Most Runs in Test Cricket History: Players & Records

Most Runs in Test Cricket

With 15921 runs, Sachin Tendulkar held the record for the most runs in Test cricket history. To achieve this milestone, the “God of Cricket” has played 200 matches and 329 innings with a brilliant average of 53.78. He is also one of the players who has faced the most balls in Test cricket.

Test cricket is the longest and oldest format of the game, where players need skill, patience, and focus. Scoring runs in Test matches is not easy, as the game lasts for five days and conditions can be tough.

Scoring over 10,000 runs in this format is a rare achievement—and just 14 players in history have done it. However, over the years, some great players have scored a lot of runs in test cricket history and Sachin Tendulkar leads the way.

List of the Players with Most Runs in Test Cricket

Iconic Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar tops the list of the most runs in test cricket with 15921 runs. He is followed by the legendary Ricky Ponting (13378), JH Kallis (13289), R Dravid (13288), JE Root (12972), and others. These aren’t just numbers—they represent years of consistency, match-winning performances, and unforgettable moments.

Most Runs in Test Career

Sachin Tendulkar (India) – “The Little Master”

Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in Test cricket history with 15,921 runs in 200 matches and 329 innings. Fans around the world affectionately call him The Little Master for his significant achievements, despite his short stature.  He smashed a record 51 Test centuries, and his highest score in a Test is 248 not out. With an average of 53.78, he was known for his consistency and calm style.

Ricky Ponting (Australia) – “Punter”

Ricky Ponting, also called Punter, played 168 Test matches and scored 13,378 runs in 287 innings. He had a strong average of 51.85 and hit 41 centuries, with a top score of 257. Known for his sharp pull shots and aggressive captaincy, Ponting remains one of Australia’s most successful and dependable batters.

Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – “Jakes”

Jacques Kallis is South Africa’s greatest all-rounder and scored 13,289 runs in 166 Tests and 280 innings. With an amazing average of 55.37, he hit 45 centuries, including a highest score of 224. People often call him “Jakes”, and he was known for being rock solid with the bat and handy with the ball, too.

Rahul Dravid (India) – “The Wall”

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian batsman known as The Wall, was renowned for his solid defense and patience. He played 164 Tests, scored 13,288 runs in 286 innings, and had a strong average of 52.31. He hit 36 centuries, and his highest score was 270. Bowlers found it tough to get past him, which is why he earned the nickname The Wall.

Virat Kohli Runs in Test Cricket

Virat Kohli, referred to as “King Kohli,” has 9,230 runs in Test cricket in 123 matches and 210 innings. Announced his retirement from test cricket on 12 May 2025, Kohli won 40 out of 68 matches as a captain. He is also the only Indian batsman who was No.1 in all three formats of cricket – ODIs in 2013, in T20Is in 2015, and in Tests in 2018.

Check out the complete profile of Virat Kohli, including all records in Test, ODI, T20I, and Indian Premier League.

Read More: Most Runs in ODI Cricket: Who Holds the World Record?

Most Runs in Test Cricket in One Innings

Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual Test score – 400 not out against England in 2004. Other legendary batsmen include M L Hayden (380), Brian Lara (375), Mahela Jayawardene (374), and Garry Sober (365) in 1958. Here is the complete list of the top 10 most runs in a single inning by a batsman: