Test cricket continues to entertain. No matter what the discussion surrounding the format, it continues to be the premier format for elite cricketers. The need to excel in red-ball cricket drives top international stars. It is a format that challenges the best of the lot. For batters to be considered great, the 10,000 runs mark is the target. There are many batters who have the potential to reach this milestone.
We look at few such Batters who can hit 10k Test runs:
#6 David Warner
He lost out on a year in 2018-19 owing to the sandpaper gate scandal. David Warner’s struggles in subcontinental conditions is well documented. But he has terrific record elsewhere. Warner has amassed 7817 runs in 96 Tests so far at an average of 46.52. He has compiled 24 centuries and 34 half-centuries.
#5 Kane Williamson
He is New Zealand’s best batsman of all time. Kane Williamson keeps scoring runs with incredible consistency. He might be the first Kiwi batsman to reach the 10,000 runs mark. Williamson has currently scored 7368 Test runs at an average of 52.6. He has brought up 24 centuries so far along with 33 half-centuries.
#4 Marnus Labuschagne
He is the rightful successor to Steve Smith. Marnus Labuschagne is an ardent student of the game. He is yet to be tested across different conditions. But he has shown immense potential in his brief career so far. Labuschagne has notched up 2539 runs in 28 Tests at an average of 54. He has already piled up 7 centuries. If he keeps going at the same rate, he might well and truly hit the milestone.
#3 Babar Azam
He is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest batsmen. There is immense potential for greatness when it comes to Babar Azam. The fact that Pakistan doesn’t play as frequently as other nations hamper his rhythm. He still exhibits class whenever presented with an opportunity. Azam has scored 3122 runs so far in 42 Tests comprising 7 centuries at an average of 47.3.
#2 Steve Smith
There was a phase in Steve Smith’s career where he could do nothing wrong. He seemed to be batting on a different level altogether. Smith hit a lean patch in the pandemic failing to score a century in 17 innings. He scored his latest century against Sri Lanka recently.
Smith has played 87 Tests so far amassing 8161 runs in Tests at an exact average of 60. He has scored 28 centuries and 36 half-centuries along the process. Smith might be the first on this list to breach the 10,000 runs mark.
#1 Virat Kohli
He last scored a Test century in November 2019. His average dipped below 50 for the first time in 5 years. Despite this, there is no denying the fact that he is one of the modern-day greats. Virat Kohli a veteran of 102 Tests has scored 8074 runs at an average of 49.5. He has 27 centuries and 28 half-centuries to his name. Kohli’s ultimate target will be to touch the 10,000 runs mark.
