While the olden days were mostly about playing for the pride of the game, passing years witnessed numbers become a crucial component of the game. Better-engineered bats and changing dynamics of the game made the batsmen’s life easier, thereby paving the way to the creation of historic landmarks and records.
One such coveted feat in Test Cricket remains to be that of surpassing the 10,000 run-mark in the format. Ever since India’s Sunil Gavaskar first achieved the feat in 1987, it has constantly eluded many batsmen to adorn their career with. However, given the rigours of the game’s longest format, only a few have been able to cross the mark, with Pakistan’s Younis Khan being the last entrant into this illustrious list. Here are 5 batsmen from the current who are in with a serious chance of scoring 10,000 runs in Test Cricket.
#1 Hashim Amla
The run machine from South Africa is currently the closest among the current batsmen to reach the 10,000 run mark in Tests. Standing tall as the batting mainstay of the Proteas for more than a decade now, Hashim Amla has acquired the legendary status in the folklore of African cricket. Often displaying the pacifying attributes of a Buddhist monk whilst at the crease, the 35-year-old has accounted for many coveted records in both the major formats of the game.
Debuting in whites for South Africa in 2004, the right-handed batsman has played 119 Tests so far and has amassed 9022 runs at an impressive average of 47.24. Presently the third highest run-getter for South Africa, Amla also has 28 centuries and 4 double centuries to his credit.
While the recent years have seen a slight dip in his form, given his ability to weave magic with the bat in all conditions, Amla wouldn’t take too long to surpass the milestone.
#2 Virat Kohli
As the world’s best batsman at the moment, Virat Kohli’s name on this list shouldn’t surprise any cricket fan. The Indian skipper is currently peaking at his powers and is scoring runs at will all across the globe. Be it in the batsman-docile conditions back-home in India, the pace-friendly conditions in England, or even in the rigours Down-Under, there has been no stopping this Delhi lad, who has emerged as the most compact player in the modern-day game.
Making his Test debut for India in 2011, Kohli has donned the Indian jersey in 72 Tests thus far. Boasting of a superb average of 54.66, the 29-year-old has amassed as many as 6286 runs that include 24 tons and 6 double tons already!
Given the way the man is pushing boundaries with his unbelievable cricketing feats, it wouldn’t be long before he hits the remaining 3714 runs and add yet another feather to his proud cap.
#3 Steve Smith
The former Australian skipper has been one of his country’s most successful sportspersons in the past few years. Hailed as one of the finest batsmen of the current era, Steve Smith is an artist at work while at the crease. Possessing quite an unorthodox technique, he often strikes fans as a gritty customer who can take on any bowling unit on his day.
Entering the Test scene in 2010 as a bowling-allrounder, Smith soon discovered his batting prowess and gained mastery at it. In the 64 Tests that he has played for Australia so far, the 29-year-old has scored 6199 runs at an impeccable average of 61.38. En route, Smith has also scored 23 hundreds and two double centuries.
However, the recent ban has come as a major impediment to his batting juggernaut. Post ban, the man from New South Wales will be looking to weave his magic once again and score the remaining 3801 runs to become the fourth Aussie to go past the 10,000 run mark in Tests.
#4 Joe Root
Each time the English fans go “Roooooot”, it can be understood that the English skipper has inched a step closer to scoring 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Already a cricketing hero in England, Joe Root is also considered to be one of the top four batsmen of the modern cricketing era. Oozing class in each of his memorable innings, the Yorkshireman has even taken the responsibility of leading the team’s batting contingent, post-Alastair Cook’s retirement.
Making his debut for England in 2012, Root has represented his country in 74 Test matches thus far. The stylish middle-order batsman accounts for 6279 runs, 14 centuries, and a double century, at a staggering average of 50.64 till date.
With just 27 years of age, Root is also the youngest of the lot on this list and will be looking to better his poor conversion rate of 50s to 100s, in order to amass the remaining 3721 runs quickly.
#5 David Warner
Missing from action due to a ban is the pocket dynamite from Australia, David Warner. Fast, aggressive and intimidating, Warner comes as a daunting opponent to any bowling opposition. Thanks to his incredible adaptability across all the three formats of the game, the southpaw has turned into a vital component of the Australian team over the years.
Warner marked his baggy green moment in 2011 and hence, has scored 6363 runs in his 74 Tests for the Aussies. Apart from having an excellent average of 48.2, the New South Welshman also holds credit for 21 centuries and a double ton.
With 3637 runs yet to be made to reach the magical figure of 10,000 runs, Warner will be itching to play again for Australia and make the most of his remaining playing years.
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