Cricket is one of the most popular games in the world, and it has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1726. There have been significant changes in how we play cricket, with batting becoming the game’s bright spot.
To score and be dubbed the world’s finest batsman, you must have a more significant skill set, guts, and the ability to maintain calm on the pitch.
Here is a list of the top ten most incredible batters in cricket history:
Every cricketer works hard to be considered one of the best batters ever. The following is a list of the top ten batsmen in the world who are legendary batters who have shown tremendous perseverance in the past.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
In 1989, Sachin Tendulkar played his first game for India against Pakistan. He started out as a prodigy at the age of 16, but he never looked back and eventually became the greatest run-scorer in international cricket.
In the latter part of the 1990s, Tendulkar was at the height of his powers. Among his hundreds, his ‘Desert Storm’ innings against Australia in 1998 is the most well-known.
During his prime, Tendulkar set records in every aspect of the game. He became the youngest player in Test history to score a century on Australian soil. The famous athlete made history in 2010, becoming the first player to score a double century.
More than his runs, his ability to reign supreme in the international game for 24 years was extensively recognised. Tendulkar, considered God’s cricketing equivalent in India, is a fitting addition to the list of the world’s top batters. Sachin ended his career in 2013 after playing 200 Tests and 463 ODIs.
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2. Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies)
In 1974, Sir Vivian Richards was called up to the national cricket team for the first time, against India. Not surprisingly, his charisma and body language terrified the bowlers throughout his rule.
He received much attention after scoring 291 runs against England at the Oval in 1976. In 121 test matches, he amassed 8540 runs at an average of 50.
The batting great appeared in 187 One-Day Internationals, scoring 6721 runs. The numbers outweigh the significance he placed on his team. Richards was frequently regarded as being well ahead of his teammates.
The broad shoulders, boxer body, and muscular arms were enough to give bowlers nightmares. Richards was so revered as one of the most incredible batters ever that he never wore a helmet.
3. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the most incredible batsmen of all time, not just of his generation. His aggression and desire to score runs in difficult and vital situations provide credence to his captaincy. His incredible statistics place him among the greatest batters.
The Delhi-based batsman has participated in 111 Tests, scoring over 8676 runs. An average of nearly 50 throughout 100+ test matches is quite good.
He’s a modern-day great in one-day internationals, particularly for his ability to quickly chase down targets. Kohli has surpassed 12,000 ODI runs at an average of over 60. In over 13 years of international cricket, India’s former skipper has scored a record 76 centuries.
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4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Throughout his career, Australian legend Ricky Ponting won numerous awards. The Kangaroos won three World Cups in a row under his guidance.
After debuting against Sri Lanka in 1995, the former Australian amassed over 13,000 Test runs at an average of 51.85 in 168 matches for his country.
Although he resigned from cricket in 2012, he left an indelible imprint on everyone’s mind. Ponting, widely known for his beautiful pull shot, ranks among the world’s top batters.
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Ponting became the first player to complete 1,000 test runs in a calendar year, accomplishing this feat on four grounds. Only five batsmen in Test cricket history have scored successive double centuries, with Ponting being one of them.
5. Brian Lara (West Indies)
Brian Lara, one of the greatest left-handers of all time, made his West Indies debut against Pakistan in 1990. The southpaw was a vicious batsman who relentlessly hammered the spinners.
He appeared in 131 test matches, scoring 11953 runs at an average of 52. In 299 One-Day Internationals, he scored 10495 runs at a strike rate of 79.51.
Throughout his career, the 52-year-old superstar set numerous records, none more impressive than his best individual score of 400* in Test Cricket.
Lara demolished the English attack in Antigua in 2004, scoring 400 runs off 582 balls. It was an inning full of elegance, patience, dominance, and attractive stroke-making.
Also Read: Why is Cricket in the West Indies on the Decline? – From Stalwarts to Minnows!
6. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Kumar Sangakkara, another exquisite left-hander who blessed his presence internationally, represented Sri Lanka for over 15 years. His leadership abilities enabled him to be at the helm of affairs for most of his Sri Lankan cricket career.
Kumar struck 287 in his legendary partnership with Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa, contributing to a massive 624-run third-wicket stand.
He amassed 12400 runs at an average of 57 in 134 test matches. Sangakkara retains the record for the most double centuries in Test cricket since the 2000s, with 11 double centuries.
7. Sir Donald Bradman (Australia)
During Sir Donald Bradman’s reign, Australian cricket was at its happiest. He established the standard for batters worldwide and is often considered the best.
The 20-year career lasted from 1928 until 1948. With his ingenuity, he was the captain who constructed Australia’s batting order.
The right-hander played in 52 test matches and amassed 6996 runs at an incredible average of 99.94. Sadly, he was dismissed for a golden duck in his final game and could not record a fantastic average of 100. Because of this, his accomplishments will endure forever.
8. Wally Hammond (England)
Sir Wally Hammond was regarded as the greatest batsman of his generation. His hitting abilities were unrivalled and unshakable.
In 1927, he made his debut against South Africa at Wanderers. Although his 50-run outing in the first inning demonstrated excellence, the analysts were in for a treat.
Some of Hammond’s most notable innings came during the 1928-29 tour of Australia, when he hit a stunning 905 runs. It was a record that included two double centuries and three centuries.
In 85 Test matches, he amassed 7249 runs at an average of 58.46. As a result, Hammond continues to hold a special place in the hearts of all cricket fans.
9. Sir Jack Hobbs (England)
In the first inning, he scored 83 runs to help England reach a decent total. Eventually, the batting superstar scored 5410 runs in 61 games. His strike rate was 99.28.
The right-hander scored 15 centuries, a feat only a few batsmen have accomplished. As a result, Sir Jack Hobbs is regarded as the game’s all-time best.
Hobbs is widely recognised as one of the finest opening batters ever. Throughout his career, he could average more than 50 consistently. Throughout his career, he was fond of Australia, scoring 662 runs against them, more than any other opponent.
10. Sunil Gavaskar (India)
In his maiden series against the lethal West Indies in 1971, the Mumbai-based batsman produced heroics with the bat. Sunil Gavaskar, India’s batting heavyweight, has repeatedly saved the country from humiliation.
During his distinguished international career for India, he scored 34 centuries, including four double-hundreds. His efforts helped the squad win several matches abroad, which was exceptional then.
Sunil Gavaskar was the first batsman in history to score 10,000 Test runs. The top-order batsman had a fantastic career, scoring 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12.
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