Cricket players were put to the test on a variety of different fronts during the game's longest format. The longest format of the game in the past challenged players on their strength, endurance, skills, consistency, and a variety of other factors, however, modern Test cricket does not have much to offer considering the different circumstances. Test cricket hasn't lost its essence despite the emergence of limited-overs formats like One-day Internationals, T20 Internationals, and even T10. While keeping a high strike rate or having the ability to drive the ball out of the park is valued more in modern cricket, there was a period when the game's greatest batsmen exhibited first-grade patience. Let us look at cricketers who have faced most dot balls in test cricket.
1. Allan Border
Allan Border, a sporting legend, is largely regarded as Australia's greatest captain in history. He was in charge of making the team into a force to be reckoned with. The equally skilled batsman Border was renowned for his tenacity and guts. Border faced a whopping 27,002 deliveries throughout his illustrious 17-year Test career, which ran from 1978 to 1994. He also logged 35,639 minutes on the pitch. Moreover, he has amassed 11,174 runs overall with an average of 50.6 in 156 Test matches. In the longest format of the game, the batsman has also amassed 27 hundred and 63 half-centuries, with his greatest total standing at 205 runs.
2. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
The first Indo-Caribbean to play 100 Tests for his nation was Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a former captain of the West Indies. Chanderpaul, the unsung hero, developed into Windies’ batting order's rock. Chanderpaul scored a staggering 11,896 runs in 164 Test matches between the dates of his Test debut in March 1994 and his final match in May 2015, averaging 51.4 and 43.3 with a strike rate of 51.4. Moreover, the right-arm leg spinner has nine wickets to his credit. Chanderpaul also brags about being the only player from the West Indies to appear on this exclusive list of Test cricket players who faced the most balls. He faced 27,395 balls, which translates to an astounding 37,123 minutes spent on the pitch.
3. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis of South Africa, one of cricket's greatest all-rounders of all time, is the only player to have amassed over 10,000 runs and over 250 wickets in both Test and One Day International matches. Throughout his time playing Test cricket, Kallis faced 28,903 deliveries, which equates to 38,400 minutes at the wicket. From his debut on December 14, 1995, against England, to his final Test match against India on December 26, 2013, Kallis scored 13,289 runs in 166 matches at an average of 55.4 and claimed 292 wickets with an economy rate of 2.82.
4. Sachin Tendulkar
The fourth hitter on this list, who played test cricket for 24 years, is arguably the best batter to ever do so. Even after playing 8 years longer than Rahul Dravid, he has faced 2000 fewer balls, which indicates that he was exceptionally skilled at playing aggressive cricket. With more than 15000 test runs, Sachin Tendulkar has an unrivaled legacy.
5. Rahul Dravid
He is the first batsman in test cricket history to have faced more than 30,000 balls. This demonstrates how frequently Rahul Dravid would play lengthy test innings and how frequently he would stand up for his country like a wall. He accomplished this for 16 years, and as a result, all the supporters would always adore and appreciate him.
6. Alistair Cook
Alastair Cook is the first Englishman to appear on this list and is also their best-ever test batter. Considering that he has only had a 12-year career, it is an incredible accomplishment. Alastair Cook has tormented the opposition numerous times throughout his test career and has scored numerous runs.
7. Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene is one of the two Sri Lankan hitters that are included on this list and is the first. He is one of the all-time greats of the game. Mahela Jayawardene was one of the two Sri Lankan batters who would bat and just score tonnes of runs, keeping the opposition on the back foot.
8. Kumar Sangakkara
Mahela Jayawardene's batting partner is ranked number 8 on this list, and Kumar Sangakkara was the foundation of the Sri Lankan team for many years. Mahela and Kumar were one of the greatest batting partnerships in test cricket history, and the fact that both are on this list is evidence of that.
9. Ricky Ponting
The second Australian batter to appear on this list is likely their best test batter in the last 25 years. He was known for his quick scoring style, which allowed him to score so many runs with fewer balls faced.
10. Steve Waugh
The final batter on this list is another renowned Australian hitter who served as an inspiration and role model to many young Australian athletes. In addition, he amassed a tonne of runs for Australia. Steve Waugh will always have a special place in the hearts of cricket fans everywhere.
