Most Runs In Test Cricket
Test cricket is the toughest form of cricket. It tests batsmen’s skills in every way, like how well they hit the ball, how strong their minds are, and how they handle pressure. Over the years, many great batsmen have graced the game and have scored a lot of runs in test cricket.
The batsman with the most runs in Test cricket is Sachin Tendulkar from India. He scored a staggering 15,921 runs across his impressive 200 Test matches.
Most Runs In Test Cricket History
Here are the top 10 batsmen with the Highest runs in Test cricket:
10. Joe Root – England (2012-2024)
Joe Root, England’s modern-day maestro, continues to make significant contributions to Test cricket since his debut in 2012. With 11,452 runs in 137 matches (and counting), Root boasts an average of 49.79.
His highest score of 254, combined with 30 centuries and 60 half-centuries, positions Root as one of England’s leading batsmen in contemporary cricket.
9. Mahela Jayawardene – Sri Lanka (1997-2014)
Mahela Jayawardene left an indelible mark on Test cricket from 1997 to 2014. Playing 149 matches, he accumulated 11,814 runs at an average of 49.84.
Jayawardene’s highest score of 374, along with 34 centuries and 50 half-centuries, showcased his elegance and contribution to Sri Lankan cricket.
8. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – West Indies (1994-2015)
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the Guyanese rock, showcased remarkable resilience during his Test career from 1994 to 2015.
In 164 matches, he scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51.37. Chanderpaul’s highest score of unbeaten 203 runs, combined with 30 centuries and 66 half-centuries, highlighted his ability to anchor the West Indies’ batting lineup.
7. Brian Lara – West Indies (1990-2006)
Brian Lara enthralled cricket fans from 1990 to 2006. Playing 131 Tests, Lara scored 11,953 runs at an average of 52.88.
His monumental highest score of 400*, coupled with 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries, established Lara as one of the most iconic batsmen in Test cricket.
6. Kumar Sangakkara – Sri Lanka (2000-2015)
Kumar Sangakkara, the stylish left-hander batsman, played Test cricket for Sri Lanka from 2000 to 2015. In 134 matches, he accumulated 12,400 runs at an exceptional average of 57.4.
Sangakkara’s highest score of 319, along with 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries, reflected his elegance and consistency at the crease.
5. Alastair Cook – England (2006-2018)
Alastair Cook contributed significantly to his team’s success from 2006 to 2018. Playing 161 Tests, Cook amassed 12,472 runs at an average of 45.35.
His highest score of 294, along with 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries, showcased his resilience and ability to anchor the innings.
4. Rahul Dravid – India (1996-2012)
Rahul Dravid, known as “The Wall” for his impregnable defense, graced Test cricket from 1996 to 2012. In 164 matches, he amassed 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31.
Dravid’s highest score of 270, coupled with 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries, solidified his reputation as one of India’s cricketing stalwarts.
3. Jacques Kallis – South Africa (1995-2013)
Jacques Kallis showcased his prowess as both a batsman and a bowler. From 1995 to 2013, Kallis played 166 Tests, accumulating 13,289 runs at an impressive average of 55.37.
With a highest score of 224, Kallis notched up 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries, leaving an indomitable legacy in the cricketing world.
2. Ricky Ponting – Australia (1995-2012)
Ricky Ponting, the Australian run machine, played 168 Test matches from 1995 to 2012. With 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85, Ponting’s aggressive style and impeccable technique left an indelible mark on cricket.
His highest score of 257 and 41 centuries, along with 62 half-centuries, underscored his dominance and consistency in the longest format of the game.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – India (1989-2013)
Sachin Tendulkar, “The Little Master,” had an illustrious Test cricket career spanning from 1989 to 2013. In 200 matches, he amassed a staggering 15,921 runs with an impressive average of 53.78.
Tendulkar’s highest score, an unbeaten 248, showcased his incredible skill and endurance. The Indian maestro recorded an astonishing 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries during his cricketing journey, solidifying his status as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport.
List Of Most Runs In Test Cricket | Top 50 Batsmen
| Sr. No. | Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Runs |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 1989-2013 | 200 | 329 | 15921 |
| 2 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 1995-2012 | 168 | 287 | 13378 |
| 3 | JH Kallis (ICC/SA) | 1995-2013 | 166 | 280 | 13289 |
| 4 | Rahul Dravid (ICC/IND) | 1996-2012 | 164 | 286 | 13288 |
| 5 | Alastair Cook (ENG) | 2006-2018 | 161 | 291 | 12472 |
| 6 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 2000-2015 | 134 | 233 | 12400 |
| 7 | Brian Lara (ICC/WI) | 1990-2006 | 131 | 232 | 11953 |
| 8 | S Chanderpaul (WI) | 1994-2015 | 164 | 280 | 11867 |
| 9 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 1997-2014 | 149 | 252 | 11814 |
| 10 | Joe Root (ENG) | 2012-2023 | 135 | 247 | 11416 |
| 11 | AR Border (AUS) | 1978-1994 | 156 | 265 | 11174 |
| 12 | Steve Waugh (AUS) | 1985-2004 | 168 | 260 | 10927 |
| 13 | Sunil Gavaskar (IND) | 1971-1987 | 125 | 214 | 10122 |
| 14 | Younis Khan (PAK) | 2000-2017 | 118 | 213 | 10099 |
| 15 | SPD Smith (AUS) | 2010-2023 | 102 | 181 | 9320 |
| 16 | HM Amla (SA) | 2004-2019 | 124 | 215 | 9282 |
| 17 | GC Smith (ICC/SA) | 2002-2014 | 117 | 205 | 9265 |
| 18 | GA Gooch (ENG) | 1975-1995 | 118 | 215 | 8900 |
| 19 | Javed Miandad (PAK) | 1976-1993 | 124 | 189 | 8832 |
| 20 | Inzamam-ul-Haq (ICC/PAK) | 1992-2007 | 120 | 200 | 8830 |
| 21 | VVS Laxman (IND) | 1996-2012 | 134 | 225 | 8781 |
| 22 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 2004-2018 | 114 | 191 | 8765 |
| 23 | V Kohli (IND) | 2011-2023 | 111 | 187 | 8676 |
| 24 | MJ Clarke (AUS) | 2004-2015 | 115 | 198 | 8643 |
| 25 | ML Hayden (AUS) | 1994-2009 | 103 | 184 | 8625 |
| 26 | V Sehwag (ICC/IND) | 2001-2013 | 104 | 180 | 8586 |
| 27 | IVA Richards (WI) | 1974-1991 | 121 | 182 | 8540 |
| 28 | DA Warner (AUS) | 2011-2023 | 109 | 199 | 8487 |
| 29 | AJ Stewart (ENG) | 1990-2003 | 133 | 235 | 8463 |
| 30 | KS Williamson (NZ) | 2010-2023 | 96* | 167 | 8252 |
| 31 | DI Gower (ENG) | 1978-1992 | 117 | 204 | 8231 |
| 32 | KP Pietersen (ENG) | 2005-2014 | 104 | 181 | 8181 |
| 33 | G Boycott (ENG) | 1964-1982 | 108 | 193 | 8114 |
| 34 | GS Sobers (WI) | 1954-1974 | 93 | 160 | 8032 |
| 35 | ME Waugh (AUS) | 1991-2002 | 128 | 209 | 8029 |
| 36 | MA Atherton (ENG) | 1989-2001 | 115 | 212 | 7728 |
| 37 | IR Bell (ENG) | 2004-2015 | 118 | 205 | 7727 |
| 38 | JL Langer (AUS) | 1993-2007 | 105 | 182 | 7696 |
| 39 | LRPL Taylor (NZ) | 2007-2022 | 112 | 196 | 7683 |
| 40 | MC Cowdrey (ENG) | 1954-1975 | 114 | 188 | 7624 |
| 41 | CG Greenidge (WI) | 1974-1991 | 108 | 185 | 7558 |
| 42 | Mohammad Yousuf (PAK) | 1998-2010 | 90 | 156 | 7530 |
| 43 | MA Taylor (AUS) | 1989-1999 | 104 | 186 | 7525 |
| 44 | CH Lloyd (WI) | 1966-1985 | 110 | 175 | 7515 |
| 45 | DL Haynes (WI) | 1978-1994 | 116 | 202 | 7487 |
| 46 | DC Boon (AUS) | 1984-1996 | 107 | 190 | 7422 |
| 47 | AD Mathews (SL) | 2009-2023 | 106 | 188 | 7361 |
| 48 | G Kirsten (SA) | 1993-2004 | 101 | 176 | 7289 |
| 49 | WR Hammond (ENG) | 1927-1947 | 85 | 140 | 7249 |
| 50 | CH Gayle (WI) | 2000-2014 | 103 | 182 | 7214 |
Data Source: ESPN Cricinfo
Top 10 Batsmen With Most Runs In Test Cricket In 2022:
| Sr. No. | Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Runs |
| 1 | Babar Azam (PAK) | 2022-2022 | 9 | 17 | 1184 |
| 2 | JE Root (ENG) | 2022-2022 | 15 | 27 | 1098 |
| 3 | UT Khawaja (AUS) | 2022-2022 | 11 | 20 | 1080 |
| 4 | JM Bairstow (ENG) | 2022-2022 | 10 | 19 | 1061 |
| 5 | M Labuschagne (AUS) | 2022-2022 | 11 | 19 | 957 |
| 6 | SPD Smith (AUS) | 2022-2022 | 11 | 18 | 876 |
| 7 | BA Stokes (ENG) | 2022-2022 | 15 | 26 | 870 |
| 8 | Z Crawley (ENG) | 2022-2022 | 15 | 29 | 844 |
| 9 | Imam-ul-Haq (PAK) | 2022-2022 | 8 | 16 | 837 |
| 10 | Abdullah Shafique (PAK) | 2022-2022 | 9 | 18 | 823 |
Top 10 Batsmen With Most Runs In Test In 2016:
| Sr. No. | Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Runs |
| 1 | Joe Root (ENG) | 2016-2016 | 17 | 32 | 1477 |
| 2 | JM Bairstow (ENG) | 2016-2016 | 17 | 29 | 1470 |
| 3 | AN Cook (ENG) | 2016-2016 | 17 | 33 | 1270 |
| 4 | V Kohli (IND) | 2016-2016 | 12 | 18 | 1215 |
| 5 | Azhar Ali (PAK) | 2016-2016 | 11 | 22 | 1198 |
| 6 | SPD Smith (AUS) | 2016-2016 | 11 | 18 | 1079 |
| 7 | MM Ali (ENG) | 2016-2016 | 17 | 29 | 1078 |
| 8 | BA Stokes (ENG) | 2016-2016 | 12 | 21 | 904 |
| 9 | CA Pujara (IND) | 2016-2016 | 11 | 16 | 836 |
| 10 | UT Khawaja (AUS) | 2016-2016 | 10 | 16 | 753 |
Top 10 Batsmen With Most Runs In Test In 2021:
| Sr. No. | Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Runs |
| 1 | Joe Root (ENG) | 2021-2021 | 15 | 29 | 1708 |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 2021-2021 | 11 | 21 | 906 |
| 3 | FDM Karunaratne (SL) | 2021-2021 | 7 | 13 | 902 |
| 4 | RR Pant (IND) | 2021-2021 | 12 | 21 | 748 |
| 5 | CA Pujara (IND) | 2021-2021 | 14 | 26 | 702 |
| 6 | Abid Ali (PAK) | 2021-2021 | 9 | 15 | 695 |
| 7 | Litton Das (BAN) | 2021-2022 | 8 | 13 | 680 |
| 8 | KC Brathwaite (WI) | 2021-2021 | 10 | 20 | 675 |
| 9 | HDRL Thirimanne (SL) | 2021-2021 | 7 | 13 | 659 |
| 10 | KR Mayers (WI) | 2021-2021 | 10 | 20 | 636 |
Conclusion:
These players didn’t just score runs; they showed determination, style, and skill. Their records, like Brian Lara’s huge score of 400 or Joe Root and Virat Kohli’s recent contributions, tell stories of cricket greatness.
As we celebrate these cricket heroes, we also look forward to the new players who will carry on the tradition. Test cricket’s magic lives on through these records, showing us the timeless beauty of the game we all love.
