Jonny Bairstow topples Virat Kohli as this year's leading run-scorer in international cricket

Virat Kohli is currently in the middle of a run-churning spree owing to his awe-inspiring form in international cricket. The 29-year old has 57 centuries to his name along with approximately 17,000 runs for India across all the formats. Virat is currently the top-ranked batsman in Test and ODI cricket. The Delhi-born cricketer is presently playing the second Test of India’s tour of England at Lord’s.

In the first match at Edgbaston in Birmingham, he scored 149 runs in the first innings followed by a gutsy knock of 51 runs. Unfortunately, his efforts went in vain and he couldn’t guide India to victory. In the ongoing Test, he couldn’t perform to expectations and got out cheaply for 23 runs to Chris Woakes, who made a comeback following his injury layoff. However, despite the failure, Kohli had reasons to cheer.

Bairstow overtakes Virat

He surpassed Jonny Bairstow, England’s batsman, to become this year’s leading run-scorer in international cricket. He took his tally to 1404 runs compared to Bairstow’s 1389. Nevertheless, the joy turned out to be short-lived as Bairstow has surpassed him to regain the top position. The 28-year-old accomplished the same in the second session of the third day’s play as per reports in india.com.

Bairstow has been in prime form of late. Recently, the right-handed batsman scored four consecutive centuries in 50-over cricket. In the opening Test against Kohli’s men, he scored a useful 70 runs and most importantly, built a century-run partnership with Joe Root, the Test skipper, in the first innings. In the meantime, while toppling Kohli, he also completed his half-century.

After Bairstow and Kohli, the list consists of names like Root (1338 runs), Pakistani top-order batsman Fakhar Zaman (1181 runs) and Shikhar Dhawan (1055 runs). For the time being Root, Kohli and Bairstow would want to contribute with the willow and help their respective teams in the current encounter at the ‘Home of Cricket’.

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