Players With Most Runs in Test Cricket

Most Runs in Test Cricket: The top five cricketers with the most runs in Test cricket are Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Ricky Ponting (13,378 runs), Jacques Kallis (13,289 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,288 runs), and Joe Root (12,664 runs). These legends have made significant contributions to the game with their exceptional batting skills.

Oct 21, 2024, 13:02 IST
Most Runs in Test Cricket
Most Runs in Test Cricket

Imagine a cricket match stretched over five days, with batsmen facing countless deliveries from skilled bowlers. In this gruelling battle, the ultimate goal for many is to score as many runs as possible.

Test cricket is the longest and most traditional format of the sport, considered the pinnacle of cricketing excellence. It is played between international teams over five days, with each team having two innings to bat and bowl.

Every batsman dreams of making the most runs in this challenging format, showcasing their skill and endurance throughout the match. It's a record that has been chased by countless cricketers over the decades.

Some have come close, but only a select few have managed to etch their names into the history books. Let's explore the incredible journey of these cricketing icons and the records they have set.

Also Read| Most Test Centuries for England: List of Player Name and Hundred Count

List of the Players With the Most Runs in Test Cricket

Here's the list of the top 10 cricketers who have secured the most runs in the test cricket format and their impressive career statistics. These players have consistently performed at the highest level and have left a lasting impact on the game of cricket. The list includes:

Rank

Player

Country

Span

Mat

Inns

Runs

HS

100

1

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

India

1989-2013

200

329

15921

248*

51

2

Ricky Thomas Ponting

Australia

1995-2012

168

287

13378

257

41

3

Jacques Henry Kallis

South Africa

1995-2013

166

280

13289

224

45

4

Rahul Dravid

India

1996-2012

164

286

13288

270

36

5

Joseph Edward Root

England

2012-2024

148

270

12716

262

35

6

Alastair Nathan Cook

England

2006-2018

161

291

12472

294

33

7

Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara

Sri Lanka

2000-2015

134

233

12400

319

38

8

Brian Charles Lara

West Indies

1990-2006

131

232

11953

400*

34

9

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

West Indies

1994-2015

164

280

11867

203*

30

10

Mahela de Silva Jayawardene

Sri Lanka

1997-2014

149

252

11814

374

34

11

Allan Robert Border

Australia

1978-1994

156

265

11174

205

27

12

Stephen Rodger Waugh

Australia

1985-2004

168

260

10927

200

32

13

Sunil Manohar Gavaskar

India

1971-1987

125

214

10122

236*

34

14

Younis Khan

Pakistan

2000-2017

118

213

10099

313

34

15

Steven Peter Devereux Smith

Australia

2010-2024

109

195

9685

239

32

16

Hashim Mahomed Amla

South Africa

2004-2019

124

215

9282

311*

28

17

Graeme Craig Smith

South Africa

2002-2014

117

205

9265

277

27

18

Virat Kohli

India

2011-2024

116*

197

9017

254*

29

19

Graham Alan Gooch

England

1975-1995

118

215

8900

333

20

20

Kane Stuart Williamson

New Zealand

2010-2024

102

180

8881

251

32

21

Javed Miandad

Pakistan

1976-1993

124

189

8832

280*

23

22

David Andrew Warner

Australia

2011-2024

112

205

8786

335*

26

23

Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman

India

1996-2012

134

225

8781

281

17

24

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers

South Africa

2004-2018

114

191

8765

278*

22

25

Michael John Clarke

Australia

2004-2015

115

198

8643

329*

28

26

Matthew Lawrence Hayden

Australia

1994-2009

103

184

8625

380

30

27

Virender Sehwag

India

2001-2013

104

180

8586

319

23

28

Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards

West Indies

1974-1991

121

182

8540

291

24

29

Alec James Stewart

England

1990-2003

133

235

8463

190

15

30

David Ivon Gower

England

1978-1992

117

204

8231

215

18

Source: ESPNcricinfo

India's Sachin Tendulkar holds the illustrious record for most runs in Test cricket, having amassed an incredible 15,921 runs in his 24-year career. His ability to adapt to different conditions and bowlers made him a formidable opponent. He played 200 matches and achieved the highest score of 248 not out, maintaining an average of 53.78.

Following him is Ricky Ponting, who scored 13,378 runs in 168 matches from 1995 to 2012, with a top score of 257 and an average of 51.85. Another notable player is Jacques Kallis, who accumulated 13,289 runs in 166 matches, boasting a highest score of 224 and an average of 55.37.

In recent years, Virat Kohli has emerged as a prominent figure in Test cricket, currently ranking fourth with 9,685 runs as of 2024. His highest score is 239, and he maintains an impressive average of 56.97.

These records highlight not only individual brilliance but also the evolution of batting in Test cricket over the decades, showcasing the dedication and skill required to excel at this level.

Check Out| [Updated] List of the Top 10 Cricketers With Most Sixes in Test Cricket

Kriti Barua
Kriti Barua

Executive Content Writer

Kriti Barua is a professional content writer who has four years of experience in creating engaging and informative articles for various industries. She started her career as a creative writer intern at Wordloom Ventures and quickly developed a passion for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers.

Currently working as a content writer for the GK section of Jagran New Media, she continues to hone her skills in writing and strives to deliver high-quality content that educates and entertains readers.
... Read More

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India, World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App.

Trending

Latest Education News