Most Runs in Test Cricket | Highest Career Runs in Tests
Test cricket is always regarded as the ultimate form of the game. It challenges a cricketer on each front. Be it a batter or a bowler, to attain success in the longest format of cricket, a player is expected to be at the top of their game. Scoring runs is a tough art of master, especially when it comes to Test cricket. While many play this game, only a few find themselves on the list for scoring most Test runs.
Here’s a list of players with most runs in Test cricket:
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 200 | 329 | 15921 | 248* | 53.78 |
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 168 | 287 | 13378 | 257 | 51.85 |
| Jacques Kallis (SA) | 166 | 280 | 13289 | 224 | 55.37 |
| Rahul Dravid (IND) | 164 | 286 | 13288 | 270 | 52.31 |
| JE Root (ENG) | 152 | 278 | 12972 | 262 | 50.87 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar
M: 200, Inn: 329, Runs: 15921, HS: 248*, Avg: 53.78
India’s Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for scoring the most runs in Test cricket. In a career spanning nearly 24 years, Sachin proudly holds a bulk of batting records in Test matches. While he has also scored the most Test runs for India, Tendulkar played a massive 200 Tests before he called time upon his career. In 329 innings, the ‘Master Blaster’ racked up 15921 runs at an average of 53.78 including 51 centuries. He recorded his highest Test score of 248* against Bangladesh.
2. Ricky Ponting
M: 168, Inn: 287 Runs: 13378, HS: 257, Avg: 51.85
Ricky Ponting was a batting great and one of the best players during his era. He finds himself second on this list of highest runs scored in Test cricket. In 287 Test innings for Australia, Ricky registered a tally of 13378 runs at an average of 51.85. He recorded his highest Test score of 257 against India at Melbourne in 2003.
3, Jacques Kallis
M: 166, Inn: 280, Runs: 13289, HS: 224, Avg: 55.37
One of the most highly underrated players, Jacques Kallis was once in a generation player. A player for all seasons, Kallis was equally good with both bat and ball. With over 500 international wickets, Kallis was often the backbone for South Africa in their batting line-up. He extended his supremacy with bat even in Test cricket. With a total of 13289 runs in 280 innings, the Proteas all-rounder finds himself third on this list for most Test runs in international cricket.
4. Rahul Dravid
M: 164, Inn: 286, Runs: 13288, HS: 270, Avg: 52.31
Known as ‘The Wall’, Rahul Dravid was often India’s rescue man against tough opponents. The former Indian captain batted at No.3 for a majority of his career, and displayed tremendous skills and application in all conditions. During his era, each of India’s overseas Test win saw an impact innings from Rahul. In his 17-year long career, Dravid scored 13288 Test runs at an average of 52.31. His highest Test score of 270 came against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in India’s first-ever series win in Pakistan.
5. JE Root
M: 152, Inn: 278, Runs: 12972, HS: 262, Avg: 50.87
Former England captain and a highly successful Test opener, Joe Root is the highest run scorer for England in Test matches. With an average of 50.87 in 152 Tests, Root scored 12972 runs while playing for England. He is known for his consistency and ability to play long innings, making him the backbone of their batting lineup. He encountered the toughest of conditions for a batter and excelled quite handsomely throughout his career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has scored the most runs in Test cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar has scored the most runs in Test cricket. He has scored 15921 Test runs in his entire career.
2. Who scored most runs in Test for India?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the distinction for scoring most Test runs for India.