Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting made their debuts during the 1995-96 season. At that time, India, South Africa and Australia had decent No: 3 batsmen. Their superstar batsmen were Sachin Tendulkar, Hansie Cronje and Steve Waugh, respectively.

The No. 3 position is such a pivotal position in Test match cricket. They should have the ability to build an innings, play an anchor role at one end, attack the opposition when the need arises, and above all, put a price on their wicket.

However, the two most important aspects need to be their technique and consistency. Technique-wise, Rahul Dravid wins the race hands down. He has been the epitome of success, simply because of his ability to play any bowler under any conditions in any country.

There are few in world cricket that have that uncanny ability to judge the pace of the wicket as quickly as Dravid. He has the balance, poise, patience, concentration and determination that very few can match.

During the Australian tour of 2003, Steve Waugh remarked that Dravid was mentally the toughest cricketer in world cricket. Dravid is a person who is not really cowed down by the opposition, their constant banter, sledging and who always answers with his bat. It is a tribute to him that he has never flinched under pressure.

Some of the best achievements of Dravid include hitting four consecutive centuries, four double hundreds in a year, winning matches single-handedly against Australia in Australia and against West Indies in West Indies.

Dravid also showed courage in declaring the innings in Pakistan with Tendulkar on 194 not out. It showed to the world that Dravid is a tough cricketer who places team above individual records. He is also the only Indian captain in the last 35 years to win a Test series in the Caribbean. He possesses a wonderful hook shot and a perfect straight drive.

Jacques Kallis has been the type of cricketer who can dismantle a bowling attack by his willow or by his mind. Few cricketers in the world can attack as well as have a good defence, but Kallis does that with élan. Kallis has been the pillar of South African cricket ever since the ugly days of match-fixing under former captain late Hansie Cronje.

He was the fillip required for people to still believe in cricket and cricketers. Of late, Kallis has been in sublime form. His achievements include five hundreds in consecutive Test matches. Also, only recently did Kallis relinquish the number 3 position since Hershcelle Gibbs was pushed one place down from the opener's slot.

Kallis' favorite shot includes the peculiar pull shot that only he can play. He plays it almost late and as if there is no connection between his body and hands that it is a treat to watch it every time he plays. His cover drive is also a classic. Kallis' achievements seem to carry a little more weight given that he is also a part of their four-pringed pace attack.

It is very difficult to be a medium pace bowling all-rounder in this age of numerous one day and Test cricket coupled with the travel that can take a toll on any fit body. But, it is a tribute to Kallis' fitness that he has been able to succeed in this department as well.

Ricky Ponting was a superstar even before he came in to the Australian squad. Known for his cricketing exploits right from a young age, Ponting's journey has been remarkable. It is one thing to be touted as a future superstar and another thing to be able to achieve that status.

Initially, Ponting found it difficult to be in the limelight and one of his lowpoints of his youth includes being caught in an ugly brawl in a pub in Mumbai, India. He then realized that he should not waste his talent by being a prankster and started taking more responsibility for his actions.

It is always difficult to follow the footsteps of a great player like Steve Waugh, but Ponting is such a special cricketer that he not only matched it, but also exceeded it by defeating India in India after nearly 35 years. That was something not even Steve Waugh did not possess in his cricketing resume. Pointing also won the World Cup as a captain like his predecessor.

In addition, Ponting was also the first Australian captain to lose the Ashes series in about 20 years to their traditional rivals England. Recently, he became the only batsman to score twin centuries in his 100th Test match. His favorite shot includes the pull shot which travels to the boundary like a rocket.

It is very difficult to compare these cricketers and rate them, although they have played almost the same number of Test matches, all have an average above 55, all have more than 20 centuries, all have similar number of runs scored and all have been fine one-day cricketers.

While Kallis' role as an all-rounder might seem a little tougher, Dravid's and Ponting's roles as captains of their respective countries are no small feat either. Ending the speculation, we need to enjoy the achievements of these cricketers who will all surely be a part of the exclusive 10,000 run club in Test and One-day cricket.