Achieving milestones in Test cricket is a significant accomplishment for batters. This format tests players’ skills, grit, and determination. Scoring runs in Test cricket is considered one of the toughest tasks, mainly due to the challenges posed by the red ball. Here, we explore the fastest players to score 8000 runs in Test cricket.
Top 5 Fastest Players to Score 8000 Runs in Test Cricket
| Player | Opponent | Venue | Year | Debut | Matches | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Smith | vs Pakistan | Lahore | 2022 | July 13, 2010 | 85 | 151 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | vs India | Colombo | 2010 | July 20, 2000 | 91 | 152 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | vs West Indies | Kingston | 2002 | November 15, 1989 | 96 | 154 |
| Gary Sobers | vs England | Kingston | 1974 | March 30, 1954 | 91 | 157 |
| Rahul Dravid | vs Sri Lanka | Delhi | 2005 | June 20, 1996 | 94 | 158 |
1. Steve Smith: 8000 Runs in 151 Innings
Steve Smith is the fastest player to score 8000 runs in Test cricket, achieving this milestone in just 151 innings. He broke Kumar Sangakkara’s previous record during a match against Pakistan in Lahore in 2022. Smith is considered one of the best Test batters in the current era and is among Australia’s top run-scorers in Tests.
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2. Kumar Sangakkara: 8000 Runs in 152 Innings
Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara holds the record for the second-fastest 8000 runs in Test cricket. He reached this mark in 152 innings while playing against India in Colombo in 2010. Sangakkara held the record for 12 years until it was surpassed by Smith in 2022.
3. Sachin Tendulkar: 8000 Runs in 154 Innings
Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” is the third-fastest to reach 8000 runs. He achieved this milestone in his 154th innings against the West Indies in Kingston in 2002. At the time, he was the fastest to reach this mark.
4. Gary Sobers: 8000 Runs in 157 Innings
West Indies great Gary Sobers ranks fourth for the fastest 8000 runs in Test cricket. He completed this milestone in 157 innings during a match against England in Kingston in 1974. Sobers played a crucial role in the West Indies’ dominance in cricket during his era.
5. Rahul Dravid: 8000 Runs in 158 Innings
Rahul Dravid, known as “The Wall,” is the fifth-fastest player to reach 8000 runs in Test cricket. He achieved this feat in his 158th innings against Sri Lanka in Delhi in 2005. Dravid is regarded as one of the finest Test players and has set numerous records throughout his career.
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