Among active cricketers to have played a minimum of 100 innings in first class cricket, Steve Smith (57.15) has the highest average.

57.15 - Steve Smith

When Steve Smith made his debut in test cricket, he used to bat at number 7 or 8 and was selected primarily as a leg spinner. It is funny to even think that he was considered the next Shane Warne.

One thing led to another, and now, Steve Smith is among the best batsmen in the world. With an average over 60 in his test career, Smith is only replicating his first class success.

From 133 matches in first class cricket, Smith has scored 11717 runs at an average of 57.15, including 42 centuries and 49 half-centuries. Talk about conversion rate! He has the best of 239.

56.99 – Hanuma Vihari

Among active Indian cricketers, Hanuma Vihari is at the top spot. Vihari first got a taste of first class cricket in 2010. He has played 89 first class matches till now in which he has scored 7067 runs with the best of 302 not out.

Vihari has an average of 56.99 in first class cricket, including 21 centuries and 36 half-centuries.

56.49 – Fawad Alam 

Fawad Alam recently starred for Pakistan with a test century against New Zealand, fighting it out in some seriously tough conditions for batting, with the ball jagging around massively. Alam's century came after a decade-long break between matches in international cricket.

Fawad Alam first played first class cricket in 2003 and has represented his team in 174 matches, from which he has scored 12853 runs at an average of over 56. He has the best of 296 and has struck 37 centuries and 61 half-centuries.

56.04 - Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma may now be looked at as primarily a white-ball player but he pounded a lot of runs in first class cricket before getting a go at the international level. Having made his maiden first class appearance in 2006, Sharma has scored at an average of 56.04, with the best of 309.

53.74 – Virat Kohli 

Indian captain Virat Kohli is not far behind. Kohli, who represented Delhi in first class cricket, also made his debut in 2006. From 119 first class matches, he has scored 9567 runs at an average of 53.74 with 34 centuries and 31 half-centuries.