | 3 | 49.5 | vs Australia, SA |
| Virat Kohli | 620 | 2 | 44.2 | vs England (final series) |
These clearest expansions continue to strengthen and broaden the popular debate regarding who really ranks among the top three Test batters of all time.
What Makes a True Test Great?
Because there is more to Test cricket greatness than mere numbers, according to Amla: temperament, adaptability, and resilience. Sure, Smith, Root, and Williamson have all built their own reputations on these terms, notably shining through the most difficult patches and winning matches when all the odds seem against them.
It has mile-long cracks of brilliance coupled with unshakeable strength that continues to create the top 3 Test batters of all time, leaving Test cricket as the ultimate examination of a player’s greatness.
Looking Ahead – India vs South Africa Test Series 2025
As much as preparations are underway by India and South Africa for their two-Test match series, so also both camps are also looking up to their stars for performance appraisal. Gill and Bavuma will lead the pack, while fans await exciting duel antics from the personalities of Pant, Rabada, and Stubbs.
Well, Amla had actually just ignited the anticipation, having given that perfect feel to cricket lovers for the next epic chapter in that iconic rivalry.
Stay tuned with Starexch, your absolute cricket news source for insightful match and real-time updates from all over the world. Experience beyond a boundary beyond the boundaries with professionals in the coverage and analysis.
FAQs
1. Who are Hashim Amla’s top 3 Test batters of all time?
Amla named Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson as his top 3 Test batters of all time.
2. Why did Hashim Amla exclude Virat Kohli from his list?
Amla’s selection focused on current active Test performers. Kohli’s retirement from Tests in 2025 may have influenced the omission.
3. How many runs has Virat Kohli scored in Test cricket?
Virat Kohli finished his Test career with 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and an average of 46.85.
4. When does the India vs South Africa Test series 2025 begin?
The two-match Test series starts on November 14, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
5. Who is leading India and South Africa in the Test series?
Shubman Gill will captain India, while Temba Bavuma leads South Africa.
