Most runs scored after first eight Test innings

The longest format of the game has often proved to be a tough proposition for their batters, especially during their initial stages. However, several batters have taken to the format like fish to water, making a brilliant start to their career. England’s young batting sensational Harry Brook has caught the attention of the world after his exceptional exploits with the bat and after his 623 runs in his first eight innings, we list the batters with the most runs after their first eight innings in Test matches.

George Headley (West Indies) – 703 runs

West Indies unearthed one of the most prolific batters of the 30s when George Headley made his debut for the national side. The flamboyant batter wasted no time in getting accustomed to international cricket as he smashed a magnificent 176 against England in just his second innings. He scored three centuries and a glorious double ton in his first four Test matches. Dubbed the ‘Black Bradman’, Headley went on to represent his side in 22 matches, amassing 2190 runs at a sensational 60.83.

Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 774 runs

It is hard to imagine a list of batting records without a mention of the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. One of the greatest batters of his time and arguably the greatest opener in Test history, Sunil Gavaskar made a sumptuous start to his career, amassing 774 runs in his first eight Test innings. The first cricketer to breach the 10000-run mark in Test cricket, the iconic batter registered three centuries and a double century in his first four matches.

Vinod Kambli (India) – 793 runs

Vinod Kambli caught the eye of the world after registering back-to-back double centuries in just his first four Test matches. The swashbuckling batter amassed 793 runs in his first eight innings, laced with two double centuries and two centuries. However, Kambli failed to live up to the sky-high expectations in the following matches as he slowly faded away from the Indian setup without fulfilling his potential.