Test cricket is again becoming very popular. The five-match Test series between India and England has caught the attention of all fans. Many new records are being made and iconic moments are happening in every match. Which player has won the most player of the match awards in Test cricket?
This question gets even more interesting when you realise that the player with the most runs in Test cricket is not even in the top five. Some fans might feel surprised, but yes, Sachin Tendulkar is not part of this top five list.
Top 5 List of Most Player Of The Match Awards in Test Cricket
Below is a table of the five legends who won the player of the match award the most times in Test cricket. These players changed the game of many matches with their phenomenal performances.
| Position | Player Name | Test Matches Played | Awards Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacques Kallis | 166 | 23 |
| 2 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 133 | 19 |
| 3 | Wasim Akram | 104 | 17 |
| 4 | Shane Warne | 145 | 17 |
| 5 | Kumar Sangakkara | 134 | 16 |
1. Jacques Kallis – South Africa’s All-Rounder Legend
Jacques Kallis was a top all-rounder from South Africa. He played 166 Test matches and won 23 player of the match awards which is the most by any player in Test history. He contributed to the team both with the bat and ball. His strong batting and accurate bowling skills and his calmness under pressure made him one of the greatest players in Test cricket.
2. Muttiah Muralitharan – Test Cricket’s Most Successful Bowler
Muttiah Muralitharan was an off-spinner from Sri Lanka who took the most wickets in Test history. He played 133 matches and took 800 wickets along with 19 player of the match awards. He was always dangerous no matter where he played. His off-break and doosra deliveries troubled every team. His ability to control pressure and take wickets made him very reliable for his team.
3. Wasim Akram – Pakistan’s King of Swing
Wasim Akram was a fast bowler from Pakistan. He played only 104 Test matches but still won the player of the match award 17 times. He was an expert in reverse swing and made an impact in every condition. His left-arm pace made him Pakistan’s most dangerous bowler who could win matches in any situation.
4. Shane Warne – Australia’s Spin Master
Shane Warne was a famous leg spinner from Australia. He played 145 Tests and won the player of the match award 17 times. His bowling was hard to predict and he could change the result of any match with his deliveries. He was known for taking wickets under pressure.
5. Kumar Sangakkara – Sri Lanka’s Reliable Run Scorer
Kumar Sangakkara was a stylish left-handed batter from Sri Lanka. He played 134 Test matches and won the player of the match award 16 times in his career. His consistent performance and technique made him the most important part of Sri Lanka’s batting. Even though he was good in all formats, he was most effective in Test cricket with his calm and confident style.
What About Sachin Tendulkar?
Many people are surprised to know that Sachin Tendulkar who played 200 Test matches and made world records is not in this top five list. He won the player of the match award 14 times in his career. Because of this he is at ninth position on the list.
The Real Match Winners of Test Cricket
The players who won the most player of the match awards in Test cricket are those who always delivered for their team. From Jacques Kallis to Muralitharan every player proved themselves in tough situations. This list is a tribute to those legends who were the true heroes of Test cricket.
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