The very first format of the game of cricket was test cricket. The first official game that was played ever was a red-ball game in March 1877; since then, this format has seen a lot of changes over the years. But it has remained the toughest format for any player in the world. Scoring runs in test cricket is never easy.
And when the game is tough, the toughest get going. This format has produced some of the greatest batsmen in history, who have gone on to dominate the game. In this article, we will cover the list of players who are the fastest to score 5,000 runs in Test cricket.
5. Viv Richards (West Indies) – 95 innings
There are four batters who are the joint-third fastest on this list. Former West Indian great Viv Richards is also there. A batter who was known for his aggressive brand of play helped the West Indies become world champions between 1975 and 1985. Richards made his test debut in November 1974 against India. In his 95th inning, he reached 5,000 runs in his Test career. He represented the West Indies in 121 red-ball matches and scored 8540 runs at an average of 50.23.
4. Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 95 innings
The legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar is next on the list. He is also the joint-third fastest batter to complete 5,000 test runs in his career. Gavaskar was also known as the “Littler Master” because of his short stature, but his records are huge. He made his Test debut for India in March 1971 against the West Indies and reached 5000 test runs in his 95th innings. Overall, he scored 10122 runs in 125 games at an average of 51.12, with 34 centuries and 45 fifties.
3. Garry Sobers (West Indies) – 95 innings
Another West Indian batter who ended up as the legend of the game is Garry Sobers. The left-handed batter, who went on to lead his country at the highest level, is third on the list. Sobers made his red-ball debut in March 1954 against England. He was one of the best all-rounders of his era. It took him 95 innings to complete 5,000 test runs. Sobers played 93 Tests and scored 8032 runs at an average of 57.78, with 235 wickets as well.
2. Jack Hobbs (England) – 91 innings
Former English captain Jack Hobbs, who played cricket for England in the early 1900s, is the second fastest batter of all time. Hobbs also captained England in the longest format. He made his debut for his country in January 1908 against Australia and completed 5000 Test runs in just 91 innings. He played a total of 61 test matches overall for England and scored 5411 runs at an average of 56.94, with a highest score of 211.
1. Don Bradman (Australia) – 56 innings
Who can surpass the man who ended his career with an incredible average of almost 100? The man who scored the fastest 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 test runs is also the fastest to score 5000 test runs. And it is none other than the legend of the game, Sir Don Bradman. It only took the former Australian great 56 innings to accomplish this feat. Bradman made his debut against England in December 1928 against England and played for almost 20 years. He scored 6996 runs in just 80 innings at an average of 99.94.
List of Fastest 5000 runs in Test
| Player | Against | Match Date | Debut | Time | Mts | Inns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Bradman (AUS) | England | 22 Jul 1938 | 30 Nov 1928 | 9y 234d | 36 | 56 |
| Jack Hobbs (ENG) | Australia | 8 Mar 1929 | 1 Jan 1908 | 21y 66d | 55 | 91 |
| Garry Sobers (WI) | England | 4 Aug 1966 | 30 Mar 1954 | 12y 127d | 56 | 95 |
| Sunil Gavaskar (IND) | Australia | 19 Sep 1979 | 6 Mar 1971 | 8y 197d | 52 | 95 |
| Viv Richards (WI) | England | 14 Jun 1984 | 22 Nov 1974 | 9y 205d | 64 | 95 |
| Mathew Hayden (AUS) | Sri Lanka | 9 Jul 2004 | 4 Mar 1994 | 10y 127d | 55 | 95 |
| Wally Hammond (ENG) | Australia | 18 Dec 1936 | 24 Dec 1927 | 8y 360d | 59 | 97 |
| Ken Barrington (ENG) | South Africa | 26 Aug 1965 | 9 Jun 1955 | 10y 78d | 61 | 97 |
| Steve Smith (AUS) | India | 16 Mar 2017 | 13 Jul 2010 | 6y 246d | 53 | 97 |
| Leonard Hutton (ENG) | South Africa | 26 Jul 1951 | 26 Jun 1937 | 14y 30d | 55 | 98 |