England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes currently holds the record for the most sixes in Test cricket, having smashed 133 sixes in the format. Known for his fearless batting and game-changing knocks, Stokes has redefined how modern Test cricket is approached with the bat.
Over the years, several power hitters like Brendon McCullum, Adam Gilchrist, and Chris Gayle have proved that clearing the ropes isn’t limited to white-ball cricket. Their aggressive approach brought a new dimension to Test batting, thrilling fans with audacious stroke play.
In this article, we take a look at the top 10 players with the most sixes in Test cricket, celebrating the big-hitters who brought power to the red-ball format.
Top 10 Most Sixes In Test Cricket
Some of the game’s hardest hitters have made their mark in Test cricket, not just with their skills, but with their powerful six-hitting ability as well.
Explore the top 10 players with the most sixes in Test cricket below:
| Player | Country | Matches | Innings | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Stokes | England | 114 | 205 | 133 |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 101 | 176 | 107 |
| Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 96 | 137 | 100 |
| Tim Southee | New Zealand | 107 | 156 | 98 |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 103 | 182 | 98 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 166 | 280 | 97 |
| Virender Sehwag | India | 104 | 180 | 91 |
| Angelo Mathews | Sri Lanka | 119 | 212 | 90 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 67 | 116 | 88 |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 131 | 232 | 88 |
1. Ben Stokes
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 114 |
| Innings | 205 |
| Runs | 6891 |
| Average | 35.15 |
| Highest score | 258 |
| Number of sixes | 133 |
Ben Stokes is the ultimate modern-day Test all-rounder, known for his aggressive batting and fearless approach. Whether rescuing England from collapse or turning games on their head, Stokes has often relied on his power to hit crucial sixes.
With 133 sixes, he currently holds the record for the most sixes in Test cricket, redefining how power-hitting fits into the traditional format.
2. Brendon McCullum
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 101 |
| Innings | 176 |
| Runs | 6453 |
| Average | 38.64 |
| Highest score | 302 |
| Number of sixes | 107 |
Brendon McCullum revolutionized Test batting with his attacking mindset right from ball one. Known for his flair and confidence, he never hesitated to take bowlers on—even in red-ball cricket.
His fearless style resulted in 107 sixes, the second-highest in Tests, showcasing that entertainment and effectiveness can go hand in hand.
3. Adam Gilchrist
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 96 |
| Innings | 137 |
| Runs | 5570 |
| Average | 47.60 |
| Highest score | 204* |
| Number of sixes | 100 |
Adam Gilchrist brought a new dimension to the wicketkeeper’s role in Tests with his counter-attacking strokeplay. He often walked in under pressure and flipped the match with his attacking instincts.
Gilchrist’s clean striking helped him launch 100 sixes in his career, many of them match-turning shots that kept Australia dominant.
4. Tim Southee
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 107 |
| Innings | 156 |
| Runs | 2245 |
| Average | 15.48 |
| Highest score | 77* |
| Number of sixes | 98 |
Primarily a fast bowler, Tim Southee has earned a surprising reputation with the bat for his six-hitting in the lower order. His big-hitting capabilities provide New Zealand with valuable lower-order runs.
Southee has cleared the ropes 98 times in Test cricket, making him one of the most dangerous tailenders in the game.
5. Chris Gayle
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 103 |
| Innings | 182 |
| Runs | 7214 |
| Average | 42.18 |
| Highest score | 333 |
| Number of sixes | 98 |
Chris Gayle brought his limited-overs aggression into Test cricket, opening the innings with the same towering sixes and brutal strokeplay. He often looked to dominate bowlers from the outset.
Gayle’s approach allowed him to hammer 98 sixes in Tests, proving that a power-hitter can shine in the longest format too.
6. Jacques Kallis
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 166 |
| Innings | 280 |
| Runs | 13289 |
| Average | 55.37 |
| Highest score | 224 |
| Number of sixes | 97 |
Jacques Kallis was a complete Test batsman, combining patience with precise shot selection. Though more classical in style, he had the strength to go big when needed.
With 97 sixes, Kallis struck the perfect balance between elegance and power, contributing heavily to South Africa’s success.
7. Virender Sehwag
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 104 |
| Innings | 180 |
| Runs | 5856 |
| Average | 49.34 |
| Highest score | 319 |
| Number of sixes | 91 |
Virender Sehwag was a game-changer at the top of the order, playing Tests like ODIs with a natural intent to attack. He never allowed bowlers to settle, especially on flat tracks.
His explosive style earned him 91 sixes, many of them during double or even triple centuries, making his sixes part of epic innings.
8. Angelo Mathews
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 119 |
| Innings | 212 |
| Runs | 8214 |
| Average | 44.40 |
| Highest score | 200* |
| Number of sixes | 90 |
Angelo Mathews has been a pillar in Sri Lanka’s middle order, mixing solid defense with sudden aggression. His six-hitting ability often helps shift momentum in his team’s favor.
Having hit 90 sixes, Mathews uses his power wisely, especially when batting with the tail or consolidating after a collapse.
9. Rohit Sharma
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 67 |
| Innings | 116 |
| Runs | 4301 |
| Average | 40.57 |
| Highest score | 212 |
| Number of sixes | 88 |
Rohit Sharma brings class and effortless timing to Test cricket, especially as an opener. Once set, his natural strokeplay flows into controlled aggression and clean six-hitting.
He has struck 88 sixes in his Test career, often using lofted shots to dominate spin and pace alike on subcontinental pitches.
10. Brian Lara
Test Career Stats:
| Matches | 131 |
| Innings | 232 |
| Runs | 11,953 |
| Average | 52.88 |
| Highest Score | 400* |
| Number of Sixes | 88 |
Brian Lara redefined elegance and dominance in Test cricket. He is also one of the top run scorers in Test cricket. His high backlift, sharp footwork, and flair for big innings made him a nightmare for bowlers across eras.
From his 375 in Antigua to the unprecedented 400* against England, Lara built mountainous totals with almost arrogant ease.
He smashed 88 sixes in Test cricket, often unleashing lofted drives and flicks with effortless precision, especially on flat Caribbean pitches.
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Conclusion: England Skipper Ben Stokes Tops The Six-Hitting Charts In Test Cricket!
Ben Stokes’ rise to the top of the Test six-hitting chart reflects the evolution of modern red-ball cricket. His fearless, aggressive approach has made him a match-winner and a trendsetter in how Test batting is perceived.
The presence of players like McCullum, Gilchrist, Gayle, and Sehwag highlights how attacking intent and clean ball-striking have always been valued in Tests, even long before the modern era.
As the format continues to evolve, these six-hitters have proven that Test cricket is not just about patience and defense—it can also be thrilling, entertaining, and power-packed from ball one.
