The hardest format in the game of cricket demands the highest quality and produces the toughest players. The dominance of a team in a test is very much dependent on the captain itself. Captaining a test side is much harder and different from the ones in ODIs and T20s. It's not about controlling power plays like the limited-overs cricket, it's about controlling sessions for being at the top after the end of the day's play. In the history of Test Cricket, many captains have proved their worth and showed glimpses of an ideal skipper. Let's us take a look at those captains with highest batting average in Test's in England.

Also Read : A drought of Test Centuries and Indian top five batsmen

Top 5 players with Highest Batting Average as Captain in England :

#1. Don Bradman | Average 85.63

99.94 is a popular number when one talks about Sir Don Bradman because it's an average no player could ever reach. But little do they know his average as a captain was 101.52 in 24 tests. The numbers are unbelievable, he had 14 centuries and four double centuries under his belt as a captain. However, Sir Don Bradman had played in England with an average of 85.63 and thus simply he is leading the charts.

Sir Don Bradman as a captain in Tests :

#2. Gary Sobers | Average 72.66

The West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers(also known as Gary Sobers) comes at second spot in the list. Sir Gary had played a total of 93 test matches in which he has scored 80032 runs with an average of 57.78. The West Indian was given the teams charge on 1965 at the age of 29 and he was continued till 1972. He was captained the side for a total of 39 matches. However, Sir Gary Sobers had played in England with an average of mammoth 72.66 in Test cricket.

Sir Gary Sobers as a captain in Tests :

#3. Graeme Smith | Average 67.75

The most successful captain in Cricket South Africa's history is Graeme Smith. Graeme had played in England with an average of 67.75 as a Captain in Test's. The left-handed South African features at no. 1 in this list with 25 tons to his name as a captain. Although South Africa didn't manage to win a major ICC tournament, they were not a team to reckon with under him. During RSA's test winning streak, they were a nightmare for every team. Graeme Smith was handed the captaincy at the age of 22. He has captained South Africa in 109 test matches and led his team to victories in 53 of those, so far it's the highest by any captain in history to lead a side into the victories.

Graeme Smith as a Captain in Tests :

Read Also : Most test wickets in England by Indian bowlers

#4. Allan Border | Average 64.00

One of the greatest batsman for Australia in Test cricket, Allan Border. The left handed batsman of Australia has played a total of 156 test matches scoring 11107 runs with an average of 50.56. However, Border had played in England with an average of 64.00 as a captain in Test cricket. Border has 27 tons to his name with a highest score of 205. He was given the charge of Australian Cricket Team in 1989 at the age of 34. He last captained his team against South Africa in a test Series before he got his retirement.

Allan Border as a captain in Tests :

#5. Virat Kohli | Average 47.80

Arguably, the best player in the world Virat Kohli has captained a total of 64* matches till now. At 32, Kohli is already India's most successful captain in Test cricket with 37 wins. Virat is a class apart from others when it comes to batting. Kohli has already scored 20 tons as a captain in tests which is the second-highest in the world and still has many years of his game left. However, Kohli has played with an average of 47.80 in England as a Captain in Test cricket.

Virat Kohli as a Captain in Tests :

N.B : The stats are accurate as of 31/08/2021.

One is called the God of Cricket, and the other is perhaps the greatest test batter of his generation. Both Sachin Tendulkar and Joe Root have contributed to test cricket in their own way.

Since Root started his incredible run with the bat in 2021, everyone started the Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar comparison in test cricket. Some even suggested that the former English captain might even break Sachin Tendulkar's test record as well. 

Before India take on England in another mouthwatering five-test match series, we will try to analyse whose test career is better. Is it Joe Root or Sachin Tendulkar? Who is better in test cricket? 

Sachin Tendulkar in test cricket - in numbers

Even before we get into comparing the players, we need to get the numbers right. 

Sachin, the highest run-getter in test and international cricket, scored 15921 test runs in a record 200 test matches. The Indian legend averaged 53.78 and also scored 51 test tons, which is also a record. 

Read Also | 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium

Debuted at the age of 16, soon, Sachin soon became the then second youngest ever test centurion at the age of 17 years 107 days old. Sachin created that record when he smashed an unbeaten 119 against England in Manchester in 1990. 

He is still the youngest Indian to score an international ton. 

Other records Sachin has in his test career: 

• Most fours in test cricket (2058)
• Most fifties in test cricket (119)
• Fastest to 10000, 13000, 14000, 15000 test runs
• The only batter to surpass the mark of 14000 and 15000 test runs
• 3rd most test innings without a duck (91)
• 2nd most test hundreds in a calendar year (7 in 2010)

Read Also | The Most Memorable Test Centuries in Cricket History

Joe Root in test cricket - in numbers

Part of the modern fav-four in cricket, Joe Root debuted in 2012 against India and announced himself with a gritty 73 from 229 balls.

In his sixth test, he scored his first test hundred against New Zealand and then two tests later, he smashed a 180 against the Aussies at Lord's. 

With 13006, he is the fifth-highest run scorer in test cricket history. He is the highest international and test scorer for England. Moreover, he is also the batter with the most test tons and runs among active batters in world cricket. 

Root till now has played only 153 test matches and has a batting average of 50.80. Since the start of 2022, Root has scored 13 test tons, scoring 3475 runs at an average of 53.46. He is also the highest run scorer in World Test Championship history. 

Other records Root has in his test career:

• 3rd most test runs in a calendar year (1708, in 2021)
• 5th most test hundreds (36)
• 6th most test hundreds in a calendar year (6 in 2021)
• Most fifties in consecutive test matches (12)
• 4th most test fifties (101)

Root vs Sachin in Test Cricket: Comparison

Sachin currently has a lead over Joe Root in every aspect of numbers in test cricket. The master blaster has better records than Root in test cricket.

But to compare them, we will have to compare them with the current number of matches Root has played so far.

Sachin after 153 test matches 

Runs: 12152

Innings: 250

Average: 54.25

100s: 39

50s: 51

Highest: 248*

Sachin in wins after 153 tests: 

Won: 48 tests

Runs: 4011

Average: 62.67

100s: 13

50s: 16

Root after 153 test matches

Runs: 13006

Innings: 279

Average: 50.80

100s: 36

50s: 65

Highest: 262

Root in wins after 153 test matches:

Wins: 70 tests

Runs: 6999

Average: 64.21

100s: 25

50s: 28

So, if we compare Sachin's record to Joe Root's after 153 test matches, we can see that Root is leading the chart with more runs and more fifties. But, Sachin has a better batting average, more hundreds. 

However, in 153 test matches, Root won 70 test matches for England while Sachin had only won 48 test matches as a player. Although their batting averages in winning causes are nearly the same, Root has scored nearly 3000 more test runs on winning occasions for England. 

Bonus: Did you know who was ahead after 145 test matches each for Sachin and Root? 

Can Root catch Sachin in test cricket?

Although Joe Root has scored the most test runs if we compare their stats after 153 test matches, Sachin played nearly five years after playing his 153rd test match in 2008. 

Not only that, in those next 47 test matches he played for India, he scored 3769 runs at an average of 52.34 with 12 tons.

Root is currently 34, and can stretch his career for at least 4-5 years if he can stay fit. With the number of test matches England play every season, there is a certain possibility that Root can end up playing more than 200 test matches in his career. 

Even if he plays 47 more test matches and bats at least 75 innings, he would need 2915 test runs at an average of 38.87. 

With the current form Joe Root is in, this is quite possible for him to get. But, will he be able to keep the form like Sachin had done at the age of 35 and after? That's the question the World Cricket will be eyeing. 

Playing test matches is one thing but to win test matches is a whole other ball game as only the best teams are able to win and get better as a test match side. During the 140+ years of test cricket there have been around 2500+ test matches that have been played by the various teams playing and these teams strive to beat the other team in this match and win the series as a result. Winning a test match is the ultimate satisfaction for a team even now. So, let’s look at the statistics of Most Test Wins by a Team since 2010.

Also Read: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

Most Test Wins by a Team since 2010

5. New Zealand | 52

The number 5 team in this list is the New Zealand team which has won 52 test matches since 2010 out of a total of 122 test matches played till now. They have lost 46 matches which is not a good record to have and hopefully the win loss difference decreases and they have a total of drawn test matches of 24 and going forward it can be said that their record will improve.

4. South Africa | 66

South Africa have one of the most impressive records in the test cricket as in the 127 test matches they have played in from 2010-2025 , they have been able to win 66 test matches and they have lost 39 matches against good teams as well and they also have drawn 22 test matches. South Africa was barred from cricket as well for a number of years and they were reinstated in 1993 again and their journey hasn’t looked back since.

3. India | 80

After Australia, the third team with most test match wins is the Indian team with 80 test match wins since 2010 in a total of 156 matches. They have also lost 48 matches which is not a good sign as well as they have 28 drawn matches throughout their journey from 2010 and the hope is this record gets better with time and they win more matches than they lose.

2. Australia | 84

Australia have played a total of 157 test matches since 2010 and they have won 84 matches and also lost 48 matches as a side and some of the losses were memorable. And Australia have drawn 25 matches and drawn test matches can be very entertaining as well. Australia will play more test matches as they go along over the years and they will reach 100 test wins really soon as well.

Also Read: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

1. England | 90

England is the test team with the most number of wins in test matches since 2010. They are the only team who have played over a 190 test matches and they have won 90 matches whereas they have also lost 70 test matches as well which shows they are beaten a lot of times as well and the number of drawn test matches by England are at 31 and as they play along they will win more rest matches as well as lose matches as well.

The cricketing world is buzzing with discussions surrounding the upcoming IND vs ENG series, and a voice has highlighted a significant void: the absence of Virat Kohli. England's Test captain, Ben Stokes, has openly expressed his belief that India will feel the lack of Kohli's renowned "fighting spirit" and other things on the field.

Stokes also revealed how he texted Kohli after his decision to retire and term it as a shame he won't be there to play in the field.

This statement from an opponent shows the immense impact Kohli has left and the challenge India faces in a crucial series without one of its finest test players.

Check the full story of Ben Stokes on Virat Kohli's absence in England series:

Ben Stokes on Virat Kohli's absence in England series

Ben Stokes has analysed how Virat Kohli's absence can affect India, 2 days prior the test series against England. When asked about what India will miss in Kohli after he decided to step down from tests, here's how the English skipper replied:

"I think what India will miss, will be his fighting spirit out in the game, his competitiveness, desire to win." He further goes on to add "It will be weird to not see number 18 at the back of any Indian shirt. I did text him saying it's going to be a shame not to play against him because I love playing against Virat."

Stokes also shared how he feels both Kohli and him have the same mindset when out in the field, and addressed the fact that he has done really well against England in his test career.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by We Are England Cricket (@englandcricket)

Read Also: England vs India Test Series: Here is India's overall test record against England in England

India vs England squads for the upcoming test series

India: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana.

England: Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes

The BCCI has made a strategic last-minute addition to the India's Test squad for England tour (starts June 20, 2025) which will mark the beginning of Shubman Gill's captaincy era. It is now official that Harshit Rana called up to join India's Test squad for England series as backup.

He has not been officially added to the squad but has travelled to Leeds as an unofficial cover for the team. Check the full story below:

Harshit Rana's inclusion as a backup in India's Test squad against England

Harshit Rana's journey in England has taken a significant turn as he has been asked to stay with the senior Indian Test squad for the upcoming series. He was initially part of the India A team that toured England.

During this time, Rana played two unofficial test matches against England Lions where he contributed with the ball (took an important wicket) and bat (scored 16 runs).

He was also involved in an intra-squad practice match in Beckenham, providing him further opportunities to showcase his skills in front of the senior team.

Following these engagements, the team management have decided to extend his stay and include him as backup. "Please don't count him as an official member of the squad as yet,” a top BCCI official told Cricbuzz to confirm Rana's presence.

The potential reason behind the call-up:

India's pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Shardul Thakur.

Rana's inclusion (even as a backup) provides crucial depth and flexibility, and gives them diverse options to adapt to various pitch conditions throughout the demanding series.

In the history of Indian Test Cricket, reaching the 2000-run milestone has always been a matter of pride. While many have achieved this feat, only a few have done so with remarkable speed.

Currently, the record for the fastest Indians to score 2000 test runs is jointly held by Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, both accomplishing it in 40 innings. However, a new name is on the verge of making history: Yashasvi Jaiswal, with 1798 runs from 36 innings, needs only 202 more runs.

If Jaiswal reaches this in 3 or fewer innings, potentially in the upcoming test series against England (starts on June 20, 2025), he will break the legendary record and reach on top!

Now, let's look at the elite list of players who previously set the standard by being the fastest Indians to reach 2000 test runs.

1. Rahul Dravid (40 innings)

Rahul Dravid, famously known as "The Wall" for his brilliant defensive technique and concentration in tests, reached 2000 test runs in just 40 innings. His ability to bat for longer periods and wearing down the opposition was a key aspect for India's Test success.

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

2. Virender Sehwag (40 innings)

Virender Sehwag, the aggressive opening batsman, matched Dravid's record by also reaching 2000 test runs in 40 innings. He was known for his fearless approach while batting at the top of the order.

He is also the only Indian to score 2 triple centuries in his test career.

3. Vijay Hazare (43 innings)

An icon of Indian cricket's early era, Vijay Hazare reached 2000 test runs in 43 innings. He was an incredible run-scorer in his time, known for his elegant batting and contributions.

His contributions mattered highly during a period when Indian cricket was finding its status on the international stage.

4. Gautam Gambhir (43 innings)

The bold left-handed opener, Gautam Gambhir, also reached 2000 test runs in 43 innings. He was a crucial part of India's top order in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Gambhir was known for his mental toughness and ability to play long innings when required, with high determination and focus.

Read Also: India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

5. Sunil Gavaskar (44 innings)

Sunil Gavaskar, one of the greatest opener in Tests cricket history, scored 2000 test runs in 44 innings. He was known for batting fearlessly and facing West Indian fast bowlers without modern protective gear.

Gavaskar was the first player to reach 10000-run mark in test cricket history, and also holds the 3rd place for most runs for India in tests.