Who are the top 3 run-scorers in Tests in 2026 so far?

Test cricket in 2026 has seen an ample number of historic moments, which have included stellar moments with the bat. In an era where batters have often found it tough to score on wickets which help bowlers, multiple batters have put up innings of class and poise to take their teams ahead. Be it Tanzid Hasan’s century in Darwin, Amir Jangoo’s mammoth double century at North Sound or Henry Nicholls‘ knock at the Oval, the year has not been short of brilliant innings.

Putting the stellar individual contributions aside, we take a look at the players who have been consistent for their teams throughout the year. These players have been beacons of their teams with the bat, making consistent contributions for their sides. 

Here are the top 3 run-scorers in Test cricket in 2026 so far:

3. Najmul Hossain Shanto (365 runs)

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has well and truly led his team from the front with the bat in what has been a historic year for Bangladesh in the longest format. Shanto oversaw a 2-0 whitewash of Pakistan before the historic triumph against Australia in Darwin, Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory in the country. He will be looking to replicate similar numbers in a historic year for Bangladesh in Test cricket.

In four matches, Shanto has scored 365 runs in seven innings, averaging 52.14 and striking at 57.03, and has recorded one century and two half-centuries. He started the year with scores of 101 and 87 in the first Test against Pakistan in Mirpur, before scoring a brilliant 84 in Darwin, playing watchfully against the Australian pace trio.

2. Joe Root (403 runs)

Possibly England’s finest cricketer in this format, Joe Root has churned out runs aplenty since the advent of the World Test Championship format. The talismanic batter is the top run scorer in the competition’s history and has finished as the leading run-getter in three of the four editions of the tournament. Returning as England captain, he will be looking to continue on that form at the helm.

Root started the year with a marvellous 160 in Sydney, his second century in Australia, but has managed to record just two half-centuries in eight innings since. He has scored 403 runs at an average of 44.77 and a strike rate of 59. Chasing multiple milestones, England fans will be hoping that their star man will be able to replicate the form from the waning end of his previous captaincy stint.

1. Harry Brook (434 runs)

Since breaking out in 2022, Harry Brook has been one of the most exciting batters to watch in the longest format. Having gone from an exciting prospect to being one of England’s main players and captain of the white-ball sides, he has established himself as the torchbearer for the next generation of English cricket. In a career that has spanned just 38 Tests, Brook has recorded 3,395 runs at an average of 53.04 and a blistering strike rate of 86.82. 

2026 may not have looked like the best year for Brook based on his lofty standards, but he is the year’s leading run-scorer in the format with 434 runs in nine innings. He has yet to record a century this year but has scored five half-centuries. He has averaged 48.22 with a strike rate of 88.93, a sign that despite not having a notable score, he has consistently churned out runs for his side. 

Data last updated: Friday, August 21, before start of first Test, Day 2 between England and Pakistan