For the unversed, the Test batting average is calculated by dividing the total number of runs a player has scored by the number of times they have been dismissed. To put it in simpler terms, the higher the batting average, the more reliable a batsman is. To achieve all this, a batsman needs to score runs consistently, adapt to different conditions and perform under pressure. Cut to the chase, among the active Test batsmen, only six have maintained a batting average in excess of 50 and surprisingly, there is no Virat Kohli on the list. Kohli's Test batting average reads 49.1 and will be looking forward to enhancing it in the games to come. Let's take a look at the six active Test batters with the highest batting average. 1. Steve Smith: Australia's top-tier batsman is a modern-day legend of the game. The 35-year-old is known for his unconventional batting style and has caused all sorts of trouble to the opponents. The right-handed batter has carved out his outstanding career with a batting average of 56.97. He scored 9,685 runs in Test cricket including 4 double centuries, 32 centuries and 41 fifties. Be it navigating fiery pace attacks or skilled spinners, he has been a master at handling pressure situations. 2. Saud Shakeel: Saud Shakeel has already made an impact in the longest format by maintaining a batting average of 56.30. The Pakistan Test vice-captain has by far scored 1126 runs, laced with 3 centuries and 6 fifties so far. If he continues this good batting form, he has the potential to be a mainstay in the team's middle order for years to come. 3. Kane Williamson: Kane Williamson has been the cornerstone of New Zealand's batting lineup for over the last decade. He has maintained a batting average of 54.98, courtesy of his exceptional consistency. Known for his calm and composed approach, Kane slammed as many as 6 double centuries, 32 centuries and 34 fifties. Be it playing at home or in challenging overseas conditions, he has often brought the best out of himself. 4.

Harry Brook: Harry Brook is considered the next big thing in English cricket. With a batting average of 53.72 in Test cricket, the young right-hander has already made a strong start to his cricketing venture. In just 17 Tests, he amassed 1558 runs, including 5 centuries and 9 fifties. Having made his Test debut in 2022, he ensured to deliver the goods with the bat on a consistent basis, while also adapting to different situations. 5. Joe Root: Without an iota of doubt, Joe Root is one of the most consistent batters in Test cricket. Notably, he is also the leading Test run-getter among the active players. He scored 12,402 runs at an impressive batting average of 50.62, laced with 34 centuries and 64 fifties. The Yorkshireman's hunger for scoring runs shows no signs of slowing down. If he keeps up his good form in his late '30s, then he has a great chance to edge past Sachin Tendulkar's tally of most runs (15,921) in Test cricket. 6. Daryl Mitchell: The 33-year-old Hamilton-born has gradually established himself as a reliable middle-order batter in New Zealand's set-up across formats. Talking about his performance in Test cricket, he has maintained a batting average of 50.25. Overall, he scored 1608 runs, including 5 centuries and 10 fifties.