Test cricket is still one of the most beloved format in cricket and it holds a unique charm for a dedicated group of fans. Even when shorter, crisper formats have expanded and have made more gans, Test cricket still holds the charm since fans prefer the deeper, more strategic nature of Test cricket. This longest format demands patience, determination, skill, and temperament from its players, making it a true test of their abilities.
In Test cricket, the margin for error is smaller, and the challenges are greater. Batters have to face hostile bowling, tactical planning for a longer duration and hence, batters who ace this format are considered to be greats of the game.
Over the years, Test cricket has produced a number of legendary players who have stood firm against the odds to save matches for their teams. There are plenty of memorable games that have taken place in Kolkata, Birmingham, and Adelaide.
10 Players with Best Average in Test Cricket
| Player | Years Active | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 100s | 50s |
| Don Bradman (AUS) | 1928-1948 | 52 | 80 | 10699 | 334* | 99.94 | 29 | 34 |
| Adam Voges (AUS) | 2015-2016 | 20 | 31 | 1485 | 269* | 61.87 | 5 | 4 |
| Harry Brook (ENG) | 2022-2024 | 14* | 21 | 1231 | 118* | 61.55 | 4 | 6 |
| Graeme Pollock (SA) | 1963-1970 | 234 | 422 | 22562 | 274* | 60.97 | 37 | 61 |
| George Headley (WI) | 1930-1954 | 224 | 420 | 21902 | 270* | 60.83 | 30 | 49 |
| Herbert Sutcliffe (ENG) | 1924-1935 | 54 | 84 | 5555 | 194 | 60.74 | 16 | 22 |
| Eddie Paynter (ENG) | 1931-1939 | 20 | 31 | 1540 | 243 | 59.23 | 5 | 4 |
| Ken Barrington (ENG) | 1955-1968 | 82 | 116 | 8062 | 658 | 58.67 | 25 | 27 |
| Everton Weekes (WI) | 1948-1958 | 48 | 88 | 4881 | 207* | 58.61 | 15 | 20 |
| Wally Hammond (ENG) | 1927-1947 | 85 | 140 | 8514 | 336* | 58.46 | 27 | 27 |
1. Sir Donald Bradman (Australia)
Widely considered the greatest batsman of all time, Bradman boasts a phenomenal average of 99.94. His dominance with the bat is unparalleled, with a staggering 29 centuries and 34 fifties in just 80 innings.
2. Adam Voges (Australia)
Despite a relatively short Test career, Voges carved a niche with an impressive average of 61.87. He was known for his solid technique and his ability to score consistently.
3. Harry Brook (England)
This young prodigy, with an average of 61.55 after a handful of Tests, is a rising star. His elegant strokeplay and exceptional temperament mark him as a potential future legend.
4. Graeme Pollock (South Africa)
A true stalwart of South African cricket, Pollock’s average of 60.97 reflects his immense talent. He was a prolific run-scorer with a belligerent style of batting, amassing 37 centuries and a staggering 61 fifties.
5. George Headley (West Indies)
Headley, known as the “Master” for his elegant style, possessed an average of 60.83. His ability to dominate attacks with his powerful strokeplay made him a legend of the Caribbean game.
6. Herbert Sutcliffe (England)
Sutcliffe formed a formidable opening partnership with Jack Hobbs. His solid technique and temperament are reflected in his average of 60.74. He was a vital cog in England’s batting success for over a decade.
7. Eddie Paynter (England)
Despite a short career cut short by injury, Paynter left his mark with a solid average of 59.23. Known for his classical technique, he possessed the ability to excel against any bowling attack.
8. Ken Barrington (England)
A prolific run-scorer with a touch of elegance, Barrington boasted an average of 58.67. He holds the record for most fifties in Test cricket (27) and was a mainstay of the English batting line-up for over a decade.
9. Everton Weekes (West Indies)
Weekes, part of the legendary “Three Ws” with Worrell and Walcott, possessed an average of 58.61. His flamboyant strokeplay and aggressive batting entertained fans worldwide.
10. Wally Hammond (England)
Hammond, a captain and a prolific scorer, boasted an average of 58.46. He was known for his strong temperament and ability to score runs in all conditions.
FAQs about Average in Test Cricket
Q) Who has the highest batting average in Test cricket history?
A) Sir Donald Bradman of Australia holds the highest batting average in Test cricket history with a remarkable 99.94.
Q) Which player with a short Test career has one of the highest batting averages?
A) Adam Voges of Australia, despite his relatively short Test career, boasts an impressive average of 61.87.
Q) Who is a current player with one of the highest Test averages?
A) Harry Brook from England, a rising star, has a current Test average of 61.55 after 14 matches.
Q) Which West Indian legend is known for his high Test batting average?
A) George Headley, known as the “Master” from the West Indies, has an impressive average of 60.83 in Test cricket.
Q) Who among the English cricketers has a noteworthy Test batting average?
A) Herbert Sutcliffe of England, known for his solid technique, has a Test batting average of 60.74 and formed a formidable opening partnership with Jack Hobbs.
