5 Fastest Cricketers To Score 10000 Runs In Test Cricket

Steve Smith registers as one of the fastest cricketers to score 10,000 Test runs [Source: @@bashhh_24/X.com]

In the storied history of Test cricket, crossing the 10,000-run mark is a rare and revered milestone, which tests a batter’s skill, endurance, and mastery over the game’s most demanding format. Only a handful of legends have etched their names into this elite club, rewriting record books and redefining greatness.

The spotlight recently fell on Steve Smith, who joined this exclusive fraternity during Australia’s Test series against Sri Lanka. With his trademark unorthodox style and relentless hunger for runs, Smith became the third-fastest by innings to breach the 10,000-run barrier. 

Hence, in the light of his success, from modern-day maestros to timeless icons, here’s a look at the top 5 fastest players to score 10,000 Test runs.

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5. Steve Smith - 205 innings

Steve Smith was denied his 10,000 Test run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy where he was dismissed for 4 runs by Prasidh Krishna. However, he came to clinch the historic milestone in his next Test inning which is against Sri Lanka at Galle. The modern-day 'great' is an impressive player in the debatably 'hardest' format of the game which shows in his commitment to the game. 35-year-old, Smith boasts 34 centuries and 41 half-centuries as he eyes to bag many more under his belt.

4. Ricky Ponting - 196 innings

Ricky Ponting, one of Australia's most successful captains, reached the 10,000 Test runs milestone in his 196th innings during a match against the West Indies in North Sound in 2008. Ponting's dreamy career includes 13,378 Test runs, making him one of the highest run-scorers in the format. He was aggressive with the bat and his strike rate of 58.72 stands as proof in the game of whites. With 41 tons to his name, the maestro still continues to inspire cricketers all over the world.

3. Kumar Sangakkara - 195 innings

Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka's elegant left-hander, achieved the 10,000 Test runs mark in his 195th innings during a match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2012. Sangakkara's career is distinguished by his classy knocks and remarkable consistency, accumulating over 12,400 Test runs at an average exceeding 57. He also boasts 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries in the longest format of the game.

2. Sachin Tendulkar - 195 innings

Sachin Tendulkar, aka the 'God of Cricket', reached the 10,000 Test runs milestone in his 195th innings during a match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens in 2005. Tendulkar's illustrious career spanned 24 years, during which he became the highest run-scorer in Test cricket, amassing over 15,921 runs boasting 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries. 

1. Brian Lara - 195 innings

Brian Lara, the West Indies batting maestro, achieved the 10,000 Test runs mark in his 195th innings during a match against England in Manchester in 2004. Lara is celebrated for his flamboyant style and record-breaking innings, including the highest individual Test score of 400 not out. His contributions have been instrumental in defining an era of West Indies cricket as he shines with 11,953 runs with 34 centuries to his name.

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