Top 10 Players With Most Runs in Test Cricket (2025 List)

Test cricket has given us many great players over the years. Some batters have scored thousands of runs and made their names in cricket history.

In this article, you’ll learn about the top 10 cricketers who have scored the most runs in Test matches. From Sachin Tendulkar’s mastery to Ricky Ponting’s aggression, these players have made huge contributions to their teams.

By the end, you’ll know who scored the most, how they played, and why they are so special in Test cricket.

Top 10 Players with the Most Runs in Men’s Tests

Here’s a quick look at the top 10 run-scorers in men’s Test history.

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	100s	50s	Best Score
SR Tendulkar (IND)	200	15921	53.78	51	68	248*
RT Ponting (AUS)	168	13378	51.85	41	62	257
JH Kallis (SA)	166	13289	55.37	45	58	224
R Dravid (IND)	164	13288	52.31	36	63	270
JE Root (ENG)	153	13006	50.80	36	65	262
AN Cook (ENG)	161	12472	45.35	33	57	294
KC Sangakkara (SL)	134	12400	57.40	38	52	319
BC Lara (WI)	131	11953	52.88	34	48	400*
S Chanderpaul (WI)	164	11867	51.37	30	66	203*
DPMD Jayawardene (SL)	149	11814	49.84	34	50	374

Let’s take a closer look at each of these amazing players.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Stat	Value
Debut	1989
Matches	200
Innings	329
Runs	15921
50s	68
100s	51

Sachin Tendulkar is the king of Test cricket. He has scored the most runs ever in men’s Tests. He played for India for 24 years and was a key player in many big matches. His perfect technique and calm mind made him special.

Sachin rarely played bad shots and could score runs when his team was in trouble. He was very good at reading the game and helped many young players learn cricket. His highest score of 248* shows how he could play long innings and wear down bowling attacks.

2. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Stat	Value
Debut	1995
Matches	168
Innings	287
Runs	13378
50s	62
100s	41

Ricky was Australia’s best batter for many years. He started playing for Australia when he was just 20 years old. He was also a great leader who helped Australia win many big series and tournaments.

Ricky could play both attacking and defensive when needed. He was very smart about cricket and knew how to win games. After he stopped playing, he became a coach to help other players get better. His 257 against India is remembered as one of his best innings.

3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Stat	Value
Debut	1995
Matches	166
Innings	280
Runs	13289
50s	58
100s	45

Jacques was a complete player in Test cricket. He played from 1995 to 2013 and scored 13289 runs. He was not just a great batter but also a useful bowler who took many wickets for South Africa.

Jacques’s batting was all about technique and patience. His average of 55.37 shows how consistent he was. He could play long innings and build partnerships with other batters. His highest score of 224 showed his ability to dominate bowling attacks.

4. Rahul Dravid (India)

Stat	Value
Debut	1996
Matches	164
Innings	286
Runs	13288
50s	63
100s	36

Rahul scored 13,288 Test runs in 164 matches for India. His batting average of 52.31 is impressive, showing his reliability as a run-scorer. He has 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries to his name, with a highest score of 270.

Rahul’s Test batting combined elegance with solid defence. He could score runs all around the wicket and adapted well to different conditions. His consistent run-scoring has been crucial for India over the years. He scored runs even when other batters struggled, making him one of the top Test run-getters of all time.

5. Joe Root (England)

Stat	Value
Debut	2012
Matches	153
Innings	279
Runs	13006
50s	65
100s	36

Joe Root is a key player for England in the 2010s and 2020s. He scored 13,006 runs in 153 Test matches at an average of 50.80, as of now. His consistent batting helped England win many matches. And he’s still playing!

Joe Root is known for his solid technique and ability to play long innings. His highest score of 262 shows his ability to concentrate for long periods. He is particularly good against spin bowling and scored many runs on turning pitches.

6. Alastair Cook (England)

Stat	Value
Debut	2006
Matches	161
Innings	291
Runs	12472
50s	57
100s	33

Alastair was England’s most reliable Test batter. He scored 12,472 runs in 161 matches at an average of 45.35. His patient batting style helped England win many important series.

Alastair’s batting was built on perfect technique and patience. His highest score of 294 remained close to a triple century. He scored runs against all types of bowling and in different conditions. His consistent run accumulation made him one of the top Test run-scorers of all time despite his methodical approach.

7. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Stat	Value
Debut	2000
Matches	134
Innings	233
Runs	12400
50s	52
100s	38

Kumar has the best average (57.40) among the top 10 run scorers in men’s Test cricket. He scored 12,400 runs in 134 matches, with 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries. His consistency was remarkable.

Kumar was not just a great batter but also a brilliant wicketkeeper. His all-round skills made him one of the most valuable players of his time. He could dominate bowling attacks when in form. His batting was elegant yet effective, and he scored runs at a good pace.

8. Brian Lara (West Indies)

Stat	Value
Debut	1990
Matches	131
Innings	232
Runs	11953
50s	48
100s	34

Brian scored 11,953 Test runs in 131 matches at an average of 52.88. He hit 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries during his Test career, with a top score of 400*.

Brian’s Test batting combined technical excellence with attacking intent. He was one of the most entertaining batters in cricket history. His ability to score big runs is remarkable – his world record score of 400* showed his hunger for big runs in Tests.

9. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies)

Stat	Value
Debut	1994
Matches	164
Innings	280
Runs	11867
50s	66
100s	30

Shivnarine was one of the most consistent batters in Test cricket. He played from 1994 to 2015 and scored 11,867 runs in 164 matches at an average of 51.37. His unique batting style helped him score runs consistently.

Shivnarine’s batting was based on an unorthodox technique but great determination. He played in an era when West Indies cricket was struggling, making his achievements even more special. His highest score of 203* showed his ability to play long innings and carry his team’s batting.

10. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)

Stat	Value
Debut	1997
Matches	149
Innings	252
Runs	11814
50s	50
100s	34

Mahela scored 11,814 Test runs at an average of 49.84 in 149 matches. His elegant batting made him one of Sri Lanka’s best run-scorers. His highest score of 374 was a record at the time.

Mahela’s graceful batting made him one of the most watchable players in cricket. He was particularly strong against spin bowling and could build long partnerships. His triple century against South Africa in 2006 was a masterclass in Test batting and helped Sri Lanka post a huge total.

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Conclusion: Sachin Tendulkar Has the Most Runs in Test Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar is the top run-scorer in men’s Test cricket, with 15,921 runs. But many others have also made their mark with amazing performances.

These players have set high standards and inspired boys around the world to pick up a bat and dream big. They’ve proven that Test cricket is full of talent, power, and patience.

As Test cricket continues, new players may break these records. But these legends will always be remembered for what they did for the game.

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