Discover the top 10 highest batting averages in Test cricket. Get insights into the best performers in the history of the sport.
Test cricket, the longest format of the game, challenges a player’s patience, mindset, and abilities. Batsmen must balance aggression and defense, aspiring for consistency in their lengthy innings. Many have maintained momentum and consistency, resulting in impressive career averages. Here are the top batsmen with the highest averages in Test matches.
10 Steven Smith
Australia’s Steve Smith, one of the best modern-era cricketers, has had a stellar Test career. In 102 matches, he scored 9320 runs with 32 centuries and 39 half-centuries, maintaining an impressive average of 58.61. Smith’s records continue to soar, making him a standout player in Test cricket.
Innings: | 195 |
---|---|
Highest Score: | 239 |
Average: | 56.97 |
50s: | 41 |
100s: | 32 |
9 Everton Weekes
West Indies’ ED Weekes was one of the finest players from his country, boasting impressive Test records. In 48 matches, he scored 4455 runs with an outstanding average of 58.61. Weekes recorded 15 centuries and 19 half-centuries, with a highest score of 207 in Test cricket.
Format | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 207 | 58.61 | 15 | 19 |
FC | 304* | 55.34 | 36 | 54 |
8 Ken Barrington
Another great English cricketer on the list, Ken Barrington, had outstanding Test records. In 82 matches, he scored 6806 runs with an impressive average of 58.67. Barrington amassed 30 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with his highest score being 256.
Format | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 256 | 58.67 | 20 | 35 |
FC | 256 | 45.63 | 76 | 170 |
List A | 70* | 33.25 | 0 | 3 |
7 Edward Paynter
Edward Paynter, known for his aggressive and attacking play, holds the seventh-highest Test average in history. Scoring 1540 runs in just 20 matches, Paynter maintained an outstanding average of 59.23, consistently delivering quick runs when needed.
Format | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 243 | 59.23 | 4 | 7 |
FC | 322 | 42.26 | 45 | 95 |
6 Herbert Sutcliffe
English cricketer Herbert Sutcliffe had a profound impact on the game with his excellent Test records. He scored 4555 runs in 54 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 60.73. Sutcliffe also notched up 16 centuries and 23 half-centuries throughout his career.
Format | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 194 | 60.73 | 16 | 23 |
FC | 313 | 52.02 | 151 | 230 |
5 George Headley
George Headley, one of the greatest West Indian cricketers, often anchored innings single-handedly when the team was not dominating. He scored 2190 runs in just 22 matches, boasting ten centuries and five fifties, with an impressive average of 60.83.
Format | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 270* | 60.83 | 10 | 5 |
FC | 344* | 69.86 | 33 | 44 |
4 Robert Pollock
Considered one of the greatest batsmen of his era, Robert Pollock averaged over 60 in Tests. He amassed 2256 runs in just 23 matches, with seven centuries and 11 fifties, and recorded a highest score of 274.
Format | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 274 | 60.97 | 7 | 11 |
FC | 274 | 54.67 | 64 | 99 |
List A | 222* | 50.06 | 12 | 25 |
3 Adam Voges
Adam Voges boasts the highest Test average among Australian cricketers, with 61.87. Over 20 matches, he accumulated 1485 runs, featuring five centuries and four fifties, and his highest score was an unbeaten 269.
Format | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 269* | 61.87 | 5 | 4 |
ODIs | 112* | 45.78 | 1 | 4 |
T20Is | 51 | 46.33 | 0 | 1 |
FC | 269* | 46.42 | 32 | 72 |
List A | 112* | 43.47 | 5 | 47 |
T20s | 82* | 31.02 | 0 | 19 |
2 Harry Brook
England’s young sensation Harry Brook is already making a mark in his burgeoning career. In just 12 matches, he has scored 1181 runs at an average of 62.15. Brook has already hit 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries, with his highest score being 186.
Format | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 317 | 56.79 | 6 | 9 |
ODIs | 110* | 39.94 | 1 | 5 |
T20Is | 81* | 30.73 | 0 | 3 |
FC | 317 | 43.43 | 15 | 28 |
List A | 110* | 36.62 | 2 | 6 |
T20s | 105* | 33.58 | 3 | 13 |
1 Sir Don Bradman
Sir Don Bradman, the legendary Australian cricketer, holds the highest Test average ever recorded. Often hailed as the greatest cricketer of all time, Bradman scored 6,996 runs in 52 matches, with an extraordinary average of 99.96, featuring 29 centuries and 13 half-centuries.
Format | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 334 | 99.94 | 29 | 13 |
FC | 452* | 95.14 | 117 | 69 |