International Cricket is divided into three formats: test, one-day, and T20 cricket. As cricket progresses, people prefer to watch T20 cricket as it is more entertaining than red-ball cricket. But test cricket is the actual format as it checks batters's technique, patience, and grit. In cricket history, we have seen many great batters, but some of them are specialists in test cricket. So, let’s look at the top ten best test specialist batters ever in cricket.
1. Alastair Cook
England have produced many fabulous and fearless batters. In modern-day cricket, England is known for its attacking cricket in all formats of cricket. But Alastair Cook was the batsman with the best technique to play test cricket. He is the best test batsman that England cricket has ever seen. Alastair Cook had one of the best techniques to play swing and reverse swing deliveries, and that’s why he scored the most runs for England in test cricket. In his career, Alastair Cook has played 161 tests, scoring 12,472 with an average of 45.4.
2. Rahul Dravid
In test cricket, the most important thing for any batsman is patience, and Rahul Dravid is the master. In his prime, many bowlers used to fear him as he used to trouble the bowlers by making them tired. Rahul Dravid has won and drawn many test matches for India. Even he is one of the best technically sound batters cricket has ever seen. No one can forget his double centuries in overseas conditions. In his career, Rahul Dravid has played 164 test matches, scoring 13,288 runs with a brilliant average of 52.3.
3. Steve Smith
There is no doubt that Steve Smith is the most significant test batsman in modern-day cricket. After a year ban, he made one of the most remarkable comebacks in cricket history. In test cricket, Steve Smith is the backbone of the Australian team. Despite unorthodox technique, he has proved himself in the most extended format of cricket. Even Steve Smith is among the few batsmen who scored a double-century at Lord’s. So far, Steve Smith has played 102 tests in which he has scored 9,320 runs with a mind-blowing average of 58.6.
4. Younis Khan
Younis Khan is one of the best and most technically sound batsmen that Pakistan has ever seen. Unfortunately, he could not perform well for his team in white-ball cricket, but Younis Khan is the best test batsman Pakistan has ever produced. He had one of the best techniques every batter needs in test cricket. Younis Khan has scored the most runs for Pakistan in test cricket. In his career, Younis Khan has played 118 test matches, scoring 10,099 runs with an average of 52.
5. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara is one of the rarest batsmen who has scored runs in every format of this game, and that’s why he is the best Sri Lankan batsman in cricket history. Kumar Sangakkara was a very elegant batsman, and his drives mesmerized all cricket viewers. He was a complete batsman with the best technique and orthodox shots. For Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara has won many test matches. Sangakkara has played 134 test matches in his career, scoring 12,400 runs with an impeccable average of 57.4.
6. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis was a boon to South African cricket as he was the most complete cricketer who could bat and bowl with the same efficiency. Jacques Kallis is the most excellent all-rounder in cricket history who had an impact with bat and bowl. Even as an all-rounder, he has one of the best batting techniques in cricket. Jacques Kallis scored 45 centuries in test matches, one of the most in cricket history. In his career, Jacques Kallis has played 166 test matches in which he scored 13,289 runs with a fantastic average of 55.4.
7. VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman is a former right-handed batsman from India. Even though VVS Laxman struggled to make his place in white-ball cricket, he is one of the greatest test batsmen in Indian cricket history. No one can forget his unbelievable knock of 281 against Australia in 2001. Undoubtedly, VVS Laxman is one of the most stylish and technical sound batsmen in test cricket. VVS Laxman has played 134 test matches in his career, scoring 8,781 runs with an average of 46.
8. Brian Lara
The price of cricket, Brian Lara has always been a dominant batsman who has troubled all the bowlers in his career. Even though he is considered a ruthless player who used to smash the ball and bowlers, Brian Lara is also one of the best batsmen in test cricket. He is the only batsman to score 400 runs in test cricket. Brian Lara is one of the most talented batsmen in cricket and has one of the best batting techniques. In his career, Brian Lara has played 131 test matches in which he scored 11,953 runs with an average of 52.9.
9. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting is one of the batting legends in the cricketing world. As a batsman, Ricky Ponting is mentally strong, which is compulsory in the long format of cricket. Even though he is a technically sound test cricket batsman, no one can forget his Pull Shots. In 2003, Ricky Ponting scored three double-centuries in test cricket, which shows his unstoppable prime, and he has scored 41 centuries in test cricket. Ricky Ponting has played 168 test matches in his career, scoring 13,378 runs with an average of 51.9.
10. Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara is a right-handed batsman of India, and he has performed for India in test cricket many times. In the 2018 test series win in Australia, Cheteshwar Pujara was the highest run-scorer for India. In the 2021 Gabba test, Cheteshwar Pujara became the unbreakable wall for India. There are many matches which he has won and drawn for India. Cheteshwar Pujara has played 103 test matches in his career, scoring 7,195 runs with an average of 43.6.
