England’s star batter Joe Root took major steps on his march towards Sachin Tendulkar as he surpassed two more cricketing greats in his bid to become the top Test run-scorer on Day 3 of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford. With this, Root has now become the third-highest run-scorer in the history of the format as he went past Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis. Root is now only behind Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting in the list of most Test runs in cricket history.

So, let's take a look at the batters with Most Test Runs in Cricket History.

Also Read: Best test bowling figure in an inning by any Indian bowler at Lord's

Most Test Runs in Cricket History

1. Sachin Tendulkar | 15,921

Span - 1989-2013
Innings - 329
Highest - 248*

India's Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most runs in Test cricket, having amassed an incredible 15,921 runs in his 24-year career. He played 200 matches and achieved the highest score of 248 not out, maintaining an average of 53.78. He also holds the record for most centuries in Test cricket with a humongous 51 centuries.

2. Ricky Ponting | 13,378

Span - 1995-2012
Innings - 287
Highest - 257

Ricky Ponting, also called Punter, played 168 Test matches and scored 13,378 runs in 287 innings. He had a strong average of 51.85 and hit 41 centuries, with a top score of 257. Known for his sharp pull shots and aggressive captaincy, Ponting remains one of Australia’s most successful and dependable batters.

3. Joe Root | 13,294

Span - 2012-2025
Innings - 286
Highest - 262

Joe Root, the former England captain, broke Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis’ record to become the third leading run getter in Test cricket. Root, who made his Test debut for England in December 2012 against India in Nagpur, needed 31 runs in the ongoing fourth India-England Test to overtake Dravid and Kallis, and he achieved the objective in the morning session of the third day’s play.

Playing his 157th Test (286 innings), Root owns 13,294 runs at an average of 50.93. Apart from 37 tons, he owns 66 half-centuries. His tally of 103 50-plus scores in Tests is the joint-second-most for any batter.

4. Jacques Kallis | 13,289

Span - 1995-2013
Innings - 280
Highest - 224

Jacques Kallis is South Africa’s greatest all-rounder and scored 13,289 runs in 166 Tests and 280 innings. With an amazing average of 55.37, he hit 45 centuries, including a highest score of 224. People often call him “Jakes”, and he was known for being rock solid with the bat and handy with the ball, too.

Also Read: Indian players to record two hundreds in a Test match

5. Rahul Dravid | 13,288

Span - 1996-2012
Innings - 286
Highest - 270

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian batsman known as The Wall, was renowned for his solid defense and patience. He played 164 Tests, scored 13,288 runs in 286 innings, and had a strong average of 52.31. He hit 36 centuries, and his highest score was 270. Bowlers found it tough to get past him, which is why he earned the nickname The Wall.

cricket Live Scores & Fixtures

Latest Stories

Subscribe Newsletter