Smashing Records: Exploring The Most Sixes in Test Cricket
Test cricket is known for its strategic battles and patient gameplay, but every now and then, players unleash their power with breathtaking sixes that leave the crowd in awe. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the cricketing heroes who have dominated the skies, setting records for the most sixes in Test cricket.
Top 10 Batsmen With Most Sixes In Test Cricket
Let’s embark on a journey to discover the top 10 batsmen with the most sixes in Test cricket.
Ben Stokes (England)
In the contemporary era, Ben Stokes has emerged as a dynamic all-rounder. Ben Stokes sits atop the list with his incredible 124 sixes. Stokes continues to thrill cricket fans with his aggressive yet controlled approach in Test matches.
Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
A trailblazer in New Zealand cricket, Brendon McCullum’s swashbuckling style resonated in Test cricket too. His 107 sixes reflect his fearless attitude, and fans fondly remember his explosive innings as a captain and player.
Adam Gilchrist (Australia)
In the realm of wicketkeeper-batsmen, Adam Gilchrist not only showcased exceptional glovework but also left a mark with his aggressive batting. With 100 sixes, Gilchrist entertained fans and intimidated bowlers in equal measure.
Chris Gayle (West Indies)
The ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle needs no introduction. While renowned for his T20 exploits, Gayle has smashed 98 sixes in Test cricket, showcasing his ability to dominate any format with his colossal hits.
Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis, a true all-rounder, not only took wickets and scored centuries but also cleared the boundary with 97 sixes. His balanced and powerful batting left a lasting impact on the Test arena.
Virender Sehwag (India)
Known for rewriting record books, Virender Sehwag was a fearless opener for India. His 91 sixes in Test cricket reflect his ‘see ball, hit ball’ philosophy, making him one of the most entertaining batsmen of his generation.
Brian Lara (West Indies)
The legendary West Indian batsman, Brian Lara, mesmerized cricket lovers worldwide with his graceful yet forceful strokes. Lara’s 88 sixes underline his ability to shift gears and take on the opposition in Test matches.
Chris Cairns (New Zealand)
Chris Cairns played Test cricket between 1989 and 2004. Over the course of his career, Cairns showcased his prowess with both bat and ball. Chris Cairns hit 87 sixes in 104 test innings.
Tim Southee (New Zealand)
Tim Southee is known for his skills as a right-arm fast-medium bowler. He is also a handy lower-order batsman. Southee has been an integral part of the New Zealand cricket team in all formats of the game. Southee has hit 86 sixes in 137 innings.
Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies)
Known for his swagger and fearless approach, Sir Vivian Richards is at number 10 with his incredible 84 sixes. The West Indian legend graced the cricketing world with his unparalleled style and power-hitting during the 1970s and 1980s.
List Of Top 50 Batsmen With Highest Sixes In Test Cricket
| Sr. No. | Player | Span | Mat | Inns | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Stokes (ENG) | 2013-2023 | 97 | 175 | 124 |
| 2 | Brendon McCullum (NZ) | 2004-2016 | 101 | 176 | 107 |
| 3 | Adam Gilchrist (AUS) | 1999-2008 | 96 | 137 | 100 |
| 4 | Chris Gayle (WI) | 2000-2014 | 103 | 182 | 98 |
| 5 | JH Kallis (SA) | 1995-2013 | 166 | 280 | 97 |
| 6 | Virender Sehwag (IND) | 2001-2013 | 104 | 180 | 91 |
| 7 | Brian Lara (WI) | 1990-2006 | 131 | 232 | 88 |
| 8 | CL Cairns (NZ) | 1989-2004 | 62 | 104 | 87 |
| 9 | Tim Southee (NZ) | 2008-2023 | 96 | 137 | 86 |
| 10 | Viv Richards (WI) | 1974-1991 | 121 | 182 | 84 |
| 11 | A Flintoff (ENG) | 1998-2009 | 79 | 130 | 82 |
| 12 | ML Hayden (AUS) | 1994-2009 | 103 | 184 | 82 |
| 13 | AD Mathews (SL) | 2009-2023 | 106 | 188 | 82 |
| 14 | Misbah-ul-Haq (PAK) | 2001-2017 | 75 | 132 | 81 |
| 15 | Kevin Pietersen (ENG) | 2005-2014 | 104 | 181 | 81 |
| 16 | MS Dhoni (IND) | 2005-2014 | 90 | 144 | 78 |
| 17 | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 2013-2023 | 52 | 88 | 77 |
| 18 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 1995-2012 | 168 | 287 | 73 |
| 19 | CH Lloyd (WI) | 1966-1985 | 110 | 175 | 70 |
| 20 | Younis Khan (PAK) | 2000-2017 | 118 | 213 | 70 |
| 21 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 1989-2013 | 200 | 329 | 69 |
| 22 | Ian Botham (ENG) | 1977-1992 | 102 | 161 | 67 |
| 23 | CG Greenidge (WI) | 1974-1991 | 108 | 185 | 67 |
| 24 | David Warner (AUS) | 2011-2023 | 109 | 199 | 65 |
| 25 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 2004-2018 | 114 | 191 | 64 |
| 26 | CL Hooper (WI) | 1987-2002 | 102 | 173 | 63 |
| 27 | Kapil Dev (IND) | 1978-1994 | 131 | 184 | 61 |
| 28 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 1997-2014 | 149 | 252 | 61 |
| 29 | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | 1991-2007 | 110 | 188 | 59 |
| 30 | Ravindra Jadeja (IND) | 2012-2023 | 67 | 98 | 58 |
| 31 | Wasim Akram (PAK) | 1985-2002 | 104 | 147 | 57 |
| 32 | Sourav Ganguly (IND) | 1996-2008 | 113 | 188 | 57 |
| 33 | Rishabh Pant (IND) | 2018-2022 | 33 | 56 | 55 |
| 34 | Imran Khan (PAK) | 1971-1992 | 88 | 126 | 55 |
| 35 | Ross Taylor (NZ) | 2007-2022 | 112 | 196 | 55 |
| 36 | Stuart Broad (ENG) | 2007-2023 | 167 | 244 | 55 |
| 37 | CD McMillan (NZ) | 1997-2005 | 55 | 91 | 54 |
| 38 | Brad Haddin (AUS) | 2008-2015 | 66 | 112 | 54 |
| 39 | Shahid Afridi (PAK) | 1998-2010 | 27 | 48 | 52 |
| 40 | Steve Smith (AUS) | 2010-2023 | 102 | 181 | 52 |
| 41 | Mohammad Yousuf (PAK) | 1998-2010 | 90 | 156 | 51 |
| 42 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 2000-2015 | 134 | 233 | 51 |
| 43 | Jason Holder (WI) | 2014-2023 | 64 | 113 | 50 |
| 44 | Jonny Bairstow (ENG) | 2012-2023 | 95 | 168 | 50 |
| 45 | Aravinda de Silva (SL) | 1984-2002 | 93 | 159 | 48 |
| 46 | Javed Miandad (PAK) | 1976-1993 | 124 | 189 | 48 |
| 47 | Inzamam-ul-Haq (ICC/PAK) | 1992-2007 | 120 | 200 | 48 |
| 48 | HH Gibbs (SA) | 1996-2008 | 90 | 154 | 47 |
| 49 | MA Starc (AUS) | 2011-2023 | 82 | 118 | 46 |
| 50 | Joe Root (ENG) | 2012-2023 | 135 | 247 | 43 |
Data Source: ESPN Cricinfo
Most Sixes In Test Innings
Here is a list of top batsmen with most sixes in test innings:
| Sr. No. | Player | Runs | 6s | Opposition |
| 1 | Wasim Akram (Pakistan) | 257 | 12 | v Zimbabwe |
| 2 | Nathan Astle (New Zealand) | 222 | 11 | v England |
| 3 | Mathew Hayden (Australia) | 380 | 11 | v Zimbabwe |
| 4 | Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) | 202 | 11 | v Pakistan |
| 5 | Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) | 195 | 11 | v Sri Lanka |
| 6 | Ben Stokes (England) | 258 | 11 | v South Africa |
| 7 | Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) | 245 | 11 | v Ireland |
| 8 | Wally Hammond | 336 | 10 | v New Zealand |
| 9 | Chris Cairns (New Zealand) | 120 | 9 | v Zimbabwe |
| 10 | Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) | 329 | 9 | v New Zealand |
Memorable Sixes in Test Cricket History
Sir Garfield Sobers, 1968:
In a historic moment at Bridgetown, Sobers became the first player to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket during a county test match against Glamorgan.
Vivian Richards, 1986:
During a Test against England at Old Trafford, Richards hit a colossal six that sailed out of the stadium, symbolizing his dominance and flair in the game.
Brian Lara, 1995:
Lara’s record-breaking 375 against England included a memorable six that helped him surpass Sobers’ record for the highest individual Test score at that time.
Adam Gilchrist, 2001:
During the famous “Greatest Test” at Eden Gardens, Gilchrist’s counter-attacking innings included a crucial six that swung the momentum in Australia’s favor against India.
Andrew Flintoff, 2005:
In the iconic Ashes series, Flintoff hit a crucial six off Brett Lee at Edgbaston, displaying the resilience of the England team in one of the greatest Test matches.
Virender Sehwag, 2008:
Sehwag’s six off the first ball of a Test match against South Africa showcased his fearless batting style and set the tone for an aggressive innings.
Ben Stokes, 2019:
Stokes played a memorable role in England’s dramatic Ashes win at Headingley, hitting an extraordinary six to seal victory and etch his name in Test cricket history.
FAQs
Q: Who hit most sixes in test history?
A: The record for the most sixes in Test cricket is held by Ben Stokes of England. Ben Stokes has hit a total of 107 sixes in 97 Test matches.
Q: Has scored the maximum number of sixes in Test innings?
A: Wasim Akram hit a total of 12 sixes against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura in 1996.scored his only Test century against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura in 1996.
His 12 sixes in a Test innings remain a record for the most sixes by a batsman in a single Test innings.
Q: How many sixes of Virender Sehwag are there in Test?
A: Virender Sehwag hit a total of 91 sixes in Test matches during his international cricket career.
Q: Who is known as Sixer King?
A: The title “Sixer King” is often associated with various cricketers who are known for their exceptional ability to hit sixes consistently. Some of the cricketers who have been associated with the “Sixer King” title include Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, and MS Dhoni.
Q: Who has the longest six in cricket history?
A: The record for the longest six in cricket history is often attributed to Shahid Afridi Afridi hit a massive six of 153 metres against South Africa in 2013.
Q: How many sixes did Sachin hit in Test?
A: Sachin Tendulkar hit a total of 69 sixes in Test cricket during his international career.
