Top 5 New Zealand batsmen with most runs in test cricket

Only one batsman has scored more than 9000 runs for New Zealand in test cricket.

The New Zealand cricket team played their first test match in 1930 against England. However, they had to wait until 1956 for their first test victory, which came against the West Indies in Auckland.

New Zealand have produced a few of the finest test batsmen of all time who captivated the fans with their classical and stylish batsmanship. These batters helped their team record some famous wins over the bigger cricketing nations. 

The Black Caps batters have made significant contributions to the team’s success over the years. They have showcased their skills, resilience, determination, and consistency in scoring runs against strong bowling attacks. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five batters with the most runs for New Zealand in the longest format.

Most runs for New Zealand in test cricket:

5. Tom Latham – 5711 runs

Left-handed batter Tom Latham is New Zealand’s fifth-highest run-scorer in test cricket. The left-handed batter made his test debut in 2014 and has been a regular in the side since then. In his career of 86 tests so far, he has scored 5711 runs at an average of 38.58. Latham also has 12 hundreds and 30 fifties to his name in the longest format of the game, with his highest scoring standing 264*, which came against Sri Lanka in 2018.

4. Brendon McCullum – 6453 runs

Former Kiwi captain and swashbuckling batsman Brendon McCullum was known for playing an entertaining brand of cricket. McCullum played a key role in the rise of New Zealand cricket in the 21st century.

In 101 tests, McCullum made 6453 runs at a decent average of 38.64. The right-handed batter cracked 12 centuries and 31 fifties in his glorious test career.

3. Stephen Fleming – 7172 runs

Former captain and opener Stephen Fleming is ranked third in the tally of the most runs for New Zealand in test cricket. The left-hander played 111 tests and scored 7172 runs at a good average of 40.06.

Fleming also notched up nine centuries and 46 half-centuries in the longest format. Fleming is regarded as one of the greatest batters to play test cricket for his nation.

2. Ross Taylor – 7683 runs

Former cricketer Ross Taylor played test cricket from 2007 to 2022. During his illustrious career, Taylor played an instrumental role in his side’s success, which included winning the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21, while batting in the middle-order.

In 112 tests, Taylor amassed 7683 runs at an admirable average of 44.66. Taylor scored 19 centuries and 35 fifties in test cricket.

1. Kane Williamson – 9035 runs

Modern-day legend Kane Williamson is arguably New Zealand’s greatest batsman. He is their leading run scorer in tests as well as in international cricket.

Williamson is the only Black Caps batter to score over 9000 runs in test cricket.

So far, the right-handed batter has scored 9035 runs in 103 tests at an outstanding average of 54.75. Williamson has registered 32 centuries and 37 half-centuries in the longest format.

(All stats updated till 30th November, 2024)

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