Top 5 Captains With Most Test Runs: Kohli, Root, and Two Aussies in the List
Being a Test captain is not an easy job. It’s not just about playing cricket. It needs sharp thinking, patience, and mental strength. One decision taken on the first day can affect the match even on the fifth day. Some players grow under pressure and lead well, while some struggle and their performance goes down.
A good captain is not just about being the best player. He must lead the team with confidence, and the team should trust him. Some cricketers have shown this with their batting and leadership both. Let’s look at five such players who scored the most runs in Test cricket while being captain.
Most Test Runs as Captain: Two Indians, Two Aussies, One South African
1. Graeme Smith (South Africa) – Scored 8,659 runs in 193 innings as captain, with an average of 47.83
Smith became South Africa’s captain at just 22. He showed great maturity and led the team with courage. His big double centuries in England in 2003 helped South Africa win the series. Smith’s leadership and strong batting made him the highest run-scorer in Tests as captain.
2. Allan Border (Australia) – Made 6,623 runs in 154 innings while leading, average of 50.94
Border took charge of the Australian team during a weak phase. But he changed the team with his serious attitude and strong batting. People called him ‘Captain Grumpy’ because of his no-nonsense style. His tough mindset and consistent batting helped Australia rise again.
3. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – Hit 6,542 runs in 140 innings as skipper, averaged 51.51
Ponting was known for his aggressive style. He led Australia during one of their strongest periods. His performances in big matches like the Ashes were key. With players like Gilchrist, Clarke, and Hayden around him, Ponting still stood out with his solid batting and fearless leadership.
4. Virat Kohli (India) – Scored 5,864 runs in 113 innings as captain, average of 54.80
Kohli brought energy and aggression to India’s captaincy. He performed even better under pressure and scored big against top teams. He scored 200-plus runs against almost every Test-playing country (except Australia). His average as captain was better than his overall average, which shows he enjoyed the responsibility.
5. Joe Root (England) – Made 5,295 runs in 118 innings as leader, with a 46.44 average
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Root had many ups and downs as England’s captain, but his batting stayed consistent. He scored big even in difficult conditions like in Asia. His double hundreds proved his class. Root became England’s highest run-getter in Tests while leading the side, which says a lot about his skill and focus.
Can any current player break into this list in the future?
Test captaincy is a tough task, and not everyone can handle it. But the ones who score runs while leading their team leave a mark. It will be interesting to see who joins this list in the coming years.
