Country-wise highest run-scorers in test cricket

Seven batsmen have scored over 12,000 runs in test cricket.

Test cricket has a rich history of close to 150 years, and it has seen numerous batsmen who registered their names in the history books. There are 12 nations that compete in this format now.

Every team have had batting superstars who have been the torchbearers of cricket in their country in different eras. This article is all about those legends who performed consistently for their country for a long time.

Scoring the most test runs for your country is a matter of great pride. In this article, we will talk about the top scorers of each test-playing nation in test cricket.

Country-wise list of the highest run-scorers in test cricket:

12. Ireland – Lorcan Tucker (480 runs)

Ireland made their debut in test cricket in 2018 and have played only a handful of games. Lorcan Tucker is Ireland’s leading test scorer right now.

The star batter has played six tests and scored 480 runs with one century and two half-centuries. He is one of four Irish batters with a test century.

11. Afghanistan – Rahmat Shah (578 runs)

Afghanistan also made their test debut in 2018, and Rahmat Shah, a veteran in the other formats, is their leading run-scorer in test cricket.

Rahmat has featured in nine tests and scored 578 runs at an average of 32.11 with one hundred and five half-centuries.

10. Zimbabwe – Andy Flower (4794 runs)

Andy Flower and Grant Flower were the two best cricketers to play for Zimbabwe. Both had successful careers, and it was Andy who retired as the highest run scorer for Zimbabwe in tests.

He played 63 tests between 1992 and 2002 and scored 4794 at an average of 51.54 with 12 centuries and 27 half-centuries.

9. Bangladesh – Mushfiqur Rahim (5961 runs)

Mushfiqur Rahim is one of Bangladesh’s biggest cricket icons. The veteran keeper is the leading run-scorer for his country in test cricket.

He has played 92 tests and scored 5961 runs at an average of 38.45. Rahim also has 11 centuries and 27 half-centuries, with a best of 219 not out, under his belt.

8. New Zealand – Kane Williamson (8881 runs)

Kane Williamson is among the best test batters in modern-day cricket. He has been one of the most consistent batters in this era and has scored runs in most parts of the world he’s played in. Since making his test debut in 2010, he has played 102 games and scored 8881 runs at an average of 54.48.

Williamson has 32 centuries and 35 half-centuries in this format. He has the most runs, most centuries, and most half-centuries in tests for New Zealand.

7. Pakistan – Younis Khan (10099 runs)

Pakistan have had many batting greats in the past, but there is only one batter who went past the 10,000-run mark. It was Younis Khan who retired with the most test runs for Pakistan.

Younis played 118 games between 2000 and 2017 and scored 10099 runs at an average of 52.05 and a best of 313. He recorded 34 centuries and 33 half-centuries in tests.

6. West Indies – Brian Lara (11912 runs)

West Indies legend Brian Lara was one of the finest test cricketers of all time. He holds many records, including the highest individual score in tests.

Lara played 130 tests between 1990 and 2006 and scored 11912 runs for West Indies at an average of 53.17. He racked up 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries with a best of 400 not out.

5. Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara (12400 runs)

Sri Lanka have produced many batting legends. One of them was Kumar Sangakkara, who scored the most international runs and centuries for Sri Lanka. The southpaw played 134 tests between 2000 and 2015 and scored 12400 runs at an average of 57.40 with a best of 319.

Sangakkara hit 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries and has the second-most double centuries (11) in test cricket.

4. England – Joe Root (12661* runs)

Joe Root is now being hailed as England’s greatest test batsman. Root made his test debut in 2012 and has played 147 tests so far.

He has scored 12661 runs and counting. Root has registered 35 centuries and 64 half-centuries. He has the most runs, most hundreds, and most half-centuries for England in test cricket.

3. South Africa – Jacques Kallis (13289 runs)

Jacques Kallis was one of the biggest names in the South Africa team and is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Kallis was a match-winner with both bat and ball.

He played 166 tests between 1995 and 2013 and scored 13289 runs at an average of 55.37. Kallis has the second-most test centuries (45) to go with 58 half-centuries.

2. Australia – Ricky Ponting (13378 runs)

There are only two cricketers in the history to score 13000 runs in two formats (tests and ODIs). Ricky Ponting is one of them. Ponting is the only captain to win four ICC titles in men’s cricket and was an equally great batsman.

Ponting played 168 tests between 1995 and 2012 and scored 13378 runs at an average of 51.85 with a best of 257. Ponting notched up 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries in test cricket.

1. India – Sachin Tendulkar (15921 runs)

Sachin Tendulkar is arguably the greatest batter of all time. He is at the top of numerous batting records. Tendulkar had an incredible 24-year-long international career. He played 200 tests and scored 15921 runs at an average of 53.78 with a best of 248 not out.

He racked up 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries in test cricket. He has the most runs, most matches, most centuries, and most half-centuries in tests.

(All stats updated till 9th October 2024.)

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