The top five Test run-scorers are renowned for their exceptional skill, consistency, and longevity in cricket. They have dominated the longest format of the game, setting numerous records and establishing themselves as some of the greatest batsmen in history. Their contributions have left a lasting legacy in international cricket.
5. Joe Root (England) – 13,259 runs
Modern great Joe Root has established himself as the best Test batter of his generation. After a steady start, Root transformed into a prolific run-scorer for England. If he maintains this form, he could become the highest run-scorer in Test cricket by retirement. Root has played 156 Tests, scoring 13,259 runs at an average of 50.80, including 37 centuries and 66 half-centuries—the most runs and hundreds by any English player in Tests.
4. Rahul Dravid (India) – 13,288 runs
Known as “The Wall,” Rahul Dravid’s classical technique made him one of the most consistent Test batsmen across conditions worldwide. Dravid played 164 Tests, amassing 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31, with a highest score of 270. He scored 36 centuries and 63 fifties throughout his illustrious career.
3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 13,289 runs
A rare all-rounder, Jacques Kallis excelled with both bat and ball. Remarkably, he had a better batting average than Sachin Tendulkar and a better bowling average than Zaheer Khan. Kallis played 166 Tests, scoring 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37, with a best of 224. He notched up 45 centuries and 58 fifties and took 292 Test wickets, cementing his legacy as arguably South Africa’s greatest cricketer.
2. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 13,378 runs
One of the few players to score over 13,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs, Ricky Ponting is remembered as a great captain and formidable batsman. He played 168 Tests, scoring 13,378 runs at 51.85, including 41 centuries and 62 fifties, with a highest score of 257. His leadership and consistency made him a key figure in Australian cricket history.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 15,921 runs
Sachin Tendulkar’s records are legendary, spanning runs, centuries, and longevity. Playing across four decades from 1989 to 2013, he retired with a once-in-a-generation career. In 200 Tests, Tendulkar scored 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, with a highest score of 248* and 51 centuries along with 68 half-centuries.
