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Test cricket is the longest format of the game. For the format to be called so has endless possibilities as it tests the player’s patience, mindset and even his abilities. The batsmen need to keep their calm and know the right time to play aggressively as well as defensively. What they aspire for more is the ability to be consistent whenever they walk down the middle to complete a grueling inning.
Several batsmen have been able to generate momentum and keep themselves consistent in test matches. As a result, they have also been able to constructively average high in their career. Let us have a look at the top batsmen with the highest average in test matches.
Top Batsmen with Highest Average in Test Matches
| Player | Career | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DG Bradman (AUS) | 1928-1948 | 52 | 80 | 10 | 6996 | 334 | 99.94 | 58.60 |
| YBK Jaiswal (IND) | 2023-2024 | 11 | 20 | 1 | 1217 | 214* | 64.05 | 71.67 |
| AC Voges (AUS) | 2015-2016 | 20 | 31 | 7 | 1485 | 269* | 61.87 | 55.68 |
| RG Pollock (SA) | 1963-1970 | 23 | 41 | 4 | 2256 | 274 | 60.97 | 54.48 |
| GA Headley (WI) | 1930-1954 | 22 | 40 | 4 | 2190 | 270* | 60.83 | 56.00 |
| H Sutcliffe (ENG) | 1924-1935 | 54 | 84 | 9 | 4555 | 194 | 60.73 | 34.59 |
| E Paynter (ENG) | 1931-1939 | 20 | 31 | 5 | 1540 | 243 | 59.23 | 45.88 |
| KF Barrington (ENG) | 1955-1968 | 82 | 131 | 15 | 6806 | 256 | 58.67 | 42.42 |
| ED Weekes (WI) | 1948-1958 | 48 | 81 | 5 | 4455 | 207 | 58.61 | – |
| WR Hammond (ENG) | 1927-1947 | 85 | 140 | 16 | 7249 | 336* | 58.45 | 38.07 |
Relatable: Highest Batting Average in ODI Cricket
1. Sir Don Bradman
Legendary Australian cricketer Sir Don Bradman had the highest average in the history of test cricket. Bradman was widely considered the greatest cricketer of all time in Australia. The Australian had scored 6,996 runs from just 52 matches at an excellent average of 99.96 which included 29 hundreds and 13 fifties.
2. Harry Brook
England’s young sensation Harry Brook is still growing his roots but seems to have already begun an illustrious career. Brook has scored 1181 runs from 12 matches at an average of 62.15. Brook has already scored 4 centuries and seven half-centuries at the beginning of his career with his highest score being 186.
3. Adam Voges
Adam Voges has the highest average in test cricket by any Australian cricketer so far. Voges has scored a total of 1485 runs from 20 matches at an average of 61.87. He has also hit five tons and four fifties with the highest score of an unbeaten 269.
Know more: Most Runs in Test Cricket
4. Robert Pollock
Pollock is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of his time. Averaging over 60 in tests, Pollock scored 2256 runs from just 23 matches. Pollock also had seven tons and 11 fifties to his name and had the highest score of 274 to his name.
5. George Headley
West Indian cricketer George Headley was one of the greatest players for his country and in the world. Headley is known for single-handedly anchoring various innings for West Indies when the team was not dominating on the world stage. Headley had 2190 runs from just 22 matches which included ten hundreds and five fifties at an average of 60.83.
6. Herbert Sutcliffe
English cricketer Herbert Sutcliffe was another cricketer who had a profound impact on the game. Sutcliffe had excellent test records to his name where he had 16 tons and 23 half-centuries to his name. The Englishman had 4,555 runs from 54 matches at an average of 60.73.
7. Edward Paynter
Edward Paynter of England has the seventh-highest average in Test history. Paynter was known for his aggressive and attacking playing style and his outstanding ability to score quick runs whenever it was most needed. Paynter scored 1540 runs from 20 matches at an average of 59.23.
Must Read: Highest Individual Score in Tests
8. Ken Barrington
Another great English cricketer on the list Barrington had outstanding test records to his name. The English player played a total of 82 matches where he scored 6806 runs and had an average of 58.67. Barrington had a whopping 30 centuries and 35 half-centuries to his name, with the highest score of 256.
9. ED Weekes
ED Weekes of West Indies was also one of the finest players from his country. Weekes too had intriguing test records to his name. With 4455 runs from just 48 matches, the West Indian had a superb average of 58.61. Weekes had a total of 15 centuries and 19 half-centuries with the highest score being 207 in test cricket.
10. Steven Smith
When it comes to playing the best cricket in the modern era, Australia’s Steve Smith checks all the boxes. The Australian skipper has probably had the best test career in the current era. Smith’s test records have been jaw-dropping and soar high with every test match he plays.
The only player in this list who is currently playing apart from Harry Brook, the Australian has played 102 matches and has scored 9320 runs which include an outstanding 32 tons and 39 half-centuries. Smith averages 58.61 in the longest format of the game.
