Who is the best Test batsmen of all time? The best Test batsman is one who has mastered the art of survival while scoring runs against the best bowling attacks in the world. Often in the most challenging conditions.
At IceCric, we understand this debate is about more than numbers. We have taken on the task of ranking the greatest Test batsmen to ever grace the longest format. We studied the ability to perform in the biggest moments.
In this feature, we break down the batsmen who have not only amassed the most runs. But have also changed the course of matches. We’ll find out who the No 1 batsman in the world is. So here are the top 10 best Test batsmen.
A Look At The Top 10 Best Test Batsmen of All Time
1. Sir Donald Bradman – The Unparalleled Genius
Sir Donald Bradman sits alone as the No 1 batsman in the world. He played 52 Test matches and scored 6,996 runs at a career average of 99.94. He scored 29 centuries in his career. His batting average of 99.94 is widely considered the greatest achievement by any sportsperson in any major sport. Bradman also holds the record for the highest ever ICC Test batting rating of 961.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – The Little Master
Sachin Tendulkar carried the hopes of a nation for over two decades. He amassed records that may never be broken in Test cricket. He played 200 Test matches and scored 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78. He scored 51 centuries which is the most in Test history. He is the all time leading run scorer in Test cricket. He is also the only player to score 100 international centuries across all formats. Tendulkar faced the fiercest bowlers across generations and mastered them all.
3. Jacques Kallis – The Greatest All Rounder
Jacques Kallis is arguably the greatest all rounder of the modern era. His batting alone would have made him an all time great. He played 166 Test matches and scored 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37. He scored 45 centuries in his career. He is one of only a handful of players to have scored over 10,000 runs and taken over 250 wickets in Test cricket. Kallis remains a true legend of the game.
4. Ricky Ponting – The Ultimate Winner
Ricky Ponting is one of the most successful captains and batsmen in cricket history. He was the linchpin of Australia’s dominant era. He played 168 Test matches and scored 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85. He scored 41 centuries in his career. He led Australia to two World Cup victories. He was also a key player in their hat trick of World Cup wins in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
5. Rahul Dravid – The Wall
Rahul Dravid often saved India from collapse in difficult situations. He played 164 Test matches and scored 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31. He scored 36 centuries in his career. He holds the record for the most catches by a non wicketkeeper in Test cricket. Dravid was the epitome of patience and determination. He could bat for hours without making a mistake.
6. Brian Lara – The Prince of Port of Spain
Brian Lara was a stroke maker of sublime genius. He is the Test highest score batsman. He played 131 Test matches and scored 11,953 runs at an average of 52.88. He scored 34 centuries in his career. He held the record for the highest individual Test score twice. He first scored 375 and then scored an unbeaten 400 against England. Lara was an artist with the bat. He often scored big runs against the strongest attacks with little support. The Prince of Port of Spain is a true legend.
7. Kumar Sangakkara – The Elegant Left Hander
Kumar Sangakkara was the rock of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup for over a decade. He is considered one of the most technically correct batsmen in history. He played 134 Test matches and scored 12,400 runs at an average of 57.40. He scored 38 centuries in his career. He has the highest batting average among modern day greats. Sangakara could adapt to any condition and score runs all over the world.
8. Sir Garfield Sobers – The Greatest All Rounder
Sir Garfield Sobers is widely regarded as the greatest all rounder to ever play the game. His batting alone is legendary. He played 93 Test matches and scored 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78. He scored 26 centuries in his career. He was a dynamic and attacking batsman who could change the course of a match in a single session. At just 21 years old, he broke the record for the highest Test score. Sobers was the complete package.
9. Steve Smith – The Unorthodox Run Machine
Steve Smith is the premier Test batsman of his generation despite his unorthodox technique. He has played over 115 Test matches and scored over 10,000 runs at an average of around 56. He has scored 36 centuries in his career. He holds the second highest ICC Test batting rating of 947. He is widely considered the best Test batsman of the modern era. Smith remains one of the greatest batsmen in Test cricket history.
10. Joe Root – The Modern Day Great
Joe Root has established himself as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. He is the current captain of the England Test team. He has played over 140 Test matches and scored over 12,000 runs at an average of around 50. He has scored more than 30 centuries in his career. He has been a consistent run scorer for England across the globe. He has held the number one spot in the ICC Test batting rankings.
FAQs
Q. Who is the greatest Test batsman of all time?
A. Sir Donald Bradman is ranked No. 1.
Q. How many Test runs did Donald Bradman score?
A. Bradman scored 6,996 Test runs.
Q. Who has the highest Test batting average?
A. Donald Bradman has the highest average at 99.94.
Q. Who is the leading Test run-scorer?
A. Sachin Tendulkar is the all-time leading Test run-scorer.
Q. Who scored the highest individual Test score?
A. Brian Lara holds the record with an unbeaten 400.
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