Highest Sixes in Test Cricket: Who Has the Most Sixes in Test cricket?

While Test cricket traditionally emphasizes patience and technique over big shots, we’ve witnessed an evolution where cricketers now exhibit aggression even in the longest format, frequently launching sixes. England’s Ben Stokes has hit a total of 128 sixes in 102 Test matches so far – he has smashed the most sixes in Test cricket. 

Here we take a look at the top list of cricketers with the highest sixes in Test cricket: 

Top 14 Players with Highest Sixes in Test Cricket

1. Ben Stokes (England)

Ben Stokes, one of the best all-rounders from England, has redefined the role of a modern-day cricketer with his explosive batting. Known for his fearless approach, Stokes has smashed an impressive 128 sixes in his Test career that began in 2013. Stokes has so far played a total of 102 Test matches, amassing 6316 runs at an average of 35.48. He has scored an impressive 13 centuries in the format. 

2. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)

During his career from 2004 to 2016, Brendon McCullum smashed 107 sixes in 101 matches. With an impressive average of 38.64, McCullum scored 6453 runs in his Test career. McCullum’s defining moment came in 2014 when he etched his name in history books with a mesmerizing triple century against India, becoming the first New Zealander to achieve the feat. His 302- run knock was laced with 32 fours and four sixes and helped his side achieve their first series win against India in 12 years.

Read More: 10 Leading Wicket Takers in Test Cricket

3. Adam Gilchrist (Australia)

Adam Gilchrist, the legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, redefined the role of a modern-day cricketer with his explosive batting and electric glovework behind the stumps. Gilchrist’s career, spanning from 1999 to 2008, was adorned with numerous match-winning performances. He ended his career with 5570 runs in 96 matches, in which he hit a total of 100 sixes. 

4. Chris Gayle (West Indies)

During his Test career from 2000 to 2014, Chris Gayle unleashed his power-hitting, smashing 98 sixes in 103 matches. His highest Test score of 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010 remains a testament to his sheer dominance even in the longest format of the game. Gayle ended his Test career with 7214 runs at an average of 42.18. 

5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Jacques Kallis, one of the best all-rounders of all time, is the third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, and the highest run-scorer for South Africa in the format. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Kallis amassed 97 sixes while compiling over 13,000 runs at an average of 55.37. His highest Test score of 224 against Sri Lanka in 2011 remains one of his best innings in the format. 

6. Virender Sehwag (India)

Explosive opener Virender Sehwag played Test cricket from 2001 to 2013, amassing 91 sixes, often setting the tone for India’s innings with his aggressive batting at the top of the order. His highest Test score of 319 against South Africa in 2008 remains one of the most iconic innings in Indian cricket.

Sehwag’s audacious style and unorthodox technique made him a nightmare for bowlers around the world. Sehwag has the highest career strike rate among batsmen with a minimum of 3000 Test runs. His strike rate of 82.23 exemplifies his aggressive style.

Suggested Read: Virender Sehwag Records List 

7. Tim Southee (New Zealand)

Tim Southee may be a bowler, but he has proven his worth with the bat on a few occasions. With 88 sixes in Test cricket, Southee’s ability to contribute crucial runs down the order has often turned the tide in favour of New Zealand. His highest Test score of 77 not out against England in 2013 was a reflection of his ability to dig deep and defy the odds when his team needed it the most. 

8. Brian Lara (West Indies)

Brian Lara’s highest Test score of 400 not out against England in 2004 remains the highest individual score in Test cricket. With 88 sixes in Test matches, Lara’s ability to dominate the best bowlers of his era made him a true batting genius. In 2003, he scored an astonishing 28 runs off a single over bowled by Robin Peterson of South Africa. This record stood unbroken for 18 years, until it was surpassed by Jasprit Bumrah in 2022. At the time of his retirement in 2006, Lara amassed 11953 runs at an average of 52.88.  

9. Chris Cairns (New Zealand)

Chris Cairns, the former New Zealand all-rounder, hit 87 sixes in his Test career. Cairns’ highest Test score of 158 came against Zimbabwe in 2000. Cairns finished his Test career with a batting average of 33.53 and a bowling average of 29.40.  After his retirement, Cairns went on to become a commentator.

Further Read: Which Country is The Best in Cricket? 

10. Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)

Angelo Mathews, often regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s finest all-rounders, has had a long and successful international career spanning from 2009 to 2024. Mathews made his debut in Test cricket in 2009 and quickly established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman and a handy bowler. Known for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, Mathews has been a crucial player for Sri Lanka in both the Test and ODI formats.

Mathews’ career highlights include several match-winning performances, both with the bat and ball. His captaincy tenure saw Sri Lanka achieving some memorable victories, particularly in the Test format. His double-century against Zimbabwe in 2020 remains one of his most remarkable performances, showcasing his tenacity and skill.

11. Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most prolific opening batsmen, has been a significant force in international cricket since his Test debut in 2013. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to score big, Sharma has cemented his place in the Test squad with numerous remarkable performances.

Rohit’s most memorable Test innings include his double-century against South Africa in 2019, where he showcased his ability to dominate bowlers with effortless aggression. As a captain, he has also led India to significant victories, continuing to be a pivotal player in all formats.

Suggested Read: When Rohit Sharma Scored 264 Runs and Against Which Team

12. Vivian Richards (West Indies)

Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, widely known as Viv Richards, is one of the most iconic cricketers in the history of the sport. Playing from 1974 to 1991, Richards was known for his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate bowlers all over the world. His swagger on the field and consistent performances made him a fearsome opponent.

Richards’ innings of 291 against England in 1976 stands out as one of the most dominant performances in Test cricket. His ability to change the course of a game with his aggressive batting made him a legend of the game, and he was also a reliable bowler and a sharp fielder, contributing in every aspect of the game.

13. Andrew Flintoff (England/ICC)

Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff is one of the most celebrated English all-rounders, renowned for his dynamic performances with both bat and ball. Playing from 1998 to 2009, Flintoff was a crucial part of the English team, especially in the Ashes series, where his performances became legendary.

Flintoff’s performances in the 2005 Ashes series, particularly his all-round display, are etched in cricketing history. His 167 against the West Indies in 2004 was one of his best batting performances. Flintoff’s ability to swing the ball and deliver match-winning spells, coupled with his explosive batting, made him one of England’s finest all-rounders.

14. Matthew Hayden (Australia)

Matthew Hayden was a dominant force in the Australian cricket team, known for his aggressive batting and remarkable consistency. His career, which spanned from 1994 to 2009, saw him become one of the most successful opening batsmen in Test cricket.

Hayden’s career is highlighted by his record-breaking innings of 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003, which was the highest individual Test score at the time. His ability to dominate bowlers and build long innings made him a key figure in Australia’s formidable Test lineup during his playing years. His partnership with Justin Langer at the top of the order was one of the most successful in cricket history.

Further Read: Best Average in Test Cricket

FAQs about Highest sixes in Test cricket

Q) Who has hit the highest sixes in Test cricket?

A) The player with the highest number of sixes in Test cricket is England’s Ben Stokes, with a remarkable total of 128 sixes. 

Q) Who has hit the most sixes in Test cricket?

A) Among the top five players with the most sixes in Test cricket are: 1. Ben Stokes (128 sixes), 2. Brendon McCullum (107 sixes), 3. Adam Gilchrist (100 sixes), 4. Jacques Kallis (97 sixes), and 5. Virender Sehwag (91 sixes).

Q) How many sixes did Virender Sehwag hit in Test cricket?

A) Virender Sehwag played Test cricket from 2001 to 2013, amassing 91 sixes in total.

Q) How many sixes does Chris Gayle have in Test cricket?

A) During his Test career from 2000 to 2014, Chris Gayle smashed 98 sixes in 103 matches.

Q) Which Indian cricketer has the best strike rate in Test cricket?

A) The answer is Virender Sehwag. He ended his Test career with a strike rate of 82.23.

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