Test cricket has a rich history. The number of teams are gradually increasing in this format of the game as more and more players try to master their skills in the red-ball format. Nowadays, even pink balls are used for Test matches, which happen in the day-night format.
Proper technique and skills are required to succeed in cricket, but in Tests, the players also need the ability to play long innings by remaining patient. Here’s a list of the top eight players who have batted for the most hours in Tests.
8. Ricky Ponting – 536 hours in Test cricket history
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting owns the eighth spot on this elite list. He batted for 536 hours in his career, which is the second-highest in Tests by an Australian batter.
7. Kumar Sangakkara – 540 hours in Test cricket history
Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was one of the most elegant batters of all time. The left-handed batter batted for 540 hours in his Test career.
6. Allan Border – 594 hours in Test cricket history
The highest hours batted by an Australian in Test cricket is by Allan Border. He batted for a total of 594 hours during his legendary Test career for the Aussies.
5. Alastair Cook – 622 hours in Test cricket history
Only five batters have remained in the middle for more than 600 hours in the longest format of the game. One of them is former England captain Alastair Cook, who batted for 622 hours.
4. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 629 hours
Shivnarine Chanderpaul owns the record for the most hours batted by a West Indies batter in Tests. The left-handed batter batted in the middle for a total of 629 hours.
3. Jacques Kallis – 640 hours
Regarded by many as the greatest all-rounder of all time, Jacques Kallis owns the third spot in this list. Kallis batted for 640 hours, which is the most by a South African player.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – 688 hours
Sachin Tendulkar isn’t at the top of this list surprisingly. He owns many records in Tests, but on this list, he is second with 688 hours of batting.
1. Rahul Dravid – 736 hours
Rahul Dravid is the owner of this world record. He is the only cricketer to have batted for more than 700 hours in Tests, having spent 736 hours in the middle while batting.
