Top 6 fastest players to score 5000 runs in Test cricket history
Test cricket is the oldest and the most challenging format in the game. For any young player, reaching the milestone of 5000 or 10000 runs in the longest format is one of the aspirations. In the history of Test cricket so far, some of the great players have reached these landmarks in very less innings.
In this particular article, we will be listing out those players who have been the fastest to complete 5000 Test runs in terms of innings taken. Among these, four players are tied at the joint-third spot. For such a case, we have given the higher ranking to the ones who reached the milestone earlier.
6. Matthew Hayden – 95 innings
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden scored 8625 runs in 184 innings at an average of 50.73 in his Test career. This includes 30 centuries and 29 half-centuries. The left-hander completed 5000 Test runs in his 95th innings while playing against Sri Lanka in 2004.
5. Viv Richards – 95 innings
Former West Indies great Viv Richards created his own legacy when it comes to batting in the longest format. He averaged 8540 runs in 121 matches at an average of 50.23. He hit 24 tons and 45 fifties in his career with a high score of 291. He reached the 5000-run mark in 95 innings while playing against England in 1984.
4. Sunil Gavaskar – 95 innings
Sunil Gavaskar is considered among the greatest openers in the longest format of the game. He was the first player in the history of Test cricket to complete 10000 runs. Before this, he completed 5000 Test runs in 95 innings in the year 1979. Overall, the opener scored 10122 runs in 125 matches at an average of 51.12 with the help of 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries.
3. Garry Sobers – 95 innings
Former West Indies player also completed 5000 Test runs in 95 innings. He reached the landmark while playing against England in 1966. He amassed 8032 runs in 93 matches at an average of 57.78 including 26 hundreds and 30 fifties.
2. Jack Hobbs – 91 innings
Jack Hobbs, who is considered the greatest ever player in the First-Class history stands at the second spot in this list. In his First-Class career, he scored 61760 runs at an average of 50.70 including 199 centuries and 273 fifties. Hobbs completed 5000 Test runs in his 91st innings while playing against Australia in 1929.
1. Don Bradman – 56 innings
The greatest ever Test cricketer Don Bradman had to be at the first position in this record. He completed his 5000 Test runs in just the 56th innings in the game against England in 1938. Overall, the Australian scored 6996 runs in 52 matches at an extraordinary average of 99.94 including 29 centuries and 13 half-centuries.
