Test cricket has been considered the ultimate format in which two teams battle between them for five consecutive days. These matches have been an emotion for every cricketer and fan. Test match evaluates the soul of both batters and bowlers. The longest form of the game evaluates the skills of every cricketer in every department. It requires both individual talent and nerve, as well as selfless teamwork. Test cricket calls for both short-term and long-term tactics. Some of the most capped players in the test are listed below.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Widely considered the best batsman of the modern generation, Sachin began his test career as a 16-year-old lad. Popularly known as the Little Master, Sachin shattered numerous batting records in cricket. His ability to adapt to the pitch conditions helped him build his innings. Sachin had been the highest run scorer for India in tests and ODIs. Representing the country on 200 occasions in tests, Sachin retired from test cricket in 2013 with 15,921 runs.
2. James Anderson
Widely regarded as one of the best seam bowlers, Anderson had dominated test cricket with his incredible bowling skills. Representing England for a record 181 times, 686 batters have been his victim. While leading test bowling for England, Anderson received appraisal for his ability to swing the bowl both ways. His swing bowling has been a nightmare for eminent batters all over the globe.
3. Ricky Ponting
Ponting had been one of the best batters, captain of the Australian Squad, and an asset to his country. He represented his country for a record 168 times in tests and scored 13,378 runs in Test cricket. Ponting led Australia’s batting from the front and scored crucial runs for his team. His contribution with the bat and as a captain helped Australia regain its lost glory and return to winning trophies.
4. Steve Waugh
Described as a “Cold-blooded, scientific leader," Steve Waugh had been a jewel for Australia. Having represented Australia in 168 test matches, Steve Waugh accumulated 10,927 runs and 92 wickets in test cricket. He led Australia to a record sixteen consecutive test wins and helped his country to consolidate its position in test cricket.
5. Jacques Kallis
Regarded as one of the best all-rounders of all time, Kallis had been the only cricketer to score 10,000 runs and pick 250 plus wickets. He won 23 “Man Of The Match," the most by any other test player. Kallis played 166 tests and scored 13,289 runs and took 292 wickets. Consistency and fewer injuries helped Kallis contribute to his team with the bat and the bowl.
6. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Opponents referred to Chanderpaul as limpet as he was so hard to dismiss. His unconventional batting technique though was criticized but was highly effective at the international level. In a career spanning over 21 years, Chanderpaul played 164 tests for his country. He scored 11,867 for West Indies in Test cricket. He grew to become the backbone of the batting lineup and since then never looked back. Through the years, his batting improved and he moved from strength to strength.
7. Rahul Dravid
Known for his great batting technique, Rahul Dravid is considered one of the greatest batters in cricket. Referred to as “The Wall”, Rahul Dravid is there only batsman who has faced over 31,000 balls in the longest format of cricket. The former Indian Captain is known for his patience and ability to hang on the pitch despite unfavorable circumstances. Dravid represented India in 164 test matches and scored 13,288 runs with an average of 52.30.
8. Alastair Cook
Nicknamed ‘Chef’, Cook has been one of the best openers for England in Test cricket. Cook was a prolific batsman with a variety of shots in his book of batting. His classic shots were a treat for the eyes of any cricket fan. Being the captain of the team, Cook led the batting attack from the front. Cook played 161 matches and ended up scoring 12,472 runs in Test cricket.
9. Allan Border
The former Australian Captain, Border has been the leading run scorer for Australia in both Tests and ODIs. Captain Grumpy led Australia through its dark times and helped his country regain its dominance in Test Cricket. “No hopers to world beaters”, said many cricket critics. His flamboyant batting and leadership secured victories for Australia in several test matches. Border retired from cricket after playing 156 games and scoring 11,174 runs.
10. Stuart Broad
Englands’s second most-capped test cricketer, Stuart Broad made the headlines after dismantling a rock-solid Australian top order in 2009. A lethal in-swing bowler, Broad’s wicket-to-wicket bowling has made him one of the leading strike bowlers for England in the last decade. Across 164 tests, Broad has taken 593 wickets for England national Squad and has been an active member of the England squad.
