Steve Smith gets past Chappell to climb in Australia's highest run-scoring Test captains list

Most runs for Australia as Test captain [Source: @k42068387, @RickyPonting, @iamsmudgefan/X.com]

Steve Smith has quietly and steadily written another chapter in his legendary career. With a half-century in the Ashes 2025 Gabba Test, he is ranked among the highest run-scorers for Australia in Test cricket as a skipper. 

Smith initially gave up the Test captaincy after the infamous sandpaper scandal that rocked Australian cricket in 2018. However, he redeemed himself over the years and is now in the top 5 list.

On that note, here’s a list of 5 players who scored the most runs as Australian captains in Tests.

---

ALSO READ

Fastest hundreds in Ashes history

---

5. Michael Clarke - 3946 runs

5. Michael Clarke - 3946 runs [Source: @VijayCricketFan/X.com]

In fifth spot is Michael Clarke with 3946 runs in 47 Tests at a 51.92 average, including 14 hundreds and seven fifties. Clarke was a stylish and determined batter who led Australia through both good and tough times. 

His highest score of 329* as captain is one of the greatest innings in Test history. Moreover, under his captaincy, Australia won 24 of the 47 Tests and lost 16. 

4. Greg Chappell - 4209 runs

4. Greg Chappell - 4209 runs [Source: @CricketopiaCom/X.com]

Greg Chappell, one of Australia’s finest batters from the 1970s and early 1980s, is close behind at no. 4 with 4209 runs as Test captain, including 13 hundreds and 19 fifties. He had a calm approach and strong leadership that guided Australia to 21 wins in 48 Tests. 

Additionally, Chappell had an average of 55.38 and also registered the highest score of 235. He surely led Australia in a changing era of cricket and remained a key player with the bat throughout his captaincy.

3. Steve Smith - 4219 runs

3. Steve Smith - 4219 runs [Source: @weRcricket/X.com]

Steve Smith is now third on the list with 4219 runs as Australia’s Test captain. Smith has been one of the best Test batters of his generation and captained in 42 Tests, out of which Australia won 24. He carries an average of 68.05 with 17 centuries and 15 fifties. 

Smith’s captaincy was tainted during the 2018 sandpaper gate, and he was subsequently removed. But in Ashes 2025, he led the team in the first two Tests in the absence of Pat Cummins and scored a brilliant 61 in the day/night Test at Gabba. 

That knock helped him pass Chappell and move up to third in the list. His redemption arc as Australian Test captain will surely be remembered for ages to come. 

2. Ricky Ponting - 6542 runs

2. Ricky Ponting - 6542 runs [Source: @ICC/X.com]

One of the greatest captains to ever serve Australian cricket, Ricky Ponting, led a dominant side that ruled world cricket for many years. With 6542 runs as captain, he was not only a strong leader but also a match-winner with the bat. 

He led the Aussies in 77 Tests, winning 48 of them and losing just 16. Also, Ponting had an average of 51.51 with 19 hundreds and 35 fifties. Ricky Ponting’s legacy as captain serves as an inspiration for generations to come.

1. Allan Border - 6623 runs

1. Allan Border - 6623 runs [Source: @humourdoctor/X.com]

At the top of the list is Allan Border, one of Australia’s greatest and strongest leaders. He captained Australia during a difficult period when the team was rebuilding. Despite the challenges, Border stood tall and delivered with the bat again and again. 

He scored 6623 runs as Test captain with a 50.95 average, including 15 centuries and 36 fifties. In the 93 Tests that Allan Border captained Australia, the team won 32 and lost 22 games. 

Regardless, his fighting spirit, patience, and leadership qualities made him a true legend of the format.

---

ALSO READ

Most half-centuries in Test history

---