Smashing a ton in the 100th match is considered a notable achievement for any player out there in world cricket. A total of 70 players have played in at least a hundred Test matches in their career. However, only 9 of those were able to reach the 100 run mark in their hundredth Test match. In which, former Aussies skipper Ricky Ponting has registered two centuries in both of the innings of his 100th Test match. Let's look after all nine players who scored a hundred in their 100th Test match.

Read Also: Top 8 bowlers with the best strike rate in Test cricket with more than 200 test wickets

Players to score a hundred in the 100th Test:

#9. Joe Root | 218 vs India

The fresh inclusion on this list is non-other than England skipper Joe Root, who played his 100th Test match at Chennai against India last year on February 5. Root smashed a double ton in the first innings as he scored 218 runs off 377 balls. Meanwhile, Root's innings were included 19 boundaries and 2 over boundaries.

England won the game by a huge 222 runs and Joe Root was declared the player of the match. Therefore, he is currently holding the 9th position on this list of players to score a hundred in their 100th Test.

#8. Hashim Amla | 134 vs Sri Lanka

One of the greatest batsmen of South Africa's red-ball cricket, Hashim Amla comes at number 8 on this list of players to score a hundred in their 100th Test. Amla achieved this feat on 12 January 2017 in the third test match against Sri Lanka. Hashim Amla scored 134 off 265 including 16 fours in the first innings against Sri Lanka at Johannesburg.

The hosts, South Africa won the match easily by an innings and 118 runs. JP Duminy was declared the player of the match.

Also Read: Most fifty-plus scores in ICC Women's ODI World Cup

#7. Graeme Smith | 131 vs England

Another member of the African team comes at the 7th spot on this list. Former captain Graeme Smith has played his 100th test against England at the Oval on 19 July 2012 where he smashed 131 runs in the second innings. Smith scored 131 off 273 including 20 boundaries while batting in the third inning of the first test match against England.

South Africa won the match by an innings and 12 runs. Hashim Amla won the man of the match award for his brilliant 311 of 529 in the 2nd innings.

#6. Ricky Ponting | 120 & 143* vs South Africa

One of the greatest captains of all time, Ricky Ponting has registered a record on his 100th test against South Africa when he smashed hundreds in both of the innings of that particular Test match. Ponting has aggregated 120 runs in the first innings and then 143* runs in the second innings at the SCG, Sydney on 2 January 2006. In the first innings, he scored 120 runs off 174 balls including 12 fours and one six. Meanwhile, in the second innings Ponting recorded, the milestone of smashing hundreds in both of the innings after he scored 143* off 159 including 16 boundaries.

Australia won the match by 8 wickets. Skipper Ponting adjusted with the man of the match award for his brilliant batting in both of the innings.

Read Also: India's last 12 T20Is in detail

#5. Inzamam ul-Haq | 184 vs India

Pakistan's former opener Inzamam-ul-Haq achieved this feat against India at the Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru. Inzamam player a knock of 184 runs in 264 deliveries which include 25 boundaries. Meanwhile, in the same game, Younis Khan smashed a double hundred in the second innings of the match. He also scored 84* runs in the first innings.

Pakistan won the match by 168 runs while Younis grabbed the Man Of The Match award for his brilliant batting in both innings. therefore Inzamam ul-Haq placed fifth on this list of players to score a hundred in their 100th Test.

#4. Alec Stewart | 105 vs West Indies

Former England batsman Alec Stewart holds the fourth position on this list. Stewart smashed 105 runs against West Indies at the Old Trafford, Manchester on 3 August 2000. Alec Stewart aggregated 105 runs off 153 deliveries which also includes 13 boundaries.

However, the match was ended up in a draw England lost only 1 wicket in their 2nd innings of the game. Stewart comes to fourth place on this list of players to score a hundred on the hundredth Test of their career.

Also Read: India vs SL: BCCI allows 50% spectators for Virat Kohli's 100th Test

#3. Gordon Greenidge | 149 vs England

In the early 90's West Indies batter Gordon Greenidge played his 100th Test in which he smoked 149 runs against England at Antigua on 12 April 1990. Gordon holds third place on this list of players to score s hundred in their 100th Test match.

The West Indies side won the match as Greenidge won the player of the match award for his brilliance in the batting department.

#2. Javed Miandad | 145 vs India

Javed Miandad is the second player on this list who scored a ton on his 100th Test against India back in the year 1989. Meanwhile, Javed was one of the greatest batsmen for Pakistan in this red ball format as he smoked 145 runs in the second innings of the match. Miandad scored 145 runs off 289 deliveries including 10 boundaries at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Although, the match was ended up in a draw. But, Javed reached the milestone of scoring 100 runs in the 100th Test and he became only the second player to do.

Read Also: Most wickets in women's world cup

#1. Colin Cowdrey | 104 vs Australia

England's Colin Cowdrey was the first player to register a hundred in his 100th Test match against Australia. The time was back in 1968 when he scored 104 runs at Edgbaston, UK. However, in his inning of 104, Colin Cowdrey has smashed 15 fours while he played a record of 247 deliveries.

The match was ended up in a draw as a total of four players were adjusted as the player of the match. This quite rarely happens in cricket's history.

Tomorrow Virat Kohli is going to play his 100th Test match at Mohali. Although he is not scoring 100's since 2020 this is the perfect time for him to make a comeback and register his name on this elite list of batsmen.

NB: The stats are accurate as of 03/03/2022.

Australian captain Pat Cummins made history by taking a five-wicket haul in the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's. He went past India's Bishan Singh Bedi in an all-time list of captains with most five-fers in Test cricket history. Cummins ran through the South African batting unit, leading Australia's fightback after they were bundled out for 212 in the first innings.

Also Read: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

In this article we will be discussing about the most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Test cricket.

Most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests

5. Jason Holder (West Indies) | 7 Times

Former Windies captain Jason Holder holds the fifth spot in this list. Holder picked up a 5-wicket haul seven times as a captain in Test cricket. Overall with the ball, Holder has 162 scalps at 30.27. He has eight five-wicket hauls to show besides a solitary match 10-fer. He claimed 1/39 across 17 overs in the first innings.

4. Bishan Singh Bedi (India) | 8 Times

Former Indian left-arm spinner, late Bishan Singh Bedi, is fourth on this list. Bishan Singh Bedi played 67 Tests for India and picked up 266 wickets at an average of 28.71 with 14 five-wicket hauls. When he retired, he was India's leading wicket-taker in the longest format.

He captained India in 22 Tests between 1975 and 1979, taking over from the great Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. During his time as Test captain, Bishan Singh Bedi bagged as many as eight five-wicket hauls.

3. Richie Benaud (Australia) | 9 Times

Former Australian all-rounder, late Richie Benaud, is second on this list. The legendary cricketer was among the most influential players of his time back in the day. From 1958 to 1963, he led Australia in 28 Tests. Australia dominated under his leadership and never lost a single series.

As Test captain, Richie Benaud picked up nine five-wicket hauls and is above Pat Cummins having played fewer Tests. Benaud represented Australia in 63 Tests in his career and bagged 248 wickets at an average of 27.03 with 16 five-wicket hauls overall.

2. Pat Cummins (Australia) | 9* Times

Current Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins, who previously had eight five-wicket hauls to his name as captain in the longest format, overtook Bishan Singh Bedi to move to number three on this elite list with his five-fer against South Africa in the 2025 WTC final.

Cummins now has nine five-wicket hauls as Test captain in his career. The Australian quick has played 67 Tests and has 294 wickets at an average of 22.43 with 13 five-wicket hauls so far (67 being the ongoing 2025 WTC final). He also broke several records with his stunning performance against South Africa.

Also Read: Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa

1. Imran Khan (Pakistan) | 12 Times

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Imran Khan tops the list of most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests. From 1982-1992, Imran Khan led Pakistan in 48 Test matches. He is the only captain to take 5-wicket hauls in more than 10 times in Test cricket.

As Test captain, the former all-rounder bagged 12 five-wicket hauls, which is the most by any bowler to date. Overall, Imran Khan played 88 Tests in his international career and picked up 362 wickets at an average of 22.81 with 23 five-wicket hauls. Imran has also taken 10 or more wickets in 4 matches in his Test career, which is the most taken by any captain in this format.

South Africa has long been renowned for some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in Test cricket history. ln this lineage of greats, Kagiso Rabada has now made his mark by surpassing Allan Donald in terms of most test wickets for South Africa during the intense WTC 2025 Final.

Get ready to uncover the legendary names and legacies of world-class pacers of Proteas.

5. Allan Donald (330 wickets)

Allan Donald was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era, known for his blinding speed and approach. He holds the 5th place with 330 wickets at an average of 22.25 for South Africa.

Donald earned the nickname "The White Lightning" because of his rapid speed and intense stare downs. His fiery spells often hit batsmen on the helmet and shook their confidence.

Donald stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

4. Kagiso Rabada (334 wickets)

South Africa's modern-day pacer, Kagiso Rabada, recently surpassed Donald with his five-wicket haul in the Day 1 of WTC 2025 final against Australia. He leaped to the fourth place with a total of 334 wickets in tests so far, and there's more to come.

Rabada is a key bowler who carries the bowling unit with his abilities of restricting strong batting lineups and imposing threat to the opponent. He holds the potential to climb more up in the coming years.

Rabada stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

3. Makhaya Ntini (390 wickets)

Makhaya Ntini was a genuine speedster who bowled with attacking energy and an unique action. His on-field enthusiasm at all times was something that made him a crowd favourite.

Makhaya took 390 wickets in tests for South Africa, holding his place tight in the 3rd place for over a decade. He also made history by becoming the first black South African to take 10 wickets in a test match at Lord's in 2003.

Ntini stats in tests for SA:

2. Shaun Pollock (421 wickets)

Shaun Pollock was an excellent all-rounder who had an amazing bowling record in tests for the Proteas. While not as quick as Donald or Steyn, his consistent length and accuracy always did the job brilliantly.

Pollock served as a wicket-taking source and helped to keep the pressure on. He took 421 wickets with an economy less than 3 and has the second-most test wickets for South Africa.

He also has the most maidens among every bowler in the list.

Pollock stats in tests for SA:

1. Dale Steyn (439 wickets)

One of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time, Dale Steyn, has the most test wickets for South Africa. He was known to be a fearsome outswinger, who could swing the ball late at high speed.

He was famously known as "Steyn Gun" for his destructive bowling that made him nearly unplayable at times. He took 439 wickets in just 93 matches, which is believed to remain unmatched for many years to come.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

Steyn stats in tests for SA:

As the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 is getting closer to the grand final, it is now time to look back at the bowlers with standout performances. They have constantly troubled batsmen which led to their team's success.

Who do you think are the ones with most wickets? Take a look at the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.

Jasprit Bumrah | India

Jasprit Bumrah had a remarkable campaign in WTC 2023-25 cycle and has taken the most number of wickets. He took 77 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 15.09. 

Bumrah recorded five 5-wicket hauls in the cycle and also had his best bowling figure of 6/45 in an innings against England.

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah becomes first-ever player to pick 200 Test wickets with an average below 20

Jasprit Bumrah stats in WTC 2023-2025

Pat Cummins | Australia 

The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, has done wonders with the ball, by taking 73 wickets in 17 matches. He is the leading wicket taker for Australia and can also be on top by showcasing his wicket-taking skills in the WTC final against South Africa. 

His best bowling performance in the tournament was a 6-wicket haul for 91 runs.

Pat Cummins stats in WTC 2023-2025

Read Also: WTC Final: Australia and South Africa announce their squads

Mitchell Starc | Australia 

Yet another Australian legend to feature in this list, who is just behind Cummins by one wicket. This fiery left-arm pacer have always been a key bowling of their team. He took 72 wickets in 18 matches total.

Mitchell Starc's best bowling figure in WTC 2023-25 includes a 6-wicket haul for 48 runs.

Mitchell Starc stats in WTC 2023-2025

Other players with 60+ wickets in WTC 2023-25

Seems like the Aussies and Indians have purely dominated the bowling sides and got most wickets up their sleeves.

Read Also: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

Here are the other players who crossed the 60 wickets mark and deserves a shoutout in the list of highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.

In October 2017, the ICC announced a Test League which would involve the top nine teams playing series over two years with the top two teams qualifying for a World Test Championship Final. The first ICC World Test Championship started with the 2019 Ashes series and finished with New Zealand lifting the trophy after defeating India in the final in June 2021. Let's take a look at the players with the most runs in WTC 2023-25 cycle.

As the WTC 2023-25 is approaching its end, it is now time to look at those huge numbers by some sensational test batters.

Also Read: Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship

Most Runs in WTC 2023-25

1. Joe Root | 1968 Runs

England's experienced batsman Joe Root leads the most runs in WTC 2023-25 list. Across a distinguished Test career that began in December 2012, Joe Root has scaled numerous batting peaks. However, it was during the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle that the English maestro arguably hit his most prolific stride. 

Scoring 1,968 runs from just 40 innings at an impressive average of 54.66, Root registered seven centuries in the span, elevating his career tally from 29 to 36 and breaking a host of long-standing records along the way.

Root scored 412 runs against Australia, helping England level a fighting 2023 Ashes at home. He also overcame Indian spinners with 320 runs from 10 innings in early 2024, and carried on his juggernaut with a monumental haul of 666 runs in just six Tests against West Indies and Sri Lanka at home with an average of over 70.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal | 1798 Runs

India's young batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal comes second in the most runs in WTC 2023-25 list, having scored 1798 runs in 36 innings of 19 matches at an impressive average of 52.88. Jaiswal has four centuries (two double centuries) and ten half-centuries to his name.

Jaiswal, who made his Test debut at the onset of India’s 2023-25 WTC campaign. The talented left-hander started off his career with an epic 171 against West Indies in Roseau to conclude his maiden series with 266 runs at an average of 88.67. In just his second Test series later that year, Jaiswal’s vulnerability against the short ball was laid bare by South Africa’s fiery pace attack. Nonetheless, the youngster bounced back against England later in the same month, whacking 712 runs from nine innings at an average of 89, smashing two successive double hundreds at one stage, both in winning causes.

Jaiswal’s twin fifties in Kanpur, and another in Chennai against Bangladesh led to India’s comfortable 2-0 series win at home. However, he failed to replicate his home success against New Zealand during India’s 0-3 thrashing in October-November 2024. Jaiswal also aggregated 391 runs in five Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests in Australia, in a series where no other Indian player managed to scale 300.

3. Ben Duckett | 1470 Runs

England’s top-order batter Ben Duckett fetched 1,470 runs for his nation from 41 innings spanning 22 Tests from the 2023-25 WTC. The cricketer maintained an average of 36.75 and held on to a strike rate of 84.33, the highest among all WTC batters with over 200 runs to their names, let alone 1,400+. The attacking left-hander smashed two tons, including a hundred each in India and Pakistan, in addition to his eight half-centuries.

Duckett made 321 runs against Australia in the 2023 Ashes, 343 runs on hostile spin conditions of India in early 2024, and 364 runs in six home Tests in mid-2024 against West Indies and Sri Lanka. The star opening batter also scored 262 against Pakistan bowlers at 52.40, before concluding his campaign with 180 runs in New Zealand.

4. Harry Brook | 1463 Runs

Despite missing the entirety of England’s five-match Test series in India in early 2024, Harry Brook concluded his WTC 2023-25 campaign as one of its highest getters, gathering 1,463 runs from 29 innings at an average of 50.44 and with an impressive strike rate of 83.36. 

The attacking English batter blasted 363 runs against an experienced Australian attack during the 2023 Ashes at a strike rate of nearly 80, and followed up with 377 quick runs against West Indies and Sri Lanka in six home Tests the following season.

Brook also mounted a huge triple ton in England’s high-scoring win in Pakistan to accumulate 373 runs overall in five innings of the series, before flaying New Zealand with two tons and a fifty en route to 350 additional runs in three Tests to cap his WTC cycle.

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

5. Usman Khawaja | 1422 Runs

Australian opener Usman Khawaja, who was earlier at number one, is now fifth among the leading run-scorers in the WTC 2023-25. Khawaja tallied 1,422 runs from 37 innings spanning 19 Tests of the 2023-25 WTC cycle at an average of 41.82, whacking two centuries and six fifties in the process.

The elegant Australian opener started off by logging 496 runs in the drawn Ashes series of 2023 in England, which included a match-winning 141 in Edgbaston and three additional fifties in the remainder of the series. Khawaja dropped the ball, at least to a certain extent, in the subsequent five home Tests against Pakistan and West Indies, aggregating 359 runs in 10 innings at a below par average of 39.88 with just two fifty-plus scores across both series.

Also Read: Most Runs for India in a Test Series

The seasoned opener also struggled against New Zealand (away) and against India (at home), with Jasprit Bumrah largely tormenting him in the latter of the two series. Yet, just as when the flame seemed to fade, Khawaja made a return in Australia’s dominant 2-0 series victory in Sri Lanka, plundering a majestic 232 in Galle against a formidable spin attack.

Test cricket, mostly called the purest format of the game, has seen some of the greatest cricketers and batters showing their skills with patience, stroke-making ability and the perseverance to bat long and score. Past greats and legends like Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis and many others dominated test cricket during their time. But, with modern cricket kicking in, this time we will look at the list of active players with most hundreds in test cricket.

Players with most Test centuries in cricket history

Before we talk about the current active cricketers, we should and must take a look at all the batters who dominate the overall list. As we all know, Sachin Tendulkar is the batter with most test centuries in world cricket. In fact, his record of 100 international tons might not get broken ever in cricket history. 

Before Sachin broke into the scene, there was Sir Don Bradman, who had retired as the batter with most test centuries (29) and later the little master Sunil Gavaskar broke his record and finished his career with 34 test centuries. But, do they come in the list of players with the most test centuries? Let's take a look at that.

So, sadly, one of the greatest cricketers in cricket history, Sir Don Bradman, does not even come in the top 10 batters with the most test tons in cricket history. Interestingly, only Joe Root is the active cricketer on that list. Hence, you already know who the active cricketer with the most test tons is: Joe Root.

Most Test Centuries by active cricketers

#10. Ben Stokes | 13

Regarded as one of the best test cricketers of the 2010s and 2020s, Ben Stokes is perhaps the greatest match-winner of modern cricket. The southpaw batter is as lethal with the bat in the lower middle order and can change his gear with regard to the needs of the game.

Not only that, his skill to bat with the tail and chase nearly impossible totals in the last inning is quite remarkable. 

Stokes has 13 test centuries against his name in 105 test matches for the Three Lions. His 258  in just 198 balls against South Africa in Cape Town saw him make the fastest test double century by any English cricketer. That is also the highest test score by a batter batting at number six.

And, yes, who can forget his immortal innings of 135 at Edgbaston in the 2019 Ashes Test, where he single-handedly achieved England's highest successful run chase in Tests, with Jack Leach at the other end.

#9 Tom Latham | 13

Tom Latham, the Kiwi opener, is surely one of the best top-order batters of this generation. Although he has always been in the shadow of Kane Williamson, Latham has contributed well to his country since his test debut in 2014. In the last ten years, Latham has played 81 test matches and scored 5516 test runs so far, including 13 test centuries, which places him at number nine in this list.

Latham's unbeaten 264 against Sri Lanka in Wellington in 2018 is the highest score by any opener while carrying his bat. Not only that, he is only the second Kiwi cricketer to carry his bat in test cricket.

Latham is currently the vice-captain of the test team and one of the reasons for New Zealand's success in recent years.

#8. Mominul Haque | 13

Mominul Haque, the stylish and gritty test batter from Bangladesh, is at No. 8 on this list with 13 test tons. The top-order batter started his test career with a record-breaking 181 against Sri Lanka, which is the highest debut score by any Bangladeshi batter.

Since then, he has been one of the pillars of the Bangladeshi batting lineup in tests. From 2013 to 2017, Haque averaged over 50 with the bat, which dropped to below 40 post-2022. 

 He is one of only six batters, including the likes of Don Bradman, Kumar Sangakkara and Jacques Kallis, to score seven test tons at a single venue; Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

#7 Usman Khawaja | 16

Another top-order batter in the list, who has made tons of runs in the last few years for Australia. Usman, who was born in Pakistan and later moved to Australia as a young kid, made his test debut in 2011, replacing the great Ricky Ponting at number. At that time, he became the first Muslim cricketer to play for Australia. Despite a decent debut match, Khawaja was never given a long run and kept losing his spot in the team.

In 2015-16, he made another solid return to the test squad, but his failure in away tests always kept him in and out of the team. But, after his comeback with two tons in a single test match in 2022 against England in Sydney, Khwaja has emerged as one of the best batters for Australia. His move at the top of the order has also helped him regain his lost confidence at the international level.

Post a stunning 2023, where he scored 1210 runs in 13 test matches at 52.60, Khawaja won the 2023 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award.

In 80 test matches so far, Khawaja has scored 5930 test runs, including 16 test tons and 27 fifty-plus scores. He is also the fifth-highest run-scorer (3165) in the World Test Championship's history, despite playing only 39 matches. 

#6 Dimuth Karunaratne | 16

Dimuth Karunaratne has been one of the greatest modern-day batters for Sri Lanka in recent years. The opening batter comes from the same St Joseph's College, which produced players like Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera. Dimuth debuted for Sri Lanka in tests in 2012 and gradually cemented his place in the team despite a duck in his debut inning. 

In 2014, he scored his debut hundred against New Zealand in Christchurch and has scored 15 more in his test career since then. Three years later, he missed his first double ton by four runs when he played an outstanding knock of 196 against Pakistan in Dubai. In 2021, he scored hundreds in three back-to-back test matches, and one of them was a 244 against Bangladesh, his best in test cricket. 

Dimuth is the highest run-getter for Sri Lanka in the World Test Championship with 2642 runs in 35 test matches so far. He has scored 6 tons in WTC history as well.

#5 Dinesh Chandimal | 16

Another Sri Lankan in the list of active batters with the most test centuries prove why, despite not being considered a force, they have done well in recent times. Dinesh Chandimal, one of the most underrated cricketers going around, has climbed up in the list with a stunning hundred (116) against New Zealand at Galle. 

Chandimal, just like Angelo Mathews, emerged on the scene as one of the best talents in the country and became a mainstay in the middle order after the retirement of the legendary Sangakkara-Jayawardene pair. At 23, he was chosen as the T20I captain and as Mathews' deputy in tests.

Read Also | Most Runs in WTC 2023-25 

In 2013, Dinesh scored back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh and then played an unbeaten 162 against India in 2015 to nearly drag Sri Lanka to a win from an impossible position. His 164 against India in Delhi in 2017 was one of his remarkable innings after leading Sri Lanka to a 2-0 victory against Pakistan, away from home.

However, after that, he could not keep his form, and it wasn't until 2022 that he came back to his best with an unbeaten 206 against Australia at Galle to deny the mighty Aussies a test series win.

Till now, Chandimal has scored 16 test centuries in 88 test matches and looks like a strong candidate to be the first one to reach 20 test centuries among the active Sri Lankan cricketers. 

#4. Cheteshwar Pujara | 19

Although he has not been a part of the Indian test team since 2023, Cheteshwar Pujara is still an active test cricketer. The modern wall of Indian cricket, who was among one of the rarest batters in this counterattacking generation to tire the bowlers down and play a whole day of test cricket, without giving it a second thought.

Pujara's temperament was one of the main reasons why he was called up for the national team in 2010. After a very impressive 72 against Australia on debut, it was only a matter of time before Pujara became a mainstay of the Indian team.

Soon, he became the joint-fastest Indian to 1000 Test runs, and quickly he became the new Wall of Indian cricket. Till now, in 103 test matches, Pujara has scored 7195, including 19 centuries. 

Recent drop in form has kept in out of the Indian team, but his love for the game has kept him going at the domestic level. Pujara is one of the 13 players in test cricket history to bat in each day of a five-day test match. 

Read Also: Most runs vs England in England for India in tests

#3 Kane Willamson | 33

Kane Williamson has been the best Kiwi cricketer of the last two decades, and even the great Martin Crowe believed that he would finish as the greatest batter from New Zealand. 

Debuted in 2010, Kane scored a ton against India in Ahmedabad and since then, has never had to look back. 24 years and 151 days old, Kane then became the youngest New Zealand cricketer to score 3000 test runs. In 2015, Kane hit his first double ton against Sri Lanka in Wellington and since then has scored five more test double tons.

Read Also | Most international runs in Cricket history

As a leader, Kane in 2018 became the fourth Kiwi captain to win a test series in England, followed by a first-ever series triumph against Pakistan, away from home.

Williamson, with 9276 test runs, is the player with the most test runs for New Zealand. He also holds the record for most test centuries scored by a Kiwi batter (33). He is also the quickest batter in test history (by innings) to reach 33 test tons.

Moreover, Williamson was also the first-ever Kiwi captain to lead them to an ICC trophy success when he led them to the WTC title in 2021 against India. The former Kiwi captain is also New Zealand's highest run-getter in WTC history with 2822 runs at 61.34 average and 11 test tons. 

#2 Steve Smith | 36

After starting as a leg spinner in 2010, Steve Smith's journey to become one of the greatest test batters for Australia is quite remarkable. Despite getting banned for 12 months due to the ball-tampering scandal in 2018, Smith made a great comeback to test cricket and has scored 9 test centuries since 2019.

Smith scored his first century in 2013 against England at the Oval and scored three more in his next six matches. Before he was made the captain in 2015, he was already the No.1 ranked test batter in the world, scoring seven centuries in 17 test matches in 2014-15, including centuries in four consecutive test matches. 

In 2017, he scored six test tons, including a double ton in just 11 test matches to win his second ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award second time, after winning it in 2015.

Though in the past few years, bowlers have found some ways to stop him from scoring runs with his unorthodox style, he scored five centuries in 13 innings from July 2022 to June 2023.

In 2024, Smith scored two consecutive test centuries in the Australia vs India Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. With 36 test tons in just 116 tests, he is now the active batter with the joint-most test tons.

#1 Joe Root | 36

2021 Test Cricketer of the Year, nominated again in 2023 for the same award, most runs and tons in World Test Championship history, most test runs by any English batter, most test tons by any English batter; these are the few achievements Joe Root made in the last seven years. 

The youngest of the "fav four", Root debuted in 2012 on England's tour to India and impressed with a 73 from 229 balls, and everyone saw his ability to stay at the crease and play long.

Five tests later, he scored his first test hundred in England against New Zealand in 2013. Two tests later, he followed that up with a 180 against Australia at Lord's.

Read Also | Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: Who is ahead after 145 Test matches? Full analysis 

Before he was made the captain in 2017, he had already played 53 test matches in five years with a batting average of over 50. 190 in the first inning as test captain, and all knew he would go on to break all the records for England. Root finished 2017 with 1481 for England despite scoring only two tons.

The story continued the same way for him in the following year, as despite scoring lots of fifty-plus scores, Root could score only two test tons as England struggled in tests as a team.

But, everything changed for him in 2021 as he started the year with one century and one double century in the first three tests. Another back-to-back hundred against India at home would mean he would go on to win the 2021 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year Award.

Root that year nearly broke the record of the most test runs scored in a calendar year with 1708 test runs, missing the record by 80 runs.

Since the start of 2022, Root has scored 13 test tons, scoring 3475 runs at an average of 53.46. In WTC, he is the highest run scorer with 5543 runs, with a record 18 centuries.