In the last decade (2010-2019), cricket fans saw quality cricket getting played. Talking about Test cricket, some players proved themselves and became batting maestros. At the same time, a few who were established names in cricket’s longest format showcased their mettle and broke into the list of the best batters of the decade. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Batters such as Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson delivered their best in Test matches played during 2010-19 and became cricketing sensations. Their diligence and skills not only turned them into scintillating stars but also kept the oldest format of the sport alive. At a time, when there were a lot of talks about the future of Test cricket, these players performed incredibly with their bats which lifted the standard of the purest format of the game.<span class="mce-nbsp-wrap" contenteditable="false">&nbsp;</span><span class="mce-nbsp-wrap" contenteditable="false">&nbsp;</span>

Discussing more, here are the ratings of the 10 best batters of the previous decade&nbsp;

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2014/11/Younis-Khan.jpg" alt="Younis Khan plays a flick shot" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Consecutive Test tons (Photo Source: Getty Images).</figcaption>

Younis Khan retired from international cricket in 2017, after Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies. The legendary batter was one of the most experienced players in his national side during 2010-17. Fulfilling his responsibility, the right-handed batter performed exceptionally in Tests.

The veteran scored 4839 runs in 101 innings of 55 Tests, with 18 tons and 12 half-centuries from 2010-19. Pakistan hosted Australia for a two-match Test series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in 2014. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/reports-inzamam-ul-haq-set-to-become-new-chief-selector-of-pakistan/" title="Pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan</strong></a> emerged victorious in the series, winning both matches. With this series victory, Pakistan succeeded in tasting a Test series win against the Aussies after 20 years.

Is is worth mentioning that in this incredible victory, Younis Khan became the leading run-getter with 468 runs with three centuries in four innings. Pakistan toured England in 2016 and levelled the four-match Test series winning two matches. This time, Younis amassed 340 runs in seven innings of four games and ended up as the leading run-getter in the competition.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686152655110_David-Warner.jpeg" alt="David Warner" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">David Warner (Photo Source: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)</figcaption>

David Warner made his Test debut in December 2011 against New &nbsp;Zealand in Brisbane. Warner once said that his Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) teammate, Virender Sehwag, made him believe that he could play Test cricket. The left-handed batter proved his Delhi teammate correct with his excellent batting performances for Australia.

In Australia’s Test series success in South Africa in 2014, Warner played an illustrious role with his bat. He accumulated 543 runs in six innings of three Tests and became the highest run-getter in the competition. Riding on his superb batting shows, the Aussies clinched the series by a 2-1 margin.

Australia thrashed England in the Ashes 2017-18, winning four of five contests. This time again, Warner showcased his class, scoring 441 runs in eight innings of five matches. In the 2024 Australian summer, he will hang up his boots.&nbsp; After his retirement, the veteran will be remembered for his amazing contribution to the Australian team. In Tests, the 2011-19 period could be considered the best phase of his career as his batting numbers prove the fact.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2018/12/Kane-Williamson.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Kane Williamson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Kane Williamson is considered one of the best batters in Test cricket. During New Zealand’s tour of India in 2010, he made his debut in the Ahmedabad Test. The right-handed batter made his first Test match memorable, notching up his maiden Test century. Riding on his extraordinary knock, the Kiwis gave tough competition to India in the game.

New Zealand visited Sri Lanka for two Tests in 2012. After losing the opening Test, the Black Caps needed to win the second match in Colombo to conclude the series in a stalemate. In the crucial game, he stepped up along with the veteran Ross Taylor and guided his team to a 167-run win, with his excellent knock of 135 in the first innings.

In 2014, Williamson displayed his class on foreign soil again. This time, he helped New Zealand to level the series against the Misbah-ul-Haq-led Pakistan in a three-match Test series. Playing the third Test in Sharjah, he played an important knock of 192 runs in the first innings to help the Kiwi side vanquish the hosts.&nbsp;

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Hashim-Amla-4.jpg" alt="Hashim Amla England v South Africa" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">England wicketkeeper Jonathan Bairstow looks on as Hashim Amla dances down the wicket to hit Dawson for four. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Former South Africa opener Hashim Amla retired from international cricket following the 2019 World Cup which was held in England. In his career, he won a lot of games with extraordinary batting potential. Amla is the second-leading run-getter for the Proteas in Tests, scoring 9282 runs in 215 innings of 124 matches.

Talking about his performance from 2010-19, he accumulated 6695 runs in 146 innings of 85 Tests. In 2012, South Africa toured Australia and won their second Test series on Aussie soil. In the huge series win, Amla scored 377 runs in six innings of three Tests and ended up as South Africa’s most successful batter.&nbsp;

Earlier in 2012, the Proteas toured England and beat the hosts in the three-match Test series by 2-0. Against the Andrew Strauss-led side, Amla amassed 482 runs in five innings of three contests and became the highest run-getter in the tournament. Playing the opening Test in Oval, London, he took England’s bowling unit to the cleaners and notched up his best Test score of an unbeaten 311.&nbsp;

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2018/03/AB-de-Villiers-6.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers of the Proteas" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">AB de Villiers of the Proteas. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption>

AB de Villiers bid adieu to international cricket in 2018 and the legendary batter concluded his career with 8765 runs in 191 innings of 114 Tests. With these numbers, he is the fourth-highest run-getter for South Africa in cricket's oldest format. He played 60 Tests from 2010-18 and accumulated 5059 runs in 98 innings.

South Africa registered their second Test series win on Australian soil and de Villiers was one of the Protea stalwarts who played a crucial role in the victory with his notable knock in the third Test at the Western Australia Cricket Association Stadium. Scoring 169 in the second innings, he contributed to his team’s massive 309-run win over the Michael Clarke-led side.

In October 2013, South Africa clashed with Pakistan in a two-match Test series. Following the seven-wicket loss in the first Test, South Africa faced the hosts at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In the do-or-die match, captain Graeme Smith played an incredible 234-run knock, and supporting him, de Villiers also outclassed Pakistan bowlers and contributed 164 runs to the team. His innings helped South Africa pocket the match comfortably by an innings and 92 runs.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1676888400463_Joe-Root.jpeg" alt="Joe Root" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Joe Root. (Photo Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Joe Root is the most successful batter in the current England Test squad. He is the second batter for his country to cross the 10000-run mark in cricket’s longest format. In December 2012, he broke into Test cricket during his team’s tour of India. Appearing in his debut Test match in Nagpur, he scored an impressive 73 in the first innings.

South Africa visited England in 2015 and the home side faced a 1-2 rout in the four-match Test series. Root, who racked up 386 runs in eight innings of four Tests, became the third-highest run-getter in the tournament. In England’s seven-wicket victory in the third Test at the Wanderers Stadium, Root hit a ton in the first innings.

England faced a heavy 0-4 defeat in the five-match Test series played in India in November-December 2016. The visitors failed against Virat Kohli and his men but Root produced some impressive knocks from his bat. With 491 runs in 10 innings of five Tests, he ended up as the most effective batter for England in the tour. From 2012-19, he showed up in 89 Tests, in which he chalked up 7359 runs in 164 innings.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Alastair-Cook-bowled.jpg" alt="Alastair Cook bowled" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Alastair Cook of England is bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Alastair Cook played excellent Test cricket in his international career and became the most successful batter for England in red-ball cricket, with 12472 runs in 291 innings of 161 Tests. He announced his retirement from international cricket after playing the Test series against India in 2018. The skilled left-handed batter became the Test batter with the most runs in the last decade, scoring 8818 runs in 201 innings of 111 Tests.

His best performance came against Australia in the Ashes 2010-11. In England’s 3-1 triumph, the England southpaw became the Player of the Series for scoring 766 runs in seven innings of five Tests. In 2012, England clinched a Test series win in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/former-india-cricketer-abhishek-nayar-backs-shubman-gill-to-come-good-ahead-of-upcoming-2023-odi-world-cup/" title="India" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India</strong></a> after 28 years under Cook’s captaincy.&nbsp;

Leading the side from the front, the southpaw hit 562 runs in eight innings of four matches and guided his team to a spectacular victory. He also became the Player of the Series for his marvellous batting efforts. In 2011, England whitewashed India in a four-match Test series played in the former’s backyard.&nbsp;

Cook, who failed to provide anything solid from his bat in the first two Tests, produced his best Test innings of 294 in the third Test in Birmingham. Riding on his unprecedented knock, England registered an innings and 242-run win over India. Cook also became the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for his brilliant batting display in 2011.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1691305490310_Kumar-Sangakkara.jpeg" alt="Kumar Sangakkara" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Kumara Sangakkara is the greatest batter for Sri Lanka in the longest format. He provided his services to the Sri Lanka cricket team for 15 years and during this period, he achieved a lot of success. From 2010-15, he played 46 Tests, in which he scored 4851 runs in 86 innings and also became the recipient of the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award (2012).

In December 2011, Sri Lanka toured South Africa for three Tests. After getting thrashed in the first match, Sri Lanka made a comeback in the second game in Durban. Playing the do-or-die match, the visitors outplayed the hosts and clinched a convincing 208-run win. Sangakkara utilised his experience in the important contest and scored a century in the second innings to help his team win the match.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka and Pakistan confronted each other for three Tests on the former’s turf in June 2012. The series went to the hosts by 1-0 and Sangakkara became the leading run-scorer with 490 runs in six innings of three Tests, with a couple of centuries and a fifty. The wicketkeeper batter's spunky performance also got him the Player of the Series award.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1689948163330_Virat-Kohli.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/accept-that-this-is-a-bad-phase-riyan-parag-reveals-virat-kohlis-game-changing-advice-post-deodhar-trophy-heroics/" title="Virat Kohli" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Virat Kohli</strong></a> became an immense figure in Test cricket for his exceptional batting. Currently, his fans draw a comparison between him and Australia’s Steven Smith, who is considered the most successful batter in red-ball cricket. The star India batter kicked off his Test career in 2011. Until 2019, he appeared in 84 Tests for India and scored 7202 runs in 141 innings. In 2018, he also became the Test Player of the Year in the men’s category.&nbsp;

In 2014, India toured England for five Tests, and Kohli came out as a failure for his below-par performance on English pitches. Almost after three and a half months, India went to Australia for four Tests, and this time, he gave a mouth-shutting reply to his critics. With 692 runs in eight innings of four matches, he came out as the most successful batter for India in the competition.&nbsp;

England toured India in 2016 for five Tests with the intention of winning another Test success against the home side. However, under Kohli’s captaincy, India vanquished the Alastair Cook-led team with a 4-0 margin. In the hosts’ sensational success, their captain Kohli played a vital role with his bat. The batting maestro notched up 655 runs in eight innings of five Tests and became the Player of the Series.&nbsp;

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1676105414499_Steve-Smith.jpeg" alt="Steve Smith" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Steve Smith. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Steven Smith could be considered the best Test batter of current times. After making his Test debut against Pakistan in 2010, Smith struggled to find a spot in Australia’s team for red-ball cricket. However, things changed for him after the 2013 Ashes held in England. He scored 345 runs in 10 innings of five matches in his team's unsuccessful campaign.

The veteran took his form ahead in the home season and helped his team to whitewash the arch-rivals England in the Ashes 2013-14. In his side’s mind-boggling achievement, he chipped in with 327 runs in nine innings of five Tests, with a couple of tons.

He showcased his mettle during Australia’s tour of South Africa 2013-14, as well. This time, the Aussies hammered the Proteas in a three-match Test competition, by a 2-1 margin. For Smith, it was a decent campaign as he produced a couple of impressive knocks and helped his team to clinch the series.&nbsp;

In 2019, Australia succeeded in retaining the Ashes urn, and the credit for this success went to Smith, who played an aggressive brand of cricket and levelled the series for Australia by 2-2. The star Aussie player hit 774 runs in seven innings of four Tests, with three tons and three half-centuries. Discussing his performance from 2010-19, the 34-year-old scored 7164 runs in 130 innings of 72 Tests.

<p>In the last decade (2010-2019), cricket fans saw quality cricket getting played. Talking about Test cricket, some players proved themselves and became batting maestros. At the same time, a few who were established names in cricket’s longest format showcased their mettle and broke into the list of the best batters of the decade. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Batters such as Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson delivered their best in Test matches played during 2010-19 and became cricketing sensations. Their diligence and skills not only turned them into scintillating stars but also kept the oldest format of the sport alive. At a time, when there were a lot of talks about the future of Test cricket, these players performed incredibly with their bats which lifted the standard of the purest format of the game.<span class="mce-nbsp-wrap">&nbsp;</span><span class="mce-nbsp-wrap">&nbsp;</span></p>
<hr>
<h3>Discussing more, here are the ratings of the 10 best batters of the previous decade&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>10. Younis Khan (7/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2014/11/Younis-Khan.jpg" alt="Younis Khan plays a flick shot" width="889" height="587" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Consecutive Test tons (Photo Source: Getty Images).</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Younis Khan retired from international cricket in 2017, after Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies. The legendary batter was one of the most experienced players in his national side during 2010-17. Fulfilling his responsibility, the right-handed batter performed exceptionally in Tests.</p>
<p>The veteran scored 4839 runs in 101 innings of 55 Tests, with 18 tons and 12 half-centuries from 2010-19. Pakistan hosted Australia for a two-match Test series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in 2014. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/reports-inzamam-ul-haq-set-to-become-new-chief-selector-of-pakistan/" title="Pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan</strong></a> emerged victorious in the series, winning both matches. With this series victory, Pakistan succeeded in tasting a Test series win against the Aussies after 20 years.</p>
<p>Is is worth mentioning that in this incredible victory, Younis Khan became the leading run-getter with 468 runs with three centuries in four innings. Pakistan toured England in 2016 and levelled the four-match Test series winning two matches. This time, Younis amassed 340 runs in seven innings of four games and ended up as the leading run-getter in the competition.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>9. David Warner (7.5/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686152655110_David-Warner.jpeg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">David Warner (Photo Source: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>David Warner made his Test debut in December 2011 against New &nbsp;Zealand in Brisbane. Warner once said that his Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) teammate, Virender Sehwag, made him believe that he could play Test cricket. The left-handed batter proved his Delhi teammate correct with his excellent batting performances for Australia.</p>
<p>In Australia’s Test series success in South Africa in 2014, Warner played an illustrious role with his bat. He accumulated 543 runs in six innings of three Tests and became the highest run-getter in the competition. Riding on his superb batting shows, the Aussies clinched the series by a 2-1 margin.</p>
<p>Australia thrashed England in the Ashes 2017-18, winning four of five contests. This time again, Warner showcased his class, scoring 441 runs in eight innings of five matches. In the 2024 Australian summer, he will hang up his boots.&nbsp; After his retirement, the veteran will be remembered for his amazing contribution to the Australian team. In Tests, the 2011-19 period could be considered the best phase of his career as his batting numbers prove the fact.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>8. Kane Williamson (8/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2018/12/Kane-Williamson.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Kane Williamson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kane Williamson is considered one of the best batters in Test cricket. During New Zealand’s tour of India in 2010, he made his debut in the Ahmedabad Test. The right-handed batter made his first Test match memorable, notching up his maiden Test century. Riding on his extraordinary knock, the Kiwis gave tough competition to India in the game.</p>
<p>New Zealand visited Sri Lanka for two Tests in 2012. After losing the opening Test, the Black Caps needed to win the second match in Colombo to conclude the series in a stalemate. In the crucial game, he stepped up along with the veteran Ross Taylor and guided his team to a 167-run win, with his excellent knock of 135 in the first innings.</p>
<p>In 2014, Williamson displayed his class on foreign soil again. This time, he helped New Zealand to level the series against the Misbah-ul-Haq-led Pakistan in a three-match Test series. Playing the third Test in Sharjah, he played an important knock of 192 runs in the first innings to help the Kiwi side vanquish the hosts.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>7. Hashim Amla (8.2/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Hashim-Amla-4.jpg" alt="Hashim Amla England v South Africa" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">England wicketkeeper Jonathan Bairstow looks on as Hashim Amla dances down the wicket to hit Dawson for four. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Former South Africa opener Hashim Amla retired from international cricket following the 2019 World Cup which was held in England. In his career, he won a lot of games with extraordinary batting potential. Amla is the second-leading run-getter for the Proteas in Tests, scoring 9282 runs in 215 innings of 124 matches.</p>
<p>Talking about his performance from 2010-19, he accumulated 6695 runs in 146 innings of 85 Tests. In 2012, South Africa toured Australia and won their second Test series on Aussie soil. In the huge series win, Amla scored 377 runs in six innings of three Tests and ended up as South Africa’s most successful batter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Earlier in 2012, the Proteas toured England and beat the hosts in the three-match Test series by 2-0. Against the Andrew Strauss-led side, Amla amassed 482 runs in five innings of three contests and became the highest run-getter in the tournament. Playing the opening Test in Oval, London, he took England’s bowling unit to the cleaners and notched up his best Test score of an unbeaten 311.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>6. AB de Villiers (8.5/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2018/03/AB-de-Villiers-6.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers of the Proteas" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">AB de Villiers of the Proteas. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>AB de Villiers bid adieu to international cricket in 2018 and the legendary batter concluded his career with 8765 runs in 191 innings of 114 Tests. With these numbers, he is the fourth-highest run-getter for South Africa in cricket's oldest format. He played 60 Tests from 2010-18 and accumulated 5059 runs in 98 innings.</p>
<p>South Africa registered their second Test series win on Australian soil and de Villiers was one of the Protea stalwarts who played a crucial role in the victory with his notable knock in the third Test at the Western Australia Cricket Association Stadium. Scoring 169 in the second innings, he contributed to his team’s massive 309-run win over the Michael Clarke-led side.</p>
<p>In October 2013, South Africa clashed with Pakistan in a two-match Test series. Following the seven-wicket loss in the first Test, South Africa faced the hosts at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In the do-or-die match, captain Graeme Smith played an incredible 234-run knock, and supporting him, de Villiers also outclassed Pakistan bowlers and contributed 164 runs to the team. His innings helped South Africa pocket the match comfortably by an innings and 92 runs.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>5. Joe Root (8.7/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1676888400463_Joe-Root.jpeg" alt="Joe Root" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Joe Root. (Photo Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Joe Root is the most successful batter in the current England Test squad. He is the second batter for his country to cross the 10000-run mark in cricket’s longest format. In December 2012, he broke into Test cricket during his team’s tour of India. Appearing in his debut Test match in Nagpur, he scored an impressive 73 in the first innings.</p>
<p>South Africa visited England in 2015 and the home side faced a 1-2 rout in the four-match Test series. Root, who racked up 386 runs in eight innings of four Tests, became the third-highest run-getter in the tournament. In England’s seven-wicket victory in the third Test at the Wanderers Stadium, Root hit a ton in the first innings.</p>
<p>England faced a heavy 0-4 defeat in the five-match Test series played in India in November-December 2016. The visitors failed against Virat Kohli and his men but Root produced some impressive knocks from his bat. With 491 runs in 10 innings of five Tests, he ended up as the most effective batter for England in the tour. From 2012-19, he showed up in 89 Tests, in which he chalked up 7359 runs in 164 innings.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Alastair Cook (8.9/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Alastair-Cook-bowled.jpg" alt="Alastair Cook bowled" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Alastair Cook of England is bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Alastair Cook played excellent Test cricket in his international career and became the most successful batter for England in red-ball cricket, with 12472 runs in 291 innings of 161 Tests. He announced his retirement from international cricket after playing the Test series against India in 2018. The skilled left-handed batter became the Test batter with the most runs in the last decade, scoring 8818 runs in 201 innings of 111 Tests.</p>
<p>His best performance came against Australia in the Ashes 2010-11. In England’s 3-1 triumph, the England southpaw became the Player of the Series for scoring 766 runs in seven innings of five Tests. In 2012, England clinched a Test series win in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/former-india-cricketer-abhishek-nayar-backs-shubman-gill-to-come-good-ahead-of-upcoming-2023-odi-world-cup/" title="India" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India</strong></a> after 28 years under Cook’s captaincy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Leading the side from the front, the southpaw hit 562 runs in eight innings of four matches and guided his team to a spectacular victory. He also became the Player of the Series for his marvellous batting efforts. In 2011, England whitewashed India in a four-match Test series played in the former’s backyard.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Cook, who failed to provide anything solid from his bat in the first two Tests, produced his best Test innings of 294 in the third Test in Birmingham. Riding on his unprecedented knock, England registered an innings and 242-run win over India. Cook also became the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for his brilliant batting display in 2011.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Kumara Sangakkara (9/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1691305490310_Kumar-Sangakkara.jpeg" alt="Kumar Sangakkara" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kumara Sangakkara is the greatest batter for Sri Lanka in the longest format. He provided his services to the Sri Lanka cricket team for 15 years and during this period, he achieved a lot of success. From 2010-15, he played 46 Tests, in which he scored 4851 runs in 86 innings and also became the recipient of the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award (2012).</p>
<p>In December 2011, Sri Lanka toured South Africa for three Tests. After getting thrashed in the first match, Sri Lanka made a comeback in the second game in Durban. Playing the do-or-die match, the visitors outplayed the hosts and clinched a convincing 208-run win. Sangakkara utilised his experience in the important contest and scored a century in the second innings to help his team win the match.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sri Lanka and Pakistan confronted each other for three Tests on the former’s turf in June 2012. The series went to the hosts by 1-0 and Sangakkara became the leading run-scorer with 490 runs in six innings of three Tests, with a couple of centuries and a fifty. The wicketkeeper batter's spunky performance also got him the Player of the Series award.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>2. Virat Kohli (9.5/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1689948163330_Virat-Kohli.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/accept-that-this-is-a-bad-phase-riyan-parag-reveals-virat-kohlis-game-changing-advice-post-deodhar-trophy-heroics/" title="Virat Kohli" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Virat Kohli</strong></a> became an immense figure in Test cricket for his exceptional batting. Currently, his fans draw a comparison between him and Australia’s Steven Smith, who is considered the most successful batter in red-ball cricket. The star India batter kicked off his Test career in 2011. Until 2019, he appeared in 84 Tests for India and scored 7202 runs in 141 innings. In 2018, he also became the Test Player of the Year in the men’s category.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 2014, India toured England for five Tests, and Kohli came out as a failure for his below-par performance on English pitches. Almost after three and a half months, India went to Australia for four Tests, and this time, he gave a mouth-shutting reply to his critics. With 692 runs in eight innings of four matches, he came out as the most successful batter for India in the competition.&nbsp;</p>
<p>England toured India in 2016 for five Tests with the intention of winning another Test success against the home side. However, under Kohli’s captaincy, India vanquished the Alastair Cook-led team with a 4-0 margin. In the hosts’ sensational success, their captain Kohli played a vital role with his bat. The batting maestro notched up 655 runs in eight innings of five Tests and became the Player of the Series.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>1. Steven Smith (9.7/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1676105414499_Steve-Smith.jpeg" alt="Steve Smith" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Steve Smith. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Steven Smith could be considered the best Test batter of current times. After making his Test debut against Pakistan in 2010, Smith struggled to find a spot in Australia’s team for red-ball cricket. However, things changed for him after the 2013 Ashes held in England. He scored 345 runs in 10 innings of five matches in his team's unsuccessful campaign.</p>
<p>The veteran took his form ahead in the home season and helped his team to whitewash the arch-rivals England in the Ashes 2013-14. In his side’s mind-boggling achievement, he chipped in with 327 runs in nine innings of five Tests, with a couple of tons.</p>
<p>He showcased his mettle during Australia’s tour of South Africa 2013-14, as well. This time, the Aussies hammered the Proteas in a three-match Test competition, by a 2-1 margin. For Smith, it was a decent campaign as he produced a couple of impressive knocks and helped his team to clinch the series.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 2019, Australia succeeded in retaining the Ashes urn, and the credit for this success went to Smith, who played an aggressive brand of cricket and levelled the series for Australia by 2-2. The star Aussie player hit 774 runs in seven innings of four Tests, with three tons and three half-centuries. Discussing his performance from 2010-19, the 34-year-old scored 7164 runs in 130 innings of 72 Tests.</p>

<p>In the last decade (2010-2019), cricket fans saw quality cricket getting played. Talking about Test cricket, some players proved themselves and became batting maestros. At the same time, a few who were established names in cricket’s longest format showcased their mettle and broke into the list of the best batters of the decade. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Batters such as Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson delivered their best in Test matches played during 2010-19 and became cricketing sensations. Their diligence and skills not only turned them into scintillating stars but also kept the oldest format of the sport alive. At a time, when there were a lot of talks about the future of Test cricket, these players performed incredibly with their bats which lifted the standard of the purest format of the game.<span class="mce-nbsp-wrap" contenteditable="false">&nbsp;</span><span class="mce-nbsp-wrap" contenteditable="false">&nbsp;</span></p>
<hr>
<h3>Discussing more, here are the ratings of the 10 best batters of the previous decade&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>10. Younis Khan (7/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2014/11/Younis-Khan.jpg" alt="Younis Khan plays a flick shot" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Consecutive Test tons (Photo Source: Getty Images).</figcaption>
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<p>Younis Khan retired from international cricket in 2017, after Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies. The legendary batter was one of the most experienced players in his national side during 2010-17. Fulfilling his responsibility, the right-handed batter performed exceptionally in Tests.</p>
<p>The veteran scored 4839 runs in 101 innings of 55 Tests, with 18 tons and 12 half-centuries from 2010-19. Pakistan hosted Australia for a two-match Test series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in 2014. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/reports-inzamam-ul-haq-set-to-become-new-chief-selector-of-pakistan/" title="Pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan</strong></a> emerged victorious in the series, winning both matches. With this series victory, Pakistan succeeded in tasting a Test series win against the Aussies after 20 years.</p>
<p>Is is worth mentioning that in this incredible victory, Younis Khan became the leading run-getter with 468 runs with three centuries in four innings. Pakistan toured England in 2016 and levelled the four-match Test series winning two matches. This time, Younis amassed 340 runs in seven innings of four games and ended up as the leading run-getter in the competition.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>9. David Warner (7.5/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686152655110_David-Warner.jpeg" alt="David Warner" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">David Warner (Photo Source: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>David Warner made his Test debut in December 2011 against New &nbsp;Zealand in Brisbane. Warner once said that his Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) teammate, Virender Sehwag, made him believe that he could play Test cricket. The left-handed batter proved his Delhi teammate correct with his excellent batting performances for Australia.</p>
<p>In Australia’s Test series success in South Africa in 2014, Warner played an illustrious role with his bat. He accumulated 543 runs in six innings of three Tests and became the highest run-getter in the competition. Riding on his superb batting shows, the Aussies clinched the series by a 2-1 margin.</p>
<p>Australia thrashed England in the Ashes 2017-18, winning four of five contests. This time again, Warner showcased his class, scoring 441 runs in eight innings of five matches. In the 2024 Australian summer, he will hang up his boots.&nbsp; After his retirement, the veteran will be remembered for his amazing contribution to the Australian team. In Tests, the 2011-19 period could be considered the best phase of his career as his batting numbers prove the fact.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>8. Kane Williamson (8/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2018/12/Kane-Williamson.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Kane Williamson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kane Williamson is considered one of the best batters in Test cricket. During New Zealand’s tour of India in 2010, he made his debut in the Ahmedabad Test. The right-handed batter made his first Test match memorable, notching up his maiden Test century. Riding on his extraordinary knock, the Kiwis gave tough competition to India in the game.</p>
<p>New Zealand visited Sri Lanka for two Tests in 2012. After losing the opening Test, the Black Caps needed to win the second match in Colombo to conclude the series in a stalemate. In the crucial game, he stepped up along with the veteran Ross Taylor and guided his team to a 167-run win, with his excellent knock of 135 in the first innings.</p>
<p>In 2014, Williamson displayed his class on foreign soil again. This time, he helped New Zealand to level the series against the Misbah-ul-Haq-led Pakistan in a three-match Test series. Playing the third Test in Sharjah, he played an important knock of 192 runs in the first innings to help the Kiwi side vanquish the hosts.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>7. Hashim Amla (8.2/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Hashim-Amla-4.jpg" alt="Hashim Amla England v South Africa" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">England wicketkeeper Jonathan Bairstow looks on as Hashim Amla dances down the wicket to hit Dawson for four. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Former South Africa opener Hashim Amla retired from international cricket following the 2019 World Cup which was held in England. In his career, he won a lot of games with extraordinary batting potential. Amla is the second-leading run-getter for the Proteas in Tests, scoring 9282 runs in 215 innings of 124 matches.</p>
<p>Talking about his performance from 2010-19, he accumulated 6695 runs in 146 innings of 85 Tests. In 2012, South Africa toured Australia and won their second Test series on Aussie soil. In the huge series win, Amla scored 377 runs in six innings of three Tests and ended up as South Africa’s most successful batter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Earlier in 2012, the Proteas toured England and beat the hosts in the three-match Test series by 2-0. Against the Andrew Strauss-led side, Amla amassed 482 runs in five innings of three contests and became the highest run-getter in the tournament. Playing the opening Test in Oval, London, he took England’s bowling unit to the cleaners and notched up his best Test score of an unbeaten 311.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>6. AB de Villiers (8.5/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/2018/03/AB-de-Villiers-6.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers of the Proteas" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">AB de Villiers of the Proteas. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption>
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<p>AB de Villiers bid adieu to international cricket in 2018 and the legendary batter concluded his career with 8765 runs in 191 innings of 114 Tests. With these numbers, he is the fourth-highest run-getter for South Africa in cricket's oldest format. He played 60 Tests from 2010-18 and accumulated 5059 runs in 98 innings.</p>
<p>South Africa registered their second Test series win on Australian soil and de Villiers was one of the Protea stalwarts who played a crucial role in the victory with his notable knock in the third Test at the Western Australia Cricket Association Stadium. Scoring 169 in the second innings, he contributed to his team’s massive 309-run win over the Michael Clarke-led side.</p>
<p>In October 2013, South Africa clashed with Pakistan in a two-match Test series. Following the seven-wicket loss in the first Test, South Africa faced the hosts at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In the do-or-die match, captain Graeme Smith played an incredible 234-run knock, and supporting him, de Villiers also outclassed Pakistan bowlers and contributed 164 runs to the team. His innings helped South Africa pocket the match comfortably by an innings and 92 runs.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>5. Joe Root (8.7/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1676888400463_Joe-Root.jpeg" alt="Joe Root" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Joe Root. (Photo Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images)</figcaption>
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<p>Joe Root is the most successful batter in the current England Test squad. He is the second batter for his country to cross the 10000-run mark in cricket’s longest format. In December 2012, he broke into Test cricket during his team’s tour of India. Appearing in his debut Test match in Nagpur, he scored an impressive 73 in the first innings.</p>
<p>South Africa visited England in 2015 and the home side faced a 1-2 rout in the four-match Test series. Root, who racked up 386 runs in eight innings of four Tests, became the third-highest run-getter in the tournament. In England’s seven-wicket victory in the third Test at the Wanderers Stadium, Root hit a ton in the first innings.</p>
<p>England faced a heavy 0-4 defeat in the five-match Test series played in India in November-December 2016. The visitors failed against Virat Kohli and his men but Root produced some impressive knocks from his bat. With 491 runs in 10 innings of five Tests, he ended up as the most effective batter for England in the tour. From 2012-19, he showed up in 89 Tests, in which he chalked up 7359 runs in 164 innings.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Alastair Cook (8.9/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Alastair-Cook-bowled.jpg" alt="Alastair Cook bowled" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Alastair Cook of England is bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Alastair Cook played excellent Test cricket in his international career and became the most successful batter for England in red-ball cricket, with 12472 runs in 291 innings of 161 Tests. He announced his retirement from international cricket after playing the Test series against India in 2018. The skilled left-handed batter became the Test batter with the most runs in the last decade, scoring 8818 runs in 201 innings of 111 Tests.</p>
<p>His best performance came against Australia in the Ashes 2010-11. In England’s 3-1 triumph, the England southpaw became the Player of the Series for scoring 766 runs in seven innings of five Tests. In 2012, England clinched a Test series win in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/former-india-cricketer-abhishek-nayar-backs-shubman-gill-to-come-good-ahead-of-upcoming-2023-odi-world-cup/" title="India" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India</strong></a> after 28 years under Cook’s captaincy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Leading the side from the front, the southpaw hit 562 runs in eight innings of four matches and guided his team to a spectacular victory. He also became the Player of the Series for his marvellous batting efforts. In 2011, England whitewashed India in a four-match Test series played in the former’s backyard.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Cook, who failed to provide anything solid from his bat in the first two Tests, produced his best Test innings of 294 in the third Test in Birmingham. Riding on his unprecedented knock, England registered an innings and 242-run win over India. Cook also became the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for his brilliant batting display in 2011.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Kumara Sangakkara (9/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1691305490310_Kumar-Sangakkara.jpeg" alt="Kumar Sangakkara" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kumara Sangakkara is the greatest batter for Sri Lanka in the longest format. He provided his services to the Sri Lanka cricket team for 15 years and during this period, he achieved a lot of success. From 2010-15, he played 46 Tests, in which he scored 4851 runs in 86 innings and also became the recipient of the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award (2012).</p>
<p>In December 2011, Sri Lanka toured South Africa for three Tests. After getting thrashed in the first match, Sri Lanka made a comeback in the second game in Durban. Playing the do-or-die match, the visitors outplayed the hosts and clinched a convincing 208-run win. Sangakkara utilised his experience in the important contest and scored a century in the second innings to help his team win the match.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sri Lanka and Pakistan confronted each other for three Tests on the former’s turf in June 2012. The series went to the hosts by 1-0 and Sangakkara became the leading run-scorer with 490 runs in six innings of three Tests, with a couple of centuries and a fifty. The wicketkeeper batter's spunky performance also got him the Player of the Series award.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>2. Virat Kohli (9.5/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1689948163330_Virat-Kohli.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/accept-that-this-is-a-bad-phase-riyan-parag-reveals-virat-kohlis-game-changing-advice-post-deodhar-trophy-heroics/" title="Virat Kohli" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Virat Kohli</strong></a> became an immense figure in Test cricket for his exceptional batting. Currently, his fans draw a comparison between him and Australia’s Steven Smith, who is considered the most successful batter in red-ball cricket. The star India batter kicked off his Test career in 2011. Until 2019, he appeared in 84 Tests for India and scored 7202 runs in 141 innings. In 2018, he also became the Test Player of the Year in the men’s category.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 2014, India toured England for five Tests, and Kohli came out as a failure for his below-par performance on English pitches. Almost after three and a half months, India went to Australia for four Tests, and this time, he gave a mouth-shutting reply to his critics. With 692 runs in eight innings of four matches, he came out as the most successful batter for India in the competition.&nbsp;</p>
<p>England toured India in 2016 for five Tests with the intention of winning another Test success against the home side. However, under Kohli’s captaincy, India vanquished the Alastair Cook-led team with a 4-0 margin. In the hosts’ sensational success, their captain Kohli played a vital role with his bat. The batting maestro notched up 655 runs in eight innings of five Tests and became the Player of the Series.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>1. Steven Smith (9.7/10)</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1676105414499_Steve-Smith.jpeg" alt="Steve Smith" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Steve Smith. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Steven Smith could be considered the best Test batter of current times. After making his Test debut against Pakistan in 2010, Smith struggled to find a spot in Australia’s team for red-ball cricket. However, things changed for him after the 2013 Ashes held in England. He scored 345 runs in 10 innings of five matches in his team's unsuccessful campaign.</p>
<p>The veteran took his form ahead in the home season and helped his team to whitewash the arch-rivals England in the Ashes 2013-14. In his side’s mind-boggling achievement, he chipped in with 327 runs in nine innings of five Tests, with a couple of tons.</p>
<p>He showcased his mettle during Australia’s tour of South Africa 2013-14, as well. This time, the Aussies hammered the Proteas in a three-match Test competition, by a 2-1 margin. For Smith, it was a decent campaign as he produced a couple of impressive knocks and helped his team to clinch the series.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 2019, Australia succeeded in retaining the Ashes urn, and the credit for this success went to Smith, who played an aggressive brand of cricket and levelled the series for Australia by 2-2. The star Aussie player hit 774 runs in seven innings of four Tests, with three tons and three half-centuries. Discussing his performance from 2010-19, the 34-year-old scored 7164 runs in 130 innings of 72 Tests.</p>

In the last decade (2010-2019), cricket fans saw quality cricket getting played. Talking about Test cricket, some players proved themselves and became batting maestros. At the same time, a few who wer

Rating 10 best Test batters of the last decade

At a time, when there were a lot of talks about the future of Test cricket, some players performed incredibly with their bats and uplifted the standard of the format.

Rating 10 Test batters of last decade

Outstanding Test Batsmen of the Decade: Check out the list of test cricketers who have left a lasting impression with their remarkable batting records and statistics, ranked from 1 to 10 on CricTracker.