Veteran England cricketers pick Yashasvi Jaiswal and Saim Ayub among the Fab 4 of next generation

In a significant endorsement of emerging cricket talent, former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton have identified Yashasvi Jaiswal and Saim Ayub as part of the next generation’s “Fab 4.” This selection highlights the promising futures of these young cricketers, who are poised to make substantial impacts on the international stage.

The emergence of Fab 4

During a discussion on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Hussain and Atherton shared their insights on the players they believe will shape the future of cricket following the era of legends like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson. Alongside Jaiswal and Ayub, they also mentioned England’s rising star Harry Brook, emphasizing that these players possess the skills and temperament necessary to succeed at the highest levels.

“Saim Ayub’s just had this injury and it is not sure whether he will be fit for the Champions Trophy, but he could be a dynamic player at the top of the order for Pakistan across all formats,” said Hussain after picking up Jaiswal and Brook.

Hussain named Australia’s Travis Head as his final pick, but Atherton argued that the 31-year-old did not meet the criteria due to his age. Atherton eventually included Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis and New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, alongside Jaiswal and Brook, as his picks for the new ‘Fab 4’.

Also READ: Top 5 players with the most runs scored in 2024 ft. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Performances of the next generation’s Fab 4 in 2024

• Saim Ayub enjoyed a successful year in international cricket, amassing 1,254 runs across 35 matches at a strike rate exceeding 89. He registered three centuries and five half-centuries, with a high score of 113 not out.

• Yashasvi Jaiswal had a breakout year, particularly in Test cricket. He amassed 1,478 runs in 15 Tests at an impressive average of 54.74, including three centuries (two double hundreds). His overall international tally reached 1,771 runs across 23 matches, solidifying his position as a key player for India.

• Kusal Mendis enjoyed a phenomenal year, showcasing an exceptional conversion rate in Test cricket. He scored 1,049 runs in just nine Tests, achieving this milestone faster than any player except Don Bradman. His overall international tally for the year reached 1,451 runs.

• Rachin Ravindra also had a productive year, scoring 1,079 runs across all formats. He excelled in Test cricket, accumulating 984 runs at an average of 42.78.

Also READ: Not India! Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain predict the winner of ICC Champions Trophy 2025