Test cricket is undeniably the supreme test of a cricketer’s abilities and forbearance. T20 cricket may offer the fun, while there are financially decent white-ball formats too, but it is without doubt that nothing can match the tradition and difficulty associated with Test cricket. It has always been seen as challenging because its format takes the longest time to complete, thus pushing players to their extremes.
A total of over 2,000 players have participated in Test matches; however only a handful have ever breached the 10,000 runs threshold. In this piece we look to list out top ten run scorers in Test matches showcasing great batsmen who made names for themselves in cricket history.
10. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 11,814 runs
One such impressive person who has been talked about is Mahela Jayawardene from Sri Lanka who is among very few individuals to have made more than 11 thousand runs in both one-day internationals (ODIs) as well as test matches. According to what he was known for during his tenure as captain and stylistic batsman stands out with an average of 49.84 having played 149 tests accounting for 11,814 runs .His 34 hundreds and 50 half centuries make his highest score of 374 one of most outstanding innings ever played.
9. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) – 11,867 runs
The West Indies has produced many cricketers, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul being one of the most underrated of all time. Chanderpaul had different stance as well as remarkable tenacity, he played 164 tests where he amassed 11,867 runs with an impressive average of 51.37 runs. More often than not, Chanderpaul’s exploits were unrecognized but his service to West Indies cricket was of immense value making him second highest run scorer from Caribbean in tests.
8. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 11,953 runs
Amongst exemplary batsmen in history of cricket is Brian Lara who is said to have been the greatest elegant and desolating batsman ever. In 131 tests he scored 11953 runs which included a world record 400; this figure remains the highest ever in Test cricket by any single individual player. By virtue of his flair and skills, Lara had an uncanny ability to take on bowlers thereby making him popular among fans while importantly earning him place amongst all-time bests who scored 34 centuries during his active career days.
7. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 12,400 runs
Kumar Sangakkara is considered as one among graceful left-handers in cricket who literally had to call it a day after recording 12400 runs from 134 Test Matches at an extraordinary average equal to 57.40. His swing between artfulness on one hand and fury on another made him one most dreaded batsmen all over globe’s playing fields. It is evident that he was consistent and adaptable to different conditions as demonstrated by his 38 centuries including 52 half centuries.
6. Joe Root (England) – 12,402 runs*
Joe Root is modern-day England’s batting maestro and he continues to elevate Test cricket to new heights. To date, Root has scored 12,402 runs off 146 Tests at average of 50.62. With 34 centuries and 64 fifties, Root is on course to propel himself further up this chart and even possibly vie for first place. His remarkable consistency and cravings for runs make him a greatest player among his contemporaries.
5. Alastair Cook (England) – 12,472 runs
Alastair Cook was, for long the highest run-scorer in Test cricket from England apparently a symbol of endurance and discipline. In his career lasting over fifteen years, Cook has played 161 Tests scoring 12472 runs with an average of 45.35. Cook got known by grinding out considerable innings, with 33 centuries as well as 57 half-century runs noted in his history. Devoting himself to fitness in sport was demonstrated by his record a signifying his unbroken series throughout these 159 consecutive matches.
4. Rahul Dravid (India) – 13,288 runs
Rahul Dravid popularly called “The Wall” has been India’s main foundation of batting for more than ten years now. He amassed 13288 runs from 164 Test matches with an average score of 52.31 over long time periods characterized by solid defense capabilities offering up plenty batting hours himself over many tests. With 36 centuries along with another 63 half-centuries in ODIs, he was the image of concentration and patience often putting pressure on important rounds.
3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) (13,289 runs)
Arguably, Jacques Kallis is the greatest all-rounder seen in cricket history. With an impressive 13,289 runs in 166 Tests and a staggering average of 55.37 plus 45 centuries; he comes third on that list. Kallis’ unique status as a one and only batsman/bowler duo whose consistency is remarkable across formats means he dominates them.
2. Ricky Ponting (Australia) (13,378 runs)
Ricky Ponting was the former Australian captain who made him a legend of the game. He led Australia during one of their most successful periods with 13,378 runs scored from playing 168 Tests at an average of fifty-one point 85; scored 41 centuries; played many match-winning innings throughout his career. This earned him worldwide recognition making him among the most admired figures in cricket for its aggressive yet classy style.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 15,921 runs
When it comes to cricket records there can never be enough to cover when there’s no mention about Sachin Tendulkar considered as guru by most people within that sport. ","”Master blaster” is indeed an understatement describing would-be cricketers if we go by statistics because he has a phenomenal total of fifteen thousand nine hundred twenty one scores against two hundred matches played by him. His career lasted over two decades spanning from ‘ruby era’ till ‘golden era’ where he had 51 centuries together with 68 half centuries while hitting 53.78 on avrg throughout all games including limited overs.
Disclaimer - All the stats are calculated until 11th September 2024.
