Most Test runs in a calendar year

Test cricket has an illustrious and lengthy history, and it has produced some amazing performances by some outstanding players. Batters who perform consistently in Tests are highly regarded as the format requires great grit and determination. Speaking of legendary players, let us have a look at the batters who have slammed the most runs in a calendar year in this format, acing the game of Test cricket with ease.

3. Joe Root (England): 1708 Runs in 2021

From all of the names featured on this list, the success story of Joe Root is the most recent. The cricketing fraternity was already anticipating that Joe Root would finally topple Graeme Smith’s record in 2021. He excelled in doing that, coming close to breaking Viv Richards’ previous record, but fell just short. In 2021, the former England Test skipper averaged 61 and accumulated 1,708 runs, which included six hundreds and four fifties.

2. Viv Richards (West Indies): 1710 Runs in 1976

The true genius who led the West Indies squad to the pinnacles of excellence in the 1970s and 1980s, Viv Richards was practically unstoppable with the bat in his time. He provided his squad and the world of cricket with innumerable memories while serving as captain and a batter. In 1976, Richards’ Test batting prowess was put on full show as in his eleven Test matches, he amassed 1,710 runs.

1. Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan): 1788 Runs in 2006

A Pakistan legend, Mohammad Yousuf had no less than a magical year in 2006. During this time, he set and shattered several Test records. Yousuf was regarded as trustworthy player during his prime and served as the foundation of Pakistan’s batting order. But in 2006, when he scored an incredible 1,788 runs in 11 Tests as his game reached a completely new level of magnificence. It is to date the most runs scored by any player in a calendar year.