List of batsmen to hit 1000+ test runs in a calendar year before turning 23

One Indian batter has achieved this illustrious milestone in test cricket.

Test cricket is the toughest format for a batsman of the three forms of international cricket. Batter generally need to grind really hard to play a big knocks for their teams. Having a solid technique, wide range, and calm temperament is what a batsman must have to score runs for a long period of time.

In the history of test cricket, many huge milestones have been achieved by batsmen, especially the young ones who are trying to find their feet in this format.

One such benchmark is scoring 1000 test runs in a calendar year. For youngsters to score loads of runs is really challenging. In the history of cricket, only five batters have hit 1000 or more runs in a calendar year before turning 23. Let’s take a look at those talented batters.

Batsmen to score 1000+ test runs in a calendar year before turning 23:

1. Garfield Sobers (WI) – 1193 runs in 1958

Garry Sobers is one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. The great West Indies cricketer made his test debut against England in 1954. Sobers played his last match in 1974 against the same opposition.

Sobers amassed 8032 runs in 93 matches at an astounding average of 57.78 with 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. With the ball, he scalped 235 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls.

In the year 1958, before he turned even 22, Sobers slammed 1193 runs in seven tests at a booming average of 99 with five centuries and three half-centuries.

2. Graeme Smith (SA) – 1198 runs in 2003

Graeme Smith was one of the finest openers in both ODIs and tests. The former South Africa captain was known for his elegant style of batting in the longest format.

The left-handed batter made his test debut against Australia in 2002 and played his final match against the same opposition in Cape Town in 2014. In his legendary test career, Smith notched up 9265 runs in 117 matches at an average of 48.25, including 27 centuries and 38 half-centuries.

Smith was the second batter to score 1000+ runs in test cricket in a calendar year before turning 23. In 2003, the southpaw hammered 1198 runs in 12 tests at an admirable average of 63.05, with four centuries and two fifties.

3. Alastair Cook (ENG) – 1013 runs in 2006

Legendary England opener Alastair Cook slammed 1013 runs in 13 matches in 2006 while he hadn’t celebrated his 23rd birthday yet. The stylish batter had a brilliant average of 46.04 and slammed four centuries and three half-centuries that year.

Talking about Cook’s career, he is one of the greatest openers to play the longest format. The former England captain achieved many historic records and is the second highest-run getter for his nation in tests.

Cook scored 12472 runs in 161 matches at a stunning average of 45.35. The legendary opener slammed 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries in the longest format.

4. AB de Villiers (SA) – 1008 runs in 2005

A cricketer who can hit boundaries in all parts of the ground, AB de Villiers was a nightmare for the bowlers. De Villiers was known for his versatile batting display, which made him one of the greatest batsmen in South African cricket history.

Talking about test cricket, de Villiers amassed 8765 runs in 114 matches at an admirable average of 50.66. He notched up 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries.

Before turning 23, de Villiers slammed 1008 test runs in 11 tests in 2005 at a brilliant average of 53.06. The included three centuries and five half-centuries.

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 1007 runs in 2024

India’s young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal made his test debut against the West Indies in 2023. He instantly cemented his spot as an opener and has been an unstoppable force in the longest format. Jaiswal has achieved many huge milestones in his brief career at such a young age already.

The left-hander became the first Indian batter to score 1000 runs in a year in test cricket before turning 23. In 2024, Jaiswal slammed 1007 runs in 10 tests at a mind-blowing average of 59.23 with two centuries and six half-centuries.

(All stats are updated till 25th October 2024.)

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