Top 5 Players with Most Runs in Test Cricket History

Test cricket is the oldest and most traditional format of the game, as well as the ultimate test of a cricketer's skill, patience, and consistency. Many players have played this format of the game over the years, leaving their names in cricket history through memorable performances. Let’s have a look at the top 5 players who have scored the most runs in Test cricket history.

Top Player With the Most Runs in Test Cricket

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) - 15,921 Runs

The "Little Master" is number one with a remarkable 15,921 runs in Test cricket. Sachin produced these runs over a career that spanned 200 Test matches between 1989 and 2013, and his records stand unbroken. He became one of history’s global cricketing icons due to his balance, technique, and hunger for runs. Sachin is a symbol of excellence and perseverance in world cricket with 51 Test centuries to his name.

2. Joe Root (England) - 13,409 Runs

Joe Root is the England’s highest run-scorer in Tests and was known for exceptional batting skills as a batting performer in Test cricket. From 2012 to 2025, Root played 157 Test matches and scored 38 centuries. His skills allowed him to bat for long hours and helped England win many valuable victories, particularly in foreign conditions.

3. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 13,378 Runs

Ricky Ponting is one of the most well-known and most successful captains and batsmen in the history of cricket. He accumulated 13,378 Test runs from 1995 to 2012. Ponting was notoriously aggressive, had a sharp cricketing brain, was consistent, and was a key feature of the Australian cricket team in their most successful period. Ponting was a prolific Test batsman and scored 41 Test centuries and played countless game-changing innings for his team.

4. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 13,289 Runs

Jacques Kallis is recognised as one of the best all-rounders of all time and was a stalwart of the South African batting lineup. Kallis scored 13,289 runs in 166 Tests from 1995 to 2013 and was known for his quiet, calm, unflappable, and composed exterior and sound technique. He was also a handy bowler, further adding to his pedigree as a complete Test cricketer.

5. Rahul Dravid (India) – 13,288 Runs

Rahul Dravid was the 'Wall' of Indian cricket, as evidenced by his patience and grit during 164 Tests. Dravid scored 36 centuries to finish with a total of 13,288 runs, making him a key feature in many of India's away victories. Dravid had an uncanny ability to absorb pressure and anchor an innings making him one of the most reliable batsmen in the history of Test cricket.