There have been a number of batters who started their careers on a promising note in international cricket. But the one who knows how to score runs consistently always dominates the game. Especially when it comes to the longest format, the technique and mindset must be very strong. That is when, among all those, only a few went on to become real superstars.
And here we will talk about such superstars who have proven to the world why they are the best. This article will include the fastest batsmen to reach 8,000 runs in the longest format in their careers. A few Indian legends are also on this list. So let’s check.
5. Rahul Dravid (India) – 158 innings
Rahul Dravid, the former Indian captain, is ranked fifth. He was among the top batsmen in world cricket in this format, or one could say that he was the backbone of the Indian batting. Dravid made his test debut in June 1996 against England at Lord’s and played 164 games in his career. Dravid scored 8000 test runs in 158 innings, just seven more than the top scorer. Overall, he ended his career with 13288 runs, including 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries.
4. Garry Sobers (West Indies) – 157 innings
Former legendary all-rounder and West Indies’ main strength between 1960 and 1970 is fourth fastest overall. Garry Sober was widely regarded as the best all-rounder of his generation. He made his debut in March 1954 against England at Kingston. Sobers completed 8000 test runs in 157 innings in his career. Overall, he represented the West Indies in 93 games and scored 8032 runs at an average of 57.78 with 26 centuries and 30 fifties. He also picked up 235 wickets with the ball.
3. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 154 innings
There is only one man in this game who holds nearly all of the batting records. And he is none other than Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary batsman. After making his debut at the age of 16, the Little Master became the face of Indian cricket. Then he dominated world cricket for more than two decades. Sachin made his debut in November 1989 against Pakistan and completed 8,000 runs in just 154 innings. Overall, he ended up as the highest run-getter in Test cricket with 15921 runs, 51 centuries, and 68 half-centuries.
2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 152 innings
Former Sri Lankan captain and one of the finest batsmen that Sri Lanka has ever produced, Kumar Sangakkara, is second on the list. The left-hander is the second fastest to complete 8000 runs, and he did it in 152 innings in his career. Sangakkara made his debut against South Africa in July 2000. He was the most consistent batter for his country across all three formats. Sangakkara is only one of a few batsmen with over 12,000 runs in both ODIs and Tests. He scored 12400 runs in 134 tests, with 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries.
1. Steve Smith (Australia) – 151 innings
Former Australia captain and best Test batter of the modern era leads this list. Steve Smith is the fastest batter to achieve this milestone, taking only 151 innings to reach 8000 test runs. His story is quite interesting, as he started his career as a leg-spinner but later became a top-class batsman. He is the only batsman in the modern era with a 60 average in the longest format. Smith has scored 8161 runs in 87 games with 28 centuries and 36 half-centuries.
List of Fastest 8000 Runs in Test
| Player | Against | Match date | Debut | Time | Mts | Inns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Smith (AUS) | Pakistan | 21 Mar 2022 | 13 Jul 2010 | 11y 251d | 85 | 151 |
| Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | India | 3 Aug 2010 | 20 Jul 2000 | 10y 14d | 91 | 152 |
| Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | West Indies | 18 May 2002 | 15 Nov 1989 | 12y 184d | 96 | 154 |
| Garry Sobers (WI) | England | 16 Feb 1974 | 30 Mar 1954 | 19y 323d | 91 | 157 |
| Rahul Dravid (IND) | Sri Lanka | 10 Dec 2005 | 20 Jun 1996 | 9y 173d | 94 | 158 |
| Virender Sehwag (IND) | Australia | 26 Dec 2011 | 3 Nov 2001 | 10y 53d | 93 | 160 |
| Javed Miandad (PAK) | New Zealand | 26 Oct 1990 | 9 Oct 1976 | 14y 17d | 107 | 162 |
| Brain Lara (WI) | Australia | 9 May 2003 | 6 Dec 1990 | 12y 154d | 92 | 164 |
| Mathew Hayden (AUS) | India | 26 Dec 2007 | 4 Mar 1994 | 13y 297d | 100 | 164 |
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | South Africa | 2 Jan 2006 | 8 Dec 1995 | 10y 25d | 101 | 165 |