5 Most successful captains in Test history

Test cricket is still considered the highest level of cricket among all three formats of the sport as it tests players' technique, temperament, patience, and character. To become an ideal Test player, an extreme level of diligence and determination is required so it becomes crucial for avid cricket fans to not forget the achievements of players who scintillated the longest format of cricket with their extraordinary skills.

In red-ball cricket, captains play a vital role in their teams, to extract desired results in the competitions. Taking up the captaincy mantle and emerging as an excellent Test captain is not everyone’s cup of tea, however, ardent cricket supporters witnessed in the past how some players, as skippers, utilsed their leadership skills and turn their teams into dominating ones in the longest format of the game.

Here are the five most successful Test captains of all time

5. Graeme Smith- 48.62 win%

From 2003 to 2014, Graeme Smith captained the South Africa cricket team and under his leadership, the Proteas tasted great success in Test cricket. Talking about his leadership in red-ball cricket, the Protea helped his team to dominate Australia, New Zealand, England, and West Indies on their home soil.

In 2007, South Africa toured Pakistan and beat the hosts by 1-0 in a two-match Test series. This was South Africa’s maiden Test series victory on Pakistan soil and in his team's scintillating performance, Smith led from the front, scoring 246 runs with a century in four innings. At home, Smith made South Africa an indomitable side with his spunky leadership skills.

The southpaw retired from international cricket after appearing in South Africa’s Test match against Australia in 2014 at Newlands. During his 11-year captaincy stint, he led South Africa in 109 Tests, in which he bagged 53 wins for his side with a victory percentage of 46.82.