Sachin Tendulkar
The icon, Master Blaster and an inspiration to millions in India and even worldwide, Tendulkar has been the most complete batsmen of his time, the most prolific run scorer of all time. His batting was all of perfect balance, economy of movement, precision in stroke making and most importantly that straight drive, which was known as the Tendulkar trade mark. He has been the leading run scorer in Test cricket till date, he has made 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78 and 51 centuries. He scored his first Test ton at the age of 17 at Old Trafford. He retired from Test cricket in 2013 in his 200th Test at Wankhede Stadium. As a batsmen he never had any weakness and could play all over the park. By, far he is the most worshipped cricketer in the world.
Ricky Ponting
The Punter is second on the list, the most successful Australian run maker and only sits below Sir Bradman in the country’s overall rating. He was Australia’s 42nd Test captain as well and he was a complete mix of class and composed batting display. In his captaincy tenure, the Australian team was on fire and at the top of their game, he guided Australia to the 2003 and 2007 ODI World Cup’s as well. He won three back to back Ashes series, two in England, one at home. Ponting also gave a tough time to the Proteas and Men in Blue. He has made 13,378 runs in Test at an average of 51.85. Punter was on his way to his maiden Test ton on debut but was dismissed on 96, his cover drive and pull shots are particularly his trademark. He retired from Test cricket in 2012.
Jacques Kallis
Perhaps he was the one man army in South African cricket and shouldered the entire team on his performances. He has a rock solid technique and a mind impervious to distraction. He is much more remembered as a fierce batter and an occasional bowler who proved to be crucial for his team. Kallis made a tough 101 at the Boxing Day Test in 1997 at MCG, his lofted drive and pull shots were his signature moves. However, he has received widespread criticism for his slow scoring rate, he made 13,289 runs with an average of 55.37. Kallis made his highest score of 224
Rahul Dravid
Dravid is most likely the most classical Test batters in recent times, his performances in the coloured uniforms maybe not that consistent and progressive but he has left a huge legacy and a mark for himself in the whites. He is nicknamed the ‘Wall’ in cricket, he was the base and foundation while his strikers expressed their gameplay. He batted for 835 minutes over two innings when India won a Test in Australia at Adelaide in 2003. He made an important 270 that helped India clinch a first series win in Pakistan. He also was a part time wicket keeper and had donned the wicket keeping gloves on various occasions. He has over 10,000 runs in the ODI format as well but it was the whites in which he was known. Dravid has made memorable partnerships with his Indian batter VVS Laxman, he made 461 runs in the Test series against England in 2011 where all the other Indian batters didn’t make more than 275. He scored 13,288 runs in Test cricket at an average of 52.31 and 36 tons.
Alastair Cook
Sir Alastair Cook will go down as one of the best Test batsmen in English history and an affection to all the England fans of cricket. His determination, defense, longevity, consistency was something to look out for. The Oval stood on their feet with every innings to give Cook a standing ovation. He has captained England for the majority of his Test career and had become his nation’s highest run scorer and century maker in Test cricket, he also grabbed the most catches. Cook has the most Test caps in succession: 159, he smashed a double century in the Ashes Test in Melbourne in 2017 – 18. Cook won the ICC Test batsman of the year in 2011, he also is the youngest player to get to 7000 runs in Test. Alastair Cook made 12,472 runs at an average of 45.35 and 33 centuries in the longest format.
