Top 5 batsmen with most test runs in fourth innings

Overall, Sachin Tendulkar has scored most test runs.

Scoring runs in test cricket is considered one of the most challenging tasks for a batsman. Unlike limited-over formats, test cricket gives the bowlers more luxury to experiment with their line and lengths without worrying too much about conceding runs.

Other contrasting factors of the longest format of the game include aggressive field settings and more bowler-friendly wickets. The challenge of scoring runs gets even more tougher in the fourth innings, where deteriorating pitches and the constant pressure of run-chase throw even the best players off-guard.

However, over the years, our beloved sport has seen many gritty batsmen who have not only absorbed this pressure, but also have scored the bulk of runs for their teams. In this article we will look at top five batsmen with most test runs in fourth innings.

Top five batsmen with most test runs in fourth innings

5. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 1580 runs

Famous for having one of the most unorthodox techniques in cricket history, Shivnarine Chanderpaul is the only West Indies batter in the elite list. The southpaw scored 1580 runs in 49 innings in fourth innings in test cricket at an average of 41.57.

Chanderpaul’s impressive numbers include two centuries and 11 half centuries. His best score of 116* in the fourth innings came against England in 2007 at Manchester.

4. Graeme Smith – 1611 runs

Hailed for transforming South Africa’s test team into world beaters, Graeme Smith was a leader who believed in leading from the front. Opening for South Africa, Graeme Smith amassed 1611 runs with a mind-blowing average of 52 in fourth innings in test cricket.

Smith’s highest score in fourth innings of a test came against England at Birmingham in 2008 when he played a marathon knock of 154* to guide South Africa to a historic victory by five wickets.

3. Alastair Cook – 1611 runs

Considered among the best test openers of the 21st century, former England captain Alastair Cook has an impressive tally of 1611 test runs in fourth innings in test cricket. Cook scored two centuries and nine half-centuries in fourth innings in his 12-year-long career.

Cook’s best score of 116 in the fourth innings came against New Zealand in 2013 at Dunedin, where he helped England force out a brave draw on the last day.

2. Sachin Tendulkar – 1625 runs

There are not many batting records without Sachin Tendulkar, and this list is no exception either. Nicknamed “God of Cricket,” Sachin scored a total of 1625 runs in fourth innings in test cricket at an average of 37.

What makes him stand out in the list is the fact that he played the majority of his cricket in India, where the pitches on fourth and fifth days assist spinners more.

Sachin achieved the impressive milestone with the help of three centuries and seven half centuries. His most memorable fourth-innings knock came in 2008 against England in Chennai, where he scored 103* to help India chase 387 runs.

1. Joe Root – 1630 runs

Modern-day great Joe Root now sits at the top of the elite list with 1630 runs in the fourth innings. Root has accumulated these runs at an outstanding average of 41.79 including two centuries and eight half centuries.

One of Root’s most memorable fourth innings masterclass came against India in 2022 at Birmingham, when he scored 141* to guide England to a famous seven-wicket win.

(All stats are updated till 1st December 2024)

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.