Top five fastest batters to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket

Test cricket represents the oldest format of the sport, boasting a rich history that spans 147 years. Throughout this time, it has witnessed numerous legendary batters who have left an indelible mark on the annals of cricket and shaped various eras. There are 12 test-playing nations currently. Every nation has batting heroes, some have several, while some have few.

What makes the legendary batters different from others is the amount of runs they scored in their careers that stretched over a decade. Their consistent performances with the bat elevates them to a superior status among others. So far, a total of 14 batters have achieved the milestone of scoring more than 10,000 runs in Test cricket.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top five fastest batters to reach the 10,000 runs landmark in the longest format.

5. Rahul Dravid (IND) – 206 innings

Rahul Dravid, a quintessential Test match batter, ranks as India's second-highest run-scorer in the history of test cricket. This legendary cricketer achieved the remarkable milestone of 10,000 runs in test cricket after playing 206 innings.

He achieved this iconic feat in a match against South Africa held in Chennai in 2008. Throughout his illustrious career, Dravid accumulated a total of 13,288 runs in 164 Test matches, boasting an impressive average of 52.31. The right-handed batter recorded 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries.

4. Ricky Ponting (AUS) – 196 innings

Australian cricket icon Ricky Ponting was known for his aggressive style of play. The former captain of the Australian team holds the record for being the fastest Australian to achieve the milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket and is recognized as his nation's leading run-scorer in this format.

Ponting achieved this huge milestone during a Test match against the West Indies in 2008. It was Ponting’s 196th innings. Ponting amassed a total of 13,378 runs across 168 Test matches, achieving an impressive batting average of 51.85, which includes 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries.

3. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 195 innings

Legendary wicket-keeper batter Kumar Sangakkara achieved the remarkable milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket over the course of 195 innings. He reached this huge landmark during a match against Australia in Melbourne in 2012.

Overall, the Sri Lankan icon amassed 12400 runs in 134 tests. The stylish left-hander registered 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries in the longest format.

2. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 195 innings

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar stands as the most famous icon in the sport. Over a remarkable career lasting 24 years, Tendulkar set countless records. When discussing batting achievements, it is common to find Tendulkar's name prominently featured at the forefront.

Tendulkar reached the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket after playing 195 innings. This accomplishment makes him the fastest Indian cricketer to attain this prestigious achievement. The former cricketer played 200 Tests and scored 15921 at an admirable average of 53.78. Tendulkar ransacked 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries in the longest format.

1. Brian Lara (WI) – 195 innings

Legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara achieved the remarkable milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket after 195 innings, making him one of the fastest players in the world to reach this landmark.

He achieved this huge feat during a Test match against England in Manchester in 2004. Throughout his career, Lara amassed a total of 11,593 runs across 131 Test matches, boasting an impressive average of 52.88. The left-handed batter recorded 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries in his Test career.

Cover Credits - ESPN