Top 5 New Zealand batsmen with most sixes in test cricket

Only one New Zealand batsman has hit over 100 sixes in test cricket.

Batting in New Zealand presents an extreme challenge for the batsmen due to the lush green pitches that support swing and seam movement. The cold breezy weather further amplifies this problem as it provides the fast bowlers with the perfect atmosphere to extract juice out of the helping wicket.

Test match batting in its true nature is known to demand patience and prolonged concentration. However, we can go back in history and find many batsmen who have challenged this notion and asserted their dominance by playing a more risky brand of cricket.

New Zealand’s stadiums have small boundary dimensions which makes six-hitting relatively easier than in other countries.

In their cricketing history, the Black Caps have been blessed with several explosive players who have showcased their ability to clear the ropes with ease. These players have not just entertained fans with their approach but they have also helped the Kiwis in putting the pressure back on the opposition.

On that note let’s look at the top five New Zealand batsmen who have registered the most sixes in test cricket.

Here are the top five New Zealand batsmen with the most sixes in test cricket:

5. Craig McMillan – 54

One of New Zealand’s middle-order greats, Craig McMillan made his test debut in 1997 against Australia in Brisbane. Known for his flamboyance, Craig cleared the ropes aerially 54 times in his test career.

With a batting average of 38.46, McMillan was one of the mainstays of the Kiwi middle-order during the late 90s and early 2000s.

The last of his 55 test matches came in 2005 vs Australia at Wellington. What made McMillan special was the fact that he was able to hit 54 sixes in just 55 games, making the ratio of sixes per game almost one.

4. Ross Taylor – 55

One of New Zealand’s all-time greats, Ross Taylor hit 55 sixes in a career that spanned for 15 years and 112 test matches. Taylor’s adaptability in different conditions made him the backbone of the Kiwi batting lineup for a decade and a half.

He was known for taking calculated risks, especially against the spinners with slog sweep. His excellent leg-side game meant he could smash sixes at will. Taylor retired in 2022 having played his last test against Bangladesh Cricket Team in Christchurch.

3. Chris Cairns – 87

With 87 sixes, Chris Cairns, one of New Zealand’s finest all-rounders of all time, holds the record for scoring the third-most sixes for the Kiwis in test cricket.

Cairns, who mostly batted at number 6, was an excellent striker of the ball. With a batting average of 33.53 in test cricket, Cairns’ role in the Kiwi lineup was that of a lower-order aggressor.

He made his debut against the Australian Cricket Team in 1989 in Perth. In his 16-year career, Cairns played 62 matches, scoring 3320 runs and taking 218 wickets.

2. Tim Southee – 93

Perhaps the most surprising name on this list is Tim Southee, who has 92 sixes to his name, the second-most for his country.

Known for his swing bowling and excellent discipline with the ball, Southee has been a handy lower-order batsman for New Zealand for 16 years.

Southee’s batting average of 16 isn’t much, but with his power and long reach, he has muscled plenty of sixes. He has played 102 games with his debut game coming against England at Napier in 2008. At 35 years of age, Southee is still going strong as the leader of the Kiwi bowling lineup.

1. Brendon McCullum – 107

Topping the list with 107 sixes to his name is New Zealand’s most explosive batsman of all time – Brendon McCullum. McCullum is known across the cricketing globe for his aggressive approach.

McCullum scored 6453 runs for New Zealand in 101 test matches. He is also the only Kiwi batsman to ever score a triple century. McCullum earned his name around the world for his six-hitting prowess. His career strike rate of 64.6 in test cricket is a testament to his attacking style of play.

(All stats updated till 18th October, 2024)

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