From Joe Root To Virat Kohli: 5 Active Players With Most Test Runs

From Joe Root To Virat Kohli: 5 Active Players With Most Test Runs [@mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Test cricket is the most superior form of cricket, and over the years, some players have defined this format of cricket with their consistency and remarkable performances.

As the toughest format to ever exist, red ball cricket has always been a bowlers arena. However, a few modern-day batters set new precedents with their remarkable talent and unmatched skill set. 

In the modern era, there are five active players who have exceptional contributions with the bat. They score runs across all conditions and against the hardest opponents.

From England’s Joe Root to India’s Virat Kohli, these players have become the backbone of their respective teams, consistently delivering match-defining performances. Let’s dive into the profiles of the five active players with the most Test runs.

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5. Angelo Matthews - 7966 runs

5. Angelo Matthews - 7966 runs [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Sri Lanka veteran Angelo Matthews, 37 years of age, is the fifth highest run-getter in Test cricket among active players. For his entire Test career that spanned over 204 innings, he aggregated 7966 runs with 16 hundred and a strike rate of 48.41. 

In fact, he debuted in 2009 and has played all formats of cricket for the national side, being part of the heart of their batting lineup. With experience and the ability to deal with spin, he is a rare commodity that Sri Lanka loves to their heart. Even while fighting injuries for years, Mathews has come out with match-winning performances that prove his worth to the team.

4. Kane Williamson - 9035 runs

4. Kane Williamson - 9035 runs [Source: @Sports_Himanshu/X.com]

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is the epitome of calmness and composure at the crease. His ability to absorb pressure and bat with aggressive intent has won countless games for the Black Caps. Williamson, being an active member of the ‘Fab 4’, has amassed 9035 runs across 182 innings. 

In the last 14 years, Williamson slammed 32 hundred and 51.48 strike rate. Beyond the numbers, Kane’s consistent performances, especially against quality attacks, and his leadership in winning the inaugural World Test Championship have cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greats, and he still continues to be a backbone of Kiwi’s top-order.

3. Virat Kohli - 9145 runs

3. Virat Kohli - 9145 runs [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]

Indian cricket stalwart and one of the most successful batters of the modern-day generation, Virat Kohli, ranks 4th in the list with 9145 runs in 203 Test innings. Across his glorious career, the former captain slammed 30 centuries at a 48.13 average. While his recent form has been underwhelming, Kohli’s golden period from 2016-19 redefined India’s approach in Test cricket.

Renowned for his fitness and mental toughness, Kohli’s remarkable overseas performances, including centuries in Australia and England, have been the highlight of his Test career. Moreover, as captain, he led India to historic Test victories and helped the team achieve the No. 1 Test ranking.

2. Steve Smith - 9702 runs

2. Steve Smith - 9702 runs [Source: @stevesmith49/X.com]

Australian middle-order batter Steve Smith, having gained prominence from his unorthodox batting style and unmatched consistency, is arguably one of the greatest Test batters to serve Australia. In 197 innings, Smith accumulated 9702 runs with 32 hundreds and an impressive 56.40 average. 

With a staggering average and strike rate, Smith’s ability to score heavily under pressure has been the heart of Australia’s success. His unmatchable performances in the Ashes series, including those in 2019, are beyond words as he is now the second-highest run scorer in Test format in active players.

1. Joe Root - 12754 runs

1. Joe Root - 12754 runs [Source: @JoeRoot66Fan/X.com]

Joe Root is undoubtedly the greatest Test batter to serve England cricket in their glorious history in the sport. With sensational consistency in 2024, Root became the highest run and century scorer for England in the red ball format. In 273 innings, Root scored 12754 runs with 35 tons and a 50.81 average. 

With his flawless technique and ability to score in all conditions, Root has been a consistent performer for more than a decade. As a prolific scorer in home and away matches, Root’s hunger for runs continues to grow, making him a vital player for England. With a major portion of his career still left in front of him, Root will be looking to pursue long-standing records in Test cricket set by legends.

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