Top 5 batsmen with most sixes in a calendar year in test cricket

Ben Stokes has smacked the most sixes in the history of test cricket.

Test cricket is often paired with words like patience and concentration where batsmen have to grind hard for their runs against disciplined bowling attacks. However, some batsmen have challenged this notion by playing a more attacking game.

Taking calculated risks and going after the bowlers not only helps the batsman accumulate quick runs, but also helps in disrupting the line, length and confidence of the bowler.

Batsmen who chose to play this way have generally challenged the conventional style of batting in test cricket. They have also provided the fans with plenty of entertainment.

In this article, we will look into the top five batsmen who have hit the most sixes in a calendar year in test cricket. An insight into their approach will help us understand the effectiveness of their mindset in a better way.

Five batsmen with the most sixes in a calendar year in test cricket:

5. Virender Sehwag – 21 sixes, 2008

Nicknamed the “Sultan of Multan” for his marathon innings vs Pakistan, Virender Sehwag hit 21 sixes in test cricket in the year 2008. It is worth noting that 2008 was also the same year in which Sehwag played a record-breaking innings of 319 runs against South Africa in Chennai.

Sehwag revolutionized the way test match opening was perceived. Challenging the textbook approach where batsmen are taught to take the shine away from the new ball by leaving as many deliveries as possible, Sehwag took the shine away by hitting the ball to the boundary.

4. Adam Gilchrist – 22, 2005

Hailed as arguably the greatest wicket-keeper batsman of all time in test cricket, Adam Gilchrist made the record for Australia by hitting 22 sixes in 2005.

Gilchrist also holds the record of hitting the fastest test century by an Australian player, achieving this landmark in just 57 balls at his home ground Perth.

The left-hander is credited highly for revolutionizing the role of wicket-keeper in the longest format. Traditionally seen as a role focused on solid glove work, Gilchrist raised the bar for keepers by consistently scoring valuable runs lower down the order.

3. Ben Stokes – 26, 2022

England test captain Ben Stokes is credited with revolutionizing the play style of the England cricket team in test cricket. The captain-coach duo of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum instilled an ultra-attacking approach in the Three Lions’ setup.

Ben Stokes created history for England when he smashed 26 sixes in 2022, the same year in which England adopted the Bazball style under McCullum.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 32, 2024

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal holds the record for the most sixes by an Indian batsman in a calendar year in test cricket as he smashed 32 sixes in 2024. Known for his flamboyant approach, Jaiswal is touted as the next big thing in world cricket.

The year 2024 has been special for Jaiswal. The southpaw was the highest run scorer for India in the five-match test series against England, amassing 712 runs across nine innings. His attacking game against fast bowlers as well as spinners makes him one of the most exciting talents around the globe.

1. Brendon McCullum – 33, 2014

The record for the most sixes in a year in test cricket belongs to former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum. Known for his explosive and fearless attitude, McCullum hit a record 33 sixes in test cricket in the year 2014.

His highest score of 302 against India also came in the same year, when he pulled out New Zealand from the jaws of defeat.

Years later, McCullum became the coach of England’s test team. As a coach, he filled the England side with proactiveness, freedom and fearlessness, revolutionizing test cricket with ‘Bazball.’

(All stats updated till 27th October, 2024)

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