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Test cricket, the purest form of the game, has seen some of the finest batsmen showcasing their talent and endurance. Let’s have a look into the top 10 highest run scorers in Test cricket.
| Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Hundreds | Fifties |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 1989-2013 | 200 | 329 | 15,921 | 53.78 | 54.04 | 51 | 68 |
| Ricky Ponting | 1995-2012 | 168 | 287 | 13,378 | 51.85 | 58.72 | 41 | 62 |
| Jacques Kallis | 1995-2013 | 166 | 280 | 13,289 | 55.37 | 45.97 | 45 | 58 |
| Rahul Dravid | 1996-2012 | 164 | 286 | 13,288 | 52.31 | 42.51 | 36 | 63 |
| Alastair Cook | 2006-2018 | 161 | 291 | 12,472 | 45.35 | 46.95 | 33 | 57 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 2000-2015 | 134 | 233 | 12,400 | 57.40 | 54.19 | 38 | 52 |
| Brian Lara | 1990-2006 | 131 | 232 | 11,953 | 52.88 | 60.51 | 34 | 48 |
| Shivnarine Chanderpaul | 1994-2015 | 164 | 280 | 11,867 | 51.37 | 43.31 | 30 | 66 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 1997-2014 | 149 | 252 | 11,814 | 49.84 | 51.45 | 34 | 50 |
| Joe Root | 2012-2024 | 140 | 257 | 11,736 | 49.72 | 56.52 | 31 | 61 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” is the highest run scorer in Test cricket. With an illustrious career spanning 24 years, he has set numerous records, including 51 Test centuries. Tendulkar’s technique, consistency, and passion for the game made him a global icon.
2. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Ricky Ponting, one of Australia’s greatest captains, was known for his aggressive batting and leadership qualities. Ponting scored 13,378 runs in Test cricket, and his 41 centuries highlight his ability to perform in crucial matches. He led Australia to multiple Ashes and World Cup victories.
3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis is arguably the greatest all-rounder in the history of cricket. With 13,289 runs and 292 wickets in Test cricket, Kallis’ contribution to South African cricket is immense. His solid technique and dependable batting earned him the nickname “The Rock.”
4. Rahul Dravid (India)
Known as “The Wall” for his solid defense, Rahul Dravid was the backbone of India’s batting lineup for many years. Scoring 13,288 runs in Test cricket, Dravid was renowned for his patience and concentration, making him one of the best Test batsmen.
5. Alastair Cook (England)
Alastair Cook is England’s highest run scorer in Test cricket with 12,472 runs. Cook’s exceptional ability to play long innings and his leadership as captain helped England achieve numerous victories, including Ashes series wins.
6. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Kumar Sangakkara’s elegant stroke play and consistency make him one of the finest batsmen Sri Lanka has produced. With 12,400 runs in Test cricket, Sangakkara was instrumental in many of Sri Lanka’s successes, both as a batsman and as a wicketkeeper.
7. Brian Lara (West Indies)
Brian Lara, known for his flamboyant batting style, holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket (400*). With 11,953 runs, Lara’s ability to dominate bowlers and play marathon innings made him a legend of the game.
8. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies)
Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s unorthodox batting stance did not deter him from scoring heavily in Test cricket. With 11,867 runs, Chanderpaul was known for his resilience and ability to anchor the West Indies innings in challenging conditions.
9. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)
Mahela Jayawardene’s stylish batting and ability to play under pressure earned him 11,814 runs in Test cricket. His partnerships with Kumar Sangakkara were pivotal in many of Sri Lanka’s victories.
10. Joe Root (England)
Joe Root, the current England Test captain, has amassed 11,736 runs with a healthy average of 49.72. Known for his elegant stroke play and consistency, Root continues to be a cornerstone of England’s batting lineup.
Sachin Tendulkar stands out with his remarkable tally of 15,921 runs, the highest in Test cricket. His 51 centuries and an average of 53.78 over a 24-year career highlight his exceptional talent and consistency.
Jacques Kallis not only scored 13,289 runs but also maintained an impressive average of 55.37, the highest among the top 10. His all-round abilities, including 292 wickets, make him one of the most valuable players in cricket history.
Betting enthusiasts at Lotus365 Sports Betting might find it interesting to explore how the consistency and performance of these players impact the betting odds. A player like Joe Root, with a strike rate of 56.52 and 31 centuries, can often be a safe bet for scoring runs.
