Top 5 South African batsmen with most runs in test cricket

Only one South Africa batter has notched up more than 10,000 runs in test cricket so far.

The South Africa cricket team has a rich cricketing history when we talk about batters in test cricket. The nation has seen numerous talented and skilled batters—like legendary Jacques Kallis, classical Hashim Amla, and modern-day legend AB de Villiers.

These Proteas batters have time and again performed for their nation against the best bowling attacks across the globe.

Each and every legendary batter of South Africa has left a legacy behind, which is being carried out by the next generation in test cricket. On that note, let’s take a look at the leading runners for South Africa in the longest format.

Most runs for South Africa in tests:

5. Gary Kirsten – 7289 runs

Former Gary Kirsten was one of the most talented openers for the South Africa cricket team in test cricket. The left-handed batter is also their fifth-highest run-getter in the longest format. The southpaw amassed 7289 runs in 101 tests at a brilliant average of 45.27, including 21 centuries and 34 half-centuries.

4. AB de Villiers – 8765 runs

AB de Villiers is considered one of the greatest cricketers ever to play for his nation. Talking about test cricket, de Villiers made his test debut in 2004 against England and played his final match against Australia in 2018.

In his 14-year long test career, the legendary cricketer scored 8765 runs in 114 matches at an admirable average of 50.66. The right-handed batter made 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries in the longest format.

3. Graeme Smith – 9265 runs

One of the finest openers in South African cricketing history, Graeme Smith is the third leading run-getter for his nation in test cricket.

The former captain made his test debut against Australia in 2002 and played his final outing against the same opposition in 2014. A career that spanned more than 10 years, Smith achieved many big milestones. 

The left-handed batter amassed 9265 runs in 117 tests at a superb average of 48.25. The southpaw notched up 38 half-centuries and 27 centuries in the longest format.

2. Hashim Amla – 9282 runs

Hashim Amla was one of the classical test match batters in South African cricket history. Amla was also known for his calm nature on the field. He is also the first and only Proteas batter to hit a triple century in test cricket.

The legendary cricketer made his test debut against India at Eden Gardens in 2004. He played his last test game against Sri Lanka in 2019.

Overall, Amla notched up 9282 runs in 124 matches at a stunning average of 46.64, including 28 centuries and 41 half centuries. The great cricketer is ranked second in the elite list.

1. Jacques Kallis – 13206 runs

If not the greatest, Jacques Kallis is one of the greatest all-rounders to grace the game. The legendary cricketer is also South Africa’s highest run-scorer in the longest format of the game.

Kallis is the only South African batter to score 10,000 or more runs in test cricket so far. The former cricketer made his test debut against England in 1995 and played his last match against India in 2013.

In his legendary test career, Kallis amassed 13289 runs in 166 matches at an astounding average of 55.37. The right-handed batter hammered 45 centuries and 58 half centuries.

(All stats updated till 20th October, 2024)

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