Most Man of the Match in Test Cricket
Man of the Match is a special award given to the players who stand out because they make a significant impact on the match. It’s like saying they were the most outstanding player.
To become the Man of the Match in Test cricket, a player needs to show excellent skills in batting, bowling, or fielding during the entire match.
For example, if a player scores a lot of runs while batting, or takes many wickets while bowling, they have a good chance of winning this award. Outstanding performances in the field, like great catches or run-outs, also count.
After the match is over, a panel of experts or sometimes the fans vote to decide who deserves the Man of the Match award. It’s a way of recognizing and appreciating the player’s outstanding contribution to the game.
Most Man of the Match in Test Cricket | Top 10 Players
In test cricket, some players shine brighter than the rest. These players not only contribute to their team’s success but also stand out individually. One way to recognize such outstanding performances is through the “Man of the Match” award.Â
Let’s take a look at the top 10 best test players who have earned the most Man of the Match awards in Test cricket.
10- Steve Smith (Australia) – 13 MoM Awards in 103 Test Matches (2010-2023):
Steve Smith has accumulated 13 Man of the Match awards in 103 Test matches from 2010 to 2023.Â
Known for his unorthodox yet effective batting style, Smith’s ability to rescue his team from challenging situations and build match-winning innings has made him a standout player in contemporary cricket.
9- Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 14 MoM Awards in 200 Test Matches (1989-2013):
Sachin Tendulkar, the “Little Master” and India’s cricketing icon, earned 14 Man of the Match awards in his illustrious 200-Test career.
Tendulkar’s sublime batting and record-breaking feats were instrumental in India’s triumphs. His ability to play match-winning innings across formats solidified his status as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
8- Steve Waugh (Australia) – 14 MoM Awards in 168 Test Matches (1985-2004):
Steve Waugh won 14 Man of the Match awards in his 168 Test matches. Waugh’s determination and leadership qualities were vital in Australia’s success.
His ability to inspire his team and deliver impactful performances in crucial moments established him as one of the greatest leaders in cricket history.
7- Curtly Ambrose (West Indies) – 14 MoM Awards in 98 Test Matches (1988-2000):
Known for his intimidating pace and ability to generate bounce, Ambrose played a crucial role in the West Indies’ formidable bowling attack.Â
His match-winning spells and imposing presence made him a true West Indies cricketing legend. Curtly Ambrose secured 14 Man of the Match awards in his 98 Test matches.
6- Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 16 MoM Awards in 168 Test Matches (1995-2012):
Ricky Ponting, one of Australia’s most successful captains, won 16 Man of the Match awards in 168 Test matches.
Ponting’s aggressive batting and astute captaincy were instrumental in Australia’s dominance.
His leadership qualities, combined with his ability to score crucial runs, established him as one of the finest batsmen of his generation.
5- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 16 MoM Awards in 134 Test Matches (2000-2015):
Kumar Sangakkara, the stylish left-handed batsman, earned 16 Man of the Match awards in his 134 Test appearances for Sri Lanka.
Sangakkara’s elegant batting style and consistency were key factors in Sri Lanka’s success. His ability to anchor the innings and play match-winning knocks made him a beloved figure in international cricket.
4- Shane Warne (Australia) – 17 MoM Awards in 145 Test Matches (1992-2007):
Shane Warne, the legendary leg-spinner, accumulated 17 Man of the Match awards in 145 Test matches.
Known for his mesmerizing leg-breaks and tactical brilliance, Warne played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance during his career.
His ability to deceive batsmen and take crucial wickets made him a game-changer in Test cricket.
3- Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 17 MoM Awards in 104 Test Matches (1985-2002):
Wasim Akram, the “Sultan of Swing,” won 17 Man of the Match awards in his 104 Test matches for Pakistan.
Akram’s lethal left-arm pace bowling and dynamic lower-order batting made him a force to be reckoned with.
His knack for delivering under pressure and swinging the ball both ways established him as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.
2- Muttiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) – 19 MoM Awards in 133 Test Matches (1992-2010):
Muttiah Muralidaran, the iconic Sri Lankan off-spinner, claimed 19 Man of the Match awards in his 133 Test appearances.
Renowned for his exceptional spin bowling, Muralidaran often single-handedly turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor.
His ability to take wickets consistently and control the game made him a match-winner for his team.
1- Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 23 MoM Awards in 166 Test Matches (1995-2013):
Jacques Kallis, the legendary South African all-rounder, won an impressive 23 Man of the Match awards during his extensive Test career.
Across 166 matches, Kallis showcased his incredible versatility by consistently contributing with both bat and ball.
His ability to influence the game in various facets played a crucial role in South Africa’s success on numerous occasions.
List of the Top 50 Players with the Most Man of the Awards in Test Cricket History
| Sr. No. | Player | Span | Mat | Awards | |
| 1 | Jacques Kallis (SA) | 1995-2013 | 166 | 23 | |
| 2 | Muttiah Muralidaran (SL) | 1992-2010 | 133 | 19 | |
| 3 | Wasim Akram (PAK) | 1985-2002 | 104 | 17 | |
| 4 | Shane Warne (AUS) | 1992-2007 | 145 | 17 | |
| 5 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 2000-2015 | 134 | 16 | |
| 6 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 1995-2012 | 168 | 16 | |
| 7 | Curtly Ambrose (WI) | 1988-2000 | 98 | 14 | |
| 8 | Steve Waugh (AUS) | 1985-2004 | 168 | 14 | |
| 9 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 1989-2013 | 200 | 14 | |
| 10 | Steve Smith (AUS) | 2010-2023 | 103 | 13 | |
| 11 | Joe Root (ENG) | 2012-2023 | 135 | 13 | |
| 12 | mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 1997-2014 | 149 | 13 | |
| 13 | Ian Botham (ENG) | 1977-1992 | 102 | 12 | |
| 14 | Graeme Smith (SA) | 2002-2014 | 117 | 12 | |
| 15 | Brian Lara (WI) | 1990-2006 | 131 | 12 | |
| 16 | Imran Khan (PAK) | 1971-1992 | 88 | 11 | |
| 17 | Aravinda de Silva (SL) | 1984-2002 | 93 | 11 | |
| 18 | Rangana Herath (SL) | 1999-2018 | 93 | 11 | |
| 19 | Kane Williamson (NZ) | 2010-2023 | 96 | 11 | |
| 20 | SM Pollock (SA) | 1995-2008 | 108 | 11 | |
| 21 | DL Vettori (NZ) | 1997-2014 | 113 | 11 | |
| 22 | Glenn McGrath (AUS) | 1993-2007 | 124 | 11 | |
| 23 | Allan Border (AUS) | 1978-1994 | 156 | 11 | |
| 24 | S Chanderpaul (WI) | 1994-2015 | 164 | 11 | |
| 25 | Rahul Dravid (IND) | 1996-2012 | 164 | 11 | |
| 26 | MD Marshall (WI) | 1978-1991 | 81 | 10 | |
| 27 | Ben Stokes (ENG) | 2013-2023 | 97 | 10 | |
| 28 | Mathew Hayden (AUS) | 1994-2009 | 103 | 10 | |
| 29 | Kevin Pietersen (ENG) | 2005-2014 | 104 | 10 | |
| 30 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 2011-2023 | 111 | 10 | |
| 31 | Younis Khan (PAK) | 2000-2017 | 118 | 10 | |
| 32 | Viv Richards (WI) | 1974-1991 | 121 | 10 | |
| 33 | Anil Kumble (IND) | 1990-2008 | 132 | 10 | |
| 34 | Stuart Broad (ENG) | 2007-2023 | 167 | 10 | |
| 35 | Ravindra Jadeja (IND) | 2012-2023 | 67 | 9 | |
| 36 | MG Johnson (AUS) | 2007-2015 | 73 | 9 | |
| 37 | Sir Richard Hadlee (NZ) | 1973-1990 | 86 | 9 | |
| 38 | DW Steyn (SA) | 2004-2019 | 93 | 9 | |
| 39 | R Ashwin (IND) | 2011-2023 | 94 | 9 | |
| 40 | GA Gooch (ENG) | 1975-1995 | 118 | 9 | |
| 41 | Inzamam-ul-Haq (PAK) | 1992-2007 | 120 | 9 | |
| 42 | Alastair Cook (ENG) | 2006-2018 | 161 | 9 | |
| 43 | K Rabada (SA) | 2015-2023 | 60 | 8 | |
| 44 | VD Philander (SA) | 2011-2020 | 64 | 8 | |
| 45 | AA Donald (SA) | 1992-2002 | 72 | 8 | |
| 46 | G Kirsten (SA) | 1993-2004 | 101 | 8 | |
| 47 | Chris Gayle (WI) | 2000-2014 | 103 | 8 | |
| 48 | Virender Sehwag (IND) | 2001-2013 | 104 | 8 | |
| 49 | Justin Langer (AUS) | 1993-2007 | 105 | 8 | |
| 50 | David Warner (AUS) | 2011-2023 | 110 | 8 | |
Data Source: ESPN Cricinfo
FAQs
Q: Who won the most Man of the Match in ODI?
A: The legendary Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most Man of the Match awards in ODI cricket with a staggering 62 awards in 463 matches.
Q: Who won the most Man of the Series?
A: This record belongs to Virat Kohli, who bagged 21 Man of the Series awards across all formats (Test, ODI, and T20I).
Q: How many times Sachin got Man of the Match in Test?
A: The “Master Blaster” Sachin Tendulkar won 14 Man of the Match awards in his illustrious Test career spanning 200 matches.
Q: How many times Sachin got 99?
A: Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed on 99 in international cricket on three occasions. These instances occurred in ODI matches. Each time, he fell agonizingly short of a magical century.
Q: Who has the most ICC awards in history?
A: This prestigious title goes to the Indian batting legend Virat Kohli, who received a total of 21 ICC awards throughout his career.
Q: Who is the most man of the series in t20?
A: Currently, the record for most Man of the Series awards in T20I cricket belongs to the Indian superstar Virat Kohli with 7 awards to his name.
Q: Has Sachin ever opened in Test match?
A: Yes, Sachin did open the batting for India in 24 Test matches throughout his career. While he enjoyed significant success as an opener, he excelled even more at number four later in his career.
Q: How many times Dhoni got Man of the Match?
A: The former Indian captain MS Dhoni accumulated a total of 23 Man of the Match awards across all formats (Test, ODI, and T20I) throughout his remarkable career.
Q: Who won the most Man of Match award in Test India?
A: This record is held by the legendary Indian Batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who earned a total of 14 Man of the Match awards in his Test career for India.
