Top 7 batsmen with most Test runs - debuted after 2000

Top 7 batsmen with most Test runs – debuted after 2000: If there is a format in cricket which severely tests the character and skills of batsmen to the hilt then it is Test cricket. A batters weakness might go unnoticed in shorter formats of the game but in Tests the bowlers can expose the various weaknesses of a batsman as they can bowl longer spell of overs with attacking fields. If a batsman has a particular weakness against bouncers his technique might be tested for some time in ODIs but in Tests he will be hampered with short stuff until the bowler outclasses him or the batter plays him out. In the last 15 years, cricket has been blessed to have some exceptional batsmen who have completely changed the outlook of the game. But only those who have showcased the hunger for the runs, ability to fight out the early demons of the pitch and have possessed the technique to overcome all barriers have been able to stamp their authority in the cricket world. Today, we list the Top 7 batsmen with most Test runs – debuted after 2000: 7. Kevin Pietersen (England) – 8,181 runs: Kevin Pietersen. (© Getty Images) Kevin Pietersen was a kind of player who always hogged the limelight, sometimes due to his stellar performances with the bat. While sometimes it was his outspoken nature which got him encircled in controversies. Very few batters in Test history have been able to stamp their dominance in all the conditions as much as this maverick English batsman. KP featured in 104 Tests and hammered 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28 with 23 centuries. But what stands out the most about him was his ability to win his side matches single-handedly. 6. Virender Sehwag (India) – 8,586 runs: Virender Sehwag. (Photo Source: Getty Images) Virender Sehwag was the face of outright demolition and at the start of the innings, when most openers try to find their feet he shivered the bowlers with his attacking stroke play. When Sehwag got going, he turned around the matches in short periods of time. And mind you folks he did it with amazing consistency as well. Sehwag who featured in 104 Tests amassed 8,586 runs at a staggering average of 49.34 and held a jaw-dropping strike rate of 82.23 with 23 centuries which included 2 triple-centuries as well. 5. Michael Clarke (Australia) – 8,643 runs: Michael Clarke. (Photo Source: Getty Images) The Australian skipper Michael Clarke with his elegant cover drives and commanding straight drives won million hearts. But, it was his gritty and resilient character which earned him many accolades. From Bangalore to Brisbane or from Chennai to Cape Town he always stood tall as and when his team was in dire situations. The way he scored century at Cape Town against South Africa in 2014 with fractured shoulder was testimony of his passion and love for the game as well nation. In 115 Tests he scored 8,643 runs at an average of 48.83 with 28 tons. 4. Younis Khan (Pakistan) – 8,814 runs: Younis Khan. (© Getty Images) What to say about Younis Khan? His towering stats make him one of the greatest Test batsmen to have played the game. In 101 Test matches, he has scored 8,814 runs at an average of 54.07 with 30 centuries. They say success in abroad Tests require batsmen to have astute character, ardent commitment and sound technique. Younis was masterly adept at all the mentioned virtues as he plundered as many as 6,916 runs in away conditions at a commanding average of 52.79 with 23 centuries. But Khan’s awesomeness is not only defined by stats but the way he stroked the ball turned him into one of the most pleasing sights for the eye on the 22 yards. 3. Alastair Cook (England) – 9,330 runs: Alastair Cook. (© MARWAN NAAMANI/AFP/Getty Images) The cricket experts and pundits regard Cook as the apparent heir of Sachin Tendulkar in Test cricket. Alastair Cook who made his Test debut against India in Nagpur with an impeccable century gave glimpses of a future legend who possessed meticulous abilities with the bat. He didn’t disappoint as well; Cook has raced away to 9,330 runs in 119 Tests at an average of 46.42 and with 27 centuries to his credit. He is only 30 and with form and age on his side he might well end up his career as one of the most prolific Test batters ever. 2. Graeme Smith (South Africa) – 9,265 runs: Graeme Smith. (© Luigi Bennett/AFP/Getty Images) Fondly referred to as Biff, Smith is regarded as the greatest Test skipper of all time. He took the reins of the struggling South African’s when he was only 22 years old. The way he helped the struggling Proteas side in rebuilding from the shackles of match-fixing, indeed makes him a great skipper. He also had a monumental track record at home and away Tests. But mind you he was equally apt with the bat as well and set the tone of the match with his classical repertoire of strokes. In 117 Tests he compiled 9,265 runs at an average of 48.25 with 27 centuries. 1. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 12,400 runs: Kumar Sangakkara will make his last appearance in International cricket against India. (© Getty Images) Kumar Sangakkara has been one of the modern legends of the game but yet is not perceived as highly as he should have been. A true ambassador of the game Kumar Sangakkara has represented his country in 134 Tests so far and has accumulated 12,400 runs at an mind-boggling average of 57.14 which is even better than that of Sachin, Ponting and Lara. Sangakkara is second only to Sir Don Bradman with his tally of 11 double-tons. He also has 38 centuries to his credit. His trademark classical cover drive will always be remembered even after he hang up his boots. Also read : Top 5 Greatest Test innings of Michael Clarke – A true champion

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Top 7 batsmen with most Test runs - debuted after 2000

4. Younis Khan (Pakistan) – 8,814 runs:

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