Top 5 batters with the most 50-plus scores in Test cricket

Test cricket is the oldest format of international cricket. After coming into existence in 1877, the format has survived for 147 years. In its rich history, the sport has seen several great batters. Some of them have been at their best in the last 25-30 years. In this period, Test cricket has seen most of its highest run scorers. These batters have uplifted the purity of the sport with their class.

There are a lot of batters who have scored over 10000 runs in Test cricket. More runs imply more fifty-plus scores from their blades. Some of the batters have been so good that they have a total of over hundred 50-plus scores to their name in Tests. Such batters have indeed raised the standards of the longest format of the game. Here are the five batters with the most fifty-plus scores in Tests.

5. Rahul Dravid (99)

Rahul Dravid was one of the best batters of his time. Known for his defence, the star batter had a great technique against swing. Even against spin, he was equally brilliant. In his Test career, the right-handed batter played 164 matches and amassed 13288 runs.

In as many innings, he registered 36 hundred and 63 fifties ensuring a total of 99 fifty-plus scores. As of 9th October 2024, it’s the joint third-highest for a batter and could well be the fourth-best if one of the current batters smashes a fifty. The Indian number 3 averaged 52.31 in the longest format of the game.

4. Joe Root (99*)

Joe Root is the only active cricketer to have over 10000 Test runs. He is in some serious form and is smashing hundreds and fifties for fun. The former English skipper has played 147 matches and scored 12578 runs so far with a lot of careers ahead of him. 

In as many matches, the star player has 99 fifty-plus scores to his name. While 35 of them have been 100 or more, 64 of them have been lesser. England’s number 4 currently averages 51.33 in the longest format of the game. He can break a lot of records and could top the list by the time he retires.

3. Ricky Ponting (103)

Ricky Ponting was one of the greatest Australian cricketers. He could make it to the side purely as a batter. But his captaincy made him an incredible asset to the team. The Australian number 3 played 168 Tests and scored 13378 runs at a batting average of 51.33.

The star batter amassed a total of 103 fifty-plus scores in the red-ball format. His fifty to hundred conversion rate was good as he smashed 41 hundred and 62 fifties. He is the Australian batter with the most Test runs, most Test hundreds, and the most fifty-plus scores. He’s joint second in the list of batters with the most 50-plus scores.

2. Jacques Kallis (103)

Jacques Kallis was highly consistent as a batter. Despite being defensive, he could take the game deeper and win it with his exceptional skills. While he wasn’t known for his aggressive batting, Kallis could step up and score at an aggressive rate whenever his team needed.

In 166 Test matches, the All-rounder scored 13289 runs at a fantastic batting average of 55.37 including 45 hundreds and 58 fifties. He was one of the best batters of the 2000s and could additionally be handy for South Africa as the fifth bowling option. 

1. Sachin Tendulkar (119)

One would not have wondered who was going to be first on the list. It could be none other than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The star batter has a lot of records to his name including the most Test hundreds, most Test fifties, most Test runs, and most Test caps. His longevity in the sport was one of a kind.

The right-handed batter played exactly 200 Test matches and scored 15921 runs at a great batting average of 53.78. In the process, he smashed 51 hundred and 68 fifties. His fifty to hundred conversion rate was incredible. Tendulkar could be overtaken by Joe Root who is in fantastic form and doesn’t look anywhere close to stopping.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates Visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your remarkable cricket favorite players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!