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Top 10 cricketers who have played most matches in test cricket

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Published at :January 29, 2024 at 3:07 PM
Modified at :January 29, 2024 at 3:07 PM
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Only one active player has played more than 150 matches in test cricket.

In the illustrious game of cricket, numerous players have placed their names into the history books, leaving behind a legacy. Representing one’s country is a dream cherished by every aspiring cricketer and amidst the various formats that the game offers, test cricket stands as a pinnacle of skill and endurance. It is that format of the game, where players are rigorously tested in every aspect, be it technique, patience or resilience.

To don the whites and take part in test cricket is a privilege sought by many, achieved by a selected few. Some cricketers have not only embraced the challenges of test cricket but also have surpassed all expectations by gracing the field in the greatest number of matches. Let’s have a look at the list of players who have played most matches in test cricket.

List of players who have played most matches in test cricket

10. Alan Border – 156 test matches :

Alan Border
Alan Border. (Image Source: ICC)

Allan Border, the captain who led Australia to their maiden World Cup victory in 1987, left an indelible mark in test cricket for his country as well. From his debut in 1978 until his retirement in 1994, Border epitomized resilience and skill in the longest format of the game.

Playing a staggering 156 matches, he scored an impressive 11,174 runs at an average of 50.56, a testament to his consistent brilliance with the bat. Border not only held the record for the most consecutive test matches played by an Australian (153) but also led his team in a remarkable 93 matches (2nd most).

9. Alastair Cook – 161 test matches :

Alastair Cook
Alastair Cook. (Image Source: ICC)

Alastair Cook, stands tall in the history of English cricket. Serving as the captain of the national team and holding the record for the most test runs scored for England, Cook’s test career spanned 161 matches, where he showcased remarkable consistency.

Accumulating an impressive 12,472 runs at an average of 45.35, Cook’s contribution to English cricket is unparalleled. He ranks as the fifth-highest run-scorer in the world, underscoring his impact in test cricket. Not only did Cook exhibit skills with the bat, but also his leadership qualities left an indelible mark on the team.  

8. Rahul Dravid – 164 test matches :

Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid. (Image Source: ICC)

Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of Indian cricket team and a former captain, stands as a monumental figure in the sport. Renowned as “The Wall,” Dravid’s illustrious career from 1996 to 2012 spanned 164 test matches, where he showcased extraordinary batting skills. Accumulating a staggering 13,288 runs at an impressive average of 52.31, Dravid’s impact on Indian cricket is immeasurable.

Dravid holds the record for the most time spent on the crease in test cricket, clocking an astounding 44,152 minutes, equivalent to 735 hours and 52 minutes. His enduring legacy as a player and his current role in shaping the future of Indian cricket make Rahul Dravid an icon, revered for his contributions both on and off the field.

7. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 164 test matches :

Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Shivnarine Chanderpaul. (Image Source: ICC)

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a stalwart of West Indies cricket, stands as one of the finest left-handed batsmen the Caribbean Islands have ever produced. His illustrious career from 1994 to 2015 spanned 164 test matches, during which, he left a remarkable mark on the cricketing world. Renowned for his unorthodox yet effective batting style, Chanderpaul compiled an impressive 11,867 runs at an average of 51.37, establishing himself as a backbone in the West Indies batting lineup.

Chanderpaul’s record not only includes a formidable highest score of 203* but also reflects his consistency, with 30 centuries and 66 half-centuries to his name. His ability to anchor innings and weather challenging conditions made him a linchpin for the West Indies, and his contribution stands second only to the legendary Brian Lara in terms of most test runs for the Caribbean side.

6. Jacques Kallis – 166 test matches :

Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis. (Image Source: Getty Images)

Jacques Kallis, often hailed as the epitome of cricketing excellence, is considered one of the best all-rounder sin the sport. His career from 1995 to 2013, spanning 166 test matches, solidified his status as one of the greatest cricketers in history. Kallis’s versatility shone across all formats of the game, but it was in test cricket where he truly shined.

With the bat, Kallis amassed a staggering 13,289 runs at an exceptional average of 55.37, underlining his capabilities as a reliable run-scorer. He also hit 45 centuries in this format of the game, second most by a batter in the history. His highest score of 224 exemplifies the dominance he brought to the crease. Yet, it was not only his batting abilities that defined Kallis, he was also a formidable bowler, claiming an impressive 292 wickets with his medium-fast deliveries. His bowling average of 32.65 and his best figures of of 6/54 underscore his ability to make crucial breakthroughs for his team.

5. Stuart Broad – 167 test matches :

Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad. (Image Source: ECB)

Stuart Broad, a recently retired stalwart of English cricket, left his mark on the game during his illustrious career spanning from 2007 to 2023. Widely regarded as one of England’s premier fast bowlers, Broad’s contribution to the longest format of the game was nothing short of extraordinary. Renowned for his ability to generate bounce and movement, Broad was a relentless force that made life challenging for opposing batters.

In 167 Test matches, Broad showcased his mettle by claiming 604 wickets at an impressive average of 27.68. His incredible career included a remarkable spell of 8/15 against Australia in the 2015 Ashes, a performance that etched his name in cricketing history. With the bat, Broad scored 3662 runs including a century and 13 half-centuries in his test career.

4. Steve Waugh – 168 test matches :

Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh. (Image Source: ICC)

Steve Waugh, an icon of Australian cricket, carved his name in history as one of the greatest batsmen and captains of his time. His illustrious career, spanning from 1985 to 2004, witnessed Waugh’s exceptional contribution to the sport. As a batsman, Waugh’s 10,927 runs in 168 test matches at an impressive average of 51.06 exemplify his consistency and ability to anchor the innings.

Waugh’s captaincy reign from 1997 to 2004 is hailed as one of the most successful periods in Australian cricket. Under his leadership, Australia achieved remarkable feats, including fifteen consecutive test wins and triumph in the 1999 Cricket World Cup. His tactical acumen, resilience, and ability to lead from the front earned him the reputation of being the most successful test captain in history, boasting 41 victories and an enviable winning percentage of 71.92%.

3. Ricky Ponting – 168 test matches :

Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting. (Image Source: ICC)

Ricky Ponting, a cricketing luminary, shared the same stage as his compatriot Steve Waugh, playing 168 test matches from 1995 to 2012 and etched his name as one of the all-time greats. His contribution to Australian cricket was nothing short of extraordinary, both as a prolific batsman and a highly successful captain.

Ponting’s batting skill was evident in his impressive record of 13,378 test runs at an average of 51.85. His ability to lead from the front and anchor the innings made him a formidable force in test cricket. As a captain, Ponting took the reins in 2004 and led Australia to remarkable heights. Ponting’s record of 48 wins in 77 Tests remains magnificent. His win percentage, second only to Steve Waugh in test cricket history, underscores his leadership acumen.

2. James Anderson – 183 test matches :

James Anderson
James Anderson. (Image Source: ECB)

James Anderson, the enduring force of swing and seam bowling, stands as the lone active player among the cricketing legends in this list, continuing to weave his magic on the field. Since his debut in 2003, Anderson has graced 183 test matches, making him the second-highest in terms of appearances, trailing only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Renowned for his ability to trouble batsmen with his prodigious swing and seam movement, Anderson has been a constant thorn in the side of oppositions.

His record of 690 wickets at an average of 26.42 solidifies his place among the all-time great bowlers. Notably, Anderson is the third-highest wicket-taker in test cricket globally, a testament to his skill and longevity in the game. He is also England’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 269 wickets.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 200 test matches

Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar. (Image Source: ICC)

Sachin Tendulkar, revered as the “God of Cricket,” holds an unparalleled legacy in batting. Over his illustrious career spanning 1989 to 2013, Tendulkar played an unprecedented 200 test matches, cementing his status as the player with the most appearances in this format of the game. Amassing a staggering 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, including a highest score of 248*, Tendulkar’s consistency and adaptability mark him as one of the greatest batters of all time.

His record of 51 test centuries remains unmatched, setting him apart as the most prolific centurion in the format. Additionally, Tendulkar’s dominance extends to holding the record for the most fours in tests, with an astounding 2058 boundaries. The Little Master’s achievements not only define excellence but also serve as an enduring benchmark for aspiring cricketers globally.

(All stats updated till 29th, January, 2024)

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Mihir Korde
Mihir Korde

Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.

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