Reaching 10K: Top 5 fastest batsmen to score 10,000 Test runs

Test cricket is considered the toughest and the most challenging format for both batsmen and bowlers. Over the years, we have seen some great cricketers emerge in the game who have done well in the oldest format. For many young international cricketers, it is an aspiration to complete 10000 runs in the Test format. In this particular article, we will be listing out five players who have been among the fastest batsmen to complete 10000 runs in the Test format.

3. Rahul Dravid – 206 innings

Former Indian batsman Rahul Dravid scored 13288 runs in his Test career. This includes 36 centuries and 63 fifties. He managed an average of 52.31 in the five-day format. Dravid, who made his Test debut in 1996, completed 10000 runs in 2008. He took 206 innings to reach the landmark making him fifth-fastest on the record list.

2. Ricky Ponting – 196 innings

Ricky Ponting is considered among the greatest ever players in the history of Australian cricket. He aggregated 13778 runs in the Test format with an average of 51.85. Ponting completed 10000 Test runs in 196 innings in the game against West Indies in 2008. He registered a total of 41 tons and 62 fifties in his Test career.

1. Kumar Sangakkara- 195 innings

Former Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara stands at the joint-first spot in the record of fastest to 10000 Test runs. He was the third player to reach the landmark in the same number of innings as the other two. He achieved the milestone in 195 innings in the match against Australia in 2005. In total, the left-hander scored 12400 runs at an average of 57.40 including 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries.

1. Brian Lara – 195 innings

Among the three players who completed 10,000 Test runs in 195 innings, Brian Lara was first to reach the landmark in terms of year of match. He achieved the feat while playing against England in 2004. The legendary batsman scored 11953 Test runs in 232 innings at an average of 52.88. This includes 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 195 innings

Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar jointly holds the record for being the fastest batsman to 10000 Test runs. He achieved the milestone in 195 innings in the match against Pakistan in 2005. He has the record of most Test runs, centuries and half-centuries to his name. Tendulkar is also the only player to feature in 200 Test matches.