Scoring runs in any form of cricket is difficult. But when it comes to playing cricket, it becomes more challenging in many aspects. Many batters have started their careers on a promising note but then faded away over the years. This is due to the fact that staying in the test format for an extended period of time is not for everyone.
But whoever went on to do that certainly became one of the best in the game. This article will feature the list of players with the fastest 6,000-run careers in the history of test cricket. This list includes some of the greats of the game. So let’s check.
5. Leonard Hutton (England) – 116 innings
Former England cricketer Leonard Hutton is the joint-fourth fastest batter to reach the 6,000-run mark in test cricket. Hutton, who also led the England team, represented his country for almost 18 years. He made his debut in June 1937 against New Zealand and scored 6,000 runs in his 116th inning. Hutton played 79 games for England and scored 6971 runs at an average of 56.67 with 19 centuries and 33 half-centuries.
4. Wally Hammond (England) – 114 innings
Another former English cricketer is on the list. Former all-rounder Wally Hammond is the third fastest batter in test cricket history to reach 6,000 runs. Hammond made his debut for England in December 1927 against South Africa at Johannesberg. He scored 51 in his debut inning. It took him 114 innings to complete 6,000 test runs. Overall, he played 85 test matches in his career and scored 7249 runs at an average of 58.45, with a high score of 336 not out.
3. Steve Smith (Australia) – 111 innings
If we need to pick out the best modern-day batters in the longest format, Steve Smith will certainly be among the top. The former Australian skipper is a modern-day great and scores tons of runs in this format. Interestingly, Smith started his career as a leg-spinner but went on to become one of the best Australian batsmen. He made his debut in July 2010 against Pakistan. In 111 innings, he completed 6,000 runs. So far, Smith has scored 8161 runs in 87 games at an average of 60.
2. Garry Sobers (West Indies) – 111 innings
When it comes to the best all-rounders in the longest format, Garry Sobers thus comes to mind. The second-fastest batter on this list is a former West Indian legend who was unquestionably the best all-rounder of his era. Sobers made his debut in March 1954 against England and completed 6000 runs in 111 innings. In his career, he scored 8032 runs in 93 innings at an average of 57.78, with 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. He also took 235 wickets with the ball.
1. Don Bradman (Australia) – 68 innings
The man who was considered the greatest of all time is at the top of this list. Former Legendary batter from Australia, Don Bradman is the fastest batter to scored 6000 test runs in his career. He is also the fastest batter to 1,000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 runs. Bradman took only 68 innings to complete 6,000 runs, which is 43 innings fewer than the next closest batter. Bradman ended his career with 6996 runs in 80 innings, all at an average of 99.94.
List of Fastest 6000 Runs in Test
| Player | Against | Match Date | Debut | Time | Mts | Inns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Bradman (AUS) | India | 1 Jan 1948 | 30 Nov 1928 | 19y 32d | 45 | 68 |
| Garry Sobers (WI) | England | 28 Mar 1968 | 30 Mar 1954 | 13y 364d | 65 | 111 |
| Steve Smith (AUS) | England | 4 Jan 2018 | 13 Jul 2010 | 7y 175d | 61 | 111 |
| Wally Hammond (ENG) | South Africa | 24 Dec 1938 | 24 Dec 1927 | 11y 0d | 70 | 114 |
| Leonard Hutton (ENG) | West Indies | 15 Jan 1954 | 26 Jun 1937 | 16y 203d | 66 | 116 |
| Ken Barrington (ENG) | Pakistan | 27 Jul 1967 | 9 Jun 1955 | 12y 48d | 72 | 116 |
| Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | England | 18 Dec 2007 | 20 Jul 2000 | 7y 151d | 71 | 116 |
| Sunil Gavaskar (IND) | Australia | 23 Jan 1981 | 6 Mar 1971 | 9y 323d | 65 | 117 |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | England | 30 Aug 2018 | 20 Jun 2011 | 7y 71d | 70 | 119 |
| Viv Richards (WI) | England | 3 Apr 1986 | 22 Nov 1974 | 11y 132d | 81 | 120 |