Top 10 batsmen with highest average in Test cricket

Top 10 batsmen with highest average in Test cricket: Test cricket is epitomized as the fiercest test of a batter’s technique and temperament. If you ask any cricketer as to which format is the toughest? Then the answer would be a no-brainer as everyone considers Test cricket as the ultimate format of the game. In Tests all the loop holes of a batsman’s technique get exposed as the bowler gets sufficient time to work him out with the help of longer spells. But over the years there have been many batters who have shown the world that if you have hunger for runs and top-notch skills to succeed then the art of consistency can be attained. So let’s have a look at the top 10 batsmen with highest average in Test cricket (Min 5000 runs): 10. Greg Chappell (Australia) – 53.86: (Photo Source: © Getty Images) One of the greatest Australian batsmen of all time, Greg Chappell was the face of elegance and class. The stand-out feature about him was the self-discipline with which he conducted himself which helped him use his credentials to the very best. Greg stitched his name in the folklore of Australian cricket with his glorious achievements as an astute batter. In 87 Tests he scored 7,110 runs at an average of 53.86 with 24 centuries to his credit. 9. Younis Khan (Pakistan) – 53.94: Younis Khan. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images) One of the understated heroes of the game, Younis Khan is a man who stands tall whenever his side is reeling and struggling for life in Test cricket. Younis has been a chart-buster run-scorer for the Pakistani side over the years. His game is characterized by his ability to dominate the spinners while against pacers he seems equally adaptable. Overall, Younis has featured in 104 Test matches for Pakistan and has accumulated 9,116 runs at an average of 53.94 with 31 tons against his name. 8. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 55.37: Jacques Kallis. (© Getty Images) The former South African player Jacques Kallis is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders to have played the game. His rock-solid technique was backed up by his resilient character which reaped fruits for him throughout his 18 year-long cricketing journey. In 166 Test matches he amassed 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37 with 45 centuries against his name, the second most number of Test centuries by any batsman. With the ball he grabbed 292 scalps and was very sharp in the slip-cordon as well. 7. Sir Len Hutton (England) – 56.67: 30th August 1973: Sir Len Hutton gathers his cricket equipment together. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images) Sir Leonard Hutton is regarded as one of the greatest Test batsmen by Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. In 2009, Hutton was inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. His technique was rock-solid and he could score big runs on even greenest of cricket pitches. In his 6th Test match, he scored 364 runs which was a record for the highest individual score for 20 years. Overall, he represented England in 79 Tests and accumulated 6,971 runs at an average of 56.67 with 19 centuries. 6. Sir Jack Hobbs (England) – 56.94: Sir Jack Hobbs. (Photo Source: AllSport UK Ltd) Sir Jack Hobbs is the highest run-getter in First Class cricket with 61,237 runs and 199 centuries. In international cricket as well Hobbs dazzled like a glittering star and his stylish repertoire of strokes were a treat to watch. But it was his merciless consistency that won him many accolades. In 61 Test matches, he scored 5,410 runs at a superlative average of 56.94 with 15 tons, half of which came after he turned 40. 5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 57.40: Kumar Sangakkara. (© Getty Images) Kumar Sangakkara a stylish Sri Lankan southpaw, graced the game in every way possible. Although, Sangakkara is not considered in the same league as Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting but his glorious stats are second to none. Sanga’s trademark cover-drives were one of the most pleasing sights on the 22 yards. In his career which spanned for 15 years Kumar played 134 Tests and scored 12,400 runs at an average of 57.40 with 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries. 4. Sir Garry Sobers (West Indies) – 57.78: Sir Garry Sobers. (Photo Source: Getty Images) Whenever someone takes the name of Sir Garry Sobers, we get an outright image of a batter who was stylish but at the same time very powerful as well which got reflected in the way he pierced the off-side every now and then. Apart from his top-notch skills with the bat he stood out with the ball as well and ended up his career with 235 Test wickets. Sobers featured in 93 Tests and piled up 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78 with 26 centuries to his credit. Many consider him as the Don Bradman of all-rounders. 3. Wally Hammond (England) – 58.45: Walter Hammond. (Photo Source: Getty Images) A naturally gifted athlete, Wally Hammond was considered as one of the greatest batters of the game alongside WG Grace, Jack Hobbs and Don Bradman. Whenever he stepped on to the 22 yards he enthralled the crowd with his stroke making which included fearless aerial shots, extravagant cover-drives and barbarous hooks and pulls. Hammond represented the English side in 85 Tests in his 20 year-long career and scored 7,249 runs at a staggering average of 58.45. 2. Ken Barrington (England) – 58.67: (Photo Source: Getty Images) Ken is the fourth Englishmen to feature in this list which highlights the glorious legacy of the forefathers of the game in Test cricket. When Barrington rose to the national ranks he was an outright attacking player but soon he realized that in Test cricket if he wants to succeed then he will have to match up the Test requirements. And then what happened next is history. Ben not only changed his game but got the perfect recipe of success in the longer format of the game. Overall, he stroked 6,806 runs in 82 Tests at an average 58.67 with 20 centuries. 1. Sir Don Bradman (Australia) – 99.94: August 1938: Spectators clapping Australian cricketer Sir Don Bradman (1908 – 2001) . (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images) Whenever someone talks about averages the name of Sir Donald Bradman becomes inevitable. Don Bradman is the only man in Test cricket to average a walloping 99.94, a record which seems unbreakable. Although, Bradman featured in 52 Test matches only but finished with unbelievable stats of 6,996 runs with 29 centuries in as fewer as 80 innings. He is not only considered as the greatest batsman but also the greatest ever cricketer to have played the game. (All stats updated till 13th February, 2016)