Most Tests played by country

Tests are the longest and the most traditional form of the game where each participating team needs to play out of their skins in order to come back on top. The format that spans for five days demands a lot of factors like patience, reliability, consistency, endurance and a hunger to excel.

Meanwhile, it was arch-rivals Australia and England who first started competing against each other in Test cricket and their rivalry during the 1800s gave birth to the ‘Ashes’. Without further ado, here’s a look at the most Tests played by a country.

3. West Indies- 565

The West Indies were a force to reckon with during the 70s and 80s when they ruled world cricket. However, they were also a side not to be messed with in Test cricket as they dominated everywhere courtesy of their intimidating pace attack famously known as the ‘Four Horsemen’ and batting brilliance from Sir Clive Lloyd, Rohan Kanhai and the evergreen Sir Vivian Richards. Even though the West Indies have not been impressive in world cricket after their decline in the late 80s, they continue to occupy the third position on this list. The Caribbeans have played 565 Tests so far.

2. Australia- 844

Australia are the best cricket team in the world as far as their achievements on the cricket field are concerned and it was during Steve Waugh’s and Ricky Ponting’s era that this team attained greater heights in the longest format and became an all-conquering side. The Aussies have performed well in red-ball cricket in all parts of the world including India where they won a Test series after 35 long years during the 2004/05 season and also ended their losing streak on English soil by drawing the 2019/20 series 2-2- to successfully retain the ‘urn’. Australia have made the second-most Test appearances having been a part of 844 encounters.

1. England- 1055

The inventors of the game England occupy the ‘Numero Uno’ spot in this category having showcased exceptional performances in red-ball cricket over the years. While the Three Lions look to fulfil their dream of winning an Ashes series in Australia and dominate India in their backyard just like the 2012/13 series, they have tasted success in South Africa which only few teams have managed to do. Meanwhile, England are the only country to have played over a 1000 Test matches having made 1055 appearances in the longest format.