Test cricket is unarguably the most challenging format for any player. Batting in test cricket is always considered a tough job. But in this century, many batters have shown their worth in adapting to different conditions. So, in this article, we will discuss 'Top 10 Knocks Played in the 21st Century in Test'.
1. Brian Lara
Brian Lara was one of the most classical test batters from West Indies who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2004, in a series against England, Lara played one of the best knocks of his career against England, smashing 400 runs. With a score reaching 469-5 in the 1st innings, he put together a 282-run partnership with Ridley Jacobs. In his knock, where he spent nearly 13 hours, he scored 400 runs, hitting 43 boundaries and four gigantic sixes.
2. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, nicknamed The Universe Boss, was one of the most classical test batters from West Indies who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2010, in a series against Sri Lanka, Gayle played one of the best knocks of his career against Sri Lanka, smashing a triple century. With a score reaching 110-1 in the 1st innings, he put together a 196-run partnership with Darren Bravo. In his knock, where he spent nearly 11 hours, he scored 333 runs, hitting 34 boundaries and nine gigantic sixes.
3. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag, nicknamed Viru, was one of the most destructive test batters from India who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2008, in a series against South Africa, Sehwag played one of the best knocks of his career against Sri Lanka, smashing a triple century. With a score reaching 213-1 in the 2nd innings, he put together a 268-run partnership with Rahul Dravid. In his knock, where he spent nearly nine hours, he scored 319 runs, hitting 42 boundaries and five gigantic sixes.
4. Hashim Amla
Hashim Amla was one of the most classical test batters from South Africa who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2012, in a series against England, Amla played one of the best knocks of his career against England, smashing a triple century. With a score reaching 260-2 in the 2nd innings, he put together a 377-run partnership with Jacques Kallis. In his knock, where he spent nearly 13 hours, he scored 311 runs, hitting 35 boundaries.
5. Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor was one of the most classical test batters from New Zealand who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2015, in a series against Australia, Taylor played one of the best knocks of his career against Australia, smashing a double century. With a score reaching 87-2 in the 2nd innings, he put together a 265-run partnership with Kane Williamson. In his knock, where he spent nearly nine and a half hours, he scored 290 runs, hitting 43 boundaries.
6. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers, nicknamed Mr. 360, was one of the most destructive test batters from South Africa who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2010, in a series against Pakistan, AB de Villiers played one of the best knocks of his career against Pakistan, smashing a double century. With a score reaching 33-3 in the 1st innings, he put together a 179-run partnership with Jacques Kallis. In his knock, where he spent nearly 10 hours, he scored 278 runs, hitting 23 boundaries and six gigantic sixes.
7. Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is one of the most destructive test batters from England who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2016, in a series against South Africa, Stokes played one of the best knocks of his career against South Africa, smashing a double century. With a score reaching 223-5 in the 1st innings, he put together a 399-run partnership with Jonny Bairstow. In his knock, where he spent nearly 6 hours, he scored 258 runs, hitting 30 boundaries and 11 gigantic sixes.
8. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, nicknamed Master Blaster, was one of the most classical test batters from India who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2004, in a series against Australia, Sachin played one of the best knocks of his career against Australia, smashing a double century. With a score reaching 194-3 in the 1st innings, he put together a 353-run partnership with VVS Laxman. In his knock, where he spent nearly 10 hours, he scored 241 runs, hitting 33 boundaries.
9. Steve Smith
Steve Smith, nicknamed Smudge, is one of the most classical test batters from Australia who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2015, in a series against England, Smith played one of the best knocks of his career against England, smashing a double century. With a score reaching 78-1 in the 1st innings, he put together a 284-run partnership with Chris Rogers. In his knock, where he spent nearly 8 hours, he scored 215 runs, hitting 25 boundaries and a gigantic six.
10. VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman, nicknamed Very Very Special, was one of the most classical test batters from India who could easily walk into any lineup. In 2001, in a series against Australia, Laxman played one of the best knocks of his career against Australia, smashing a double century. Following on, with a score reaching 232-4 in the 3rd innings, he put together a 376-run partnership with Rahul Dravid. In his knock, where he spent nearly ten and a half hours, he scored 281 runs, hitting 44 boundaries.
