Most Sixes in Test Cricket: Top 10 Batsmen

Only three batsmen have surpassed the mark of 100 sixes in Test cricket.

Which cricketer has hit the most sixes in test cricket? Test cricket stands as a true test of both batsmen and bowlers, with the five-day encounters providing captivating moments. The thrill of watching batters and bowlers giving their all in the final moments to either save or win a test match remains a unique aspect of this format. Battling against a quality bowling side in the last session puts batsmen’s skills to the ultimate test. Since its inception in 1877, this ongoing battle between bat and ball has produced cricketing greats worldwide.

Over the past 146 years, the game has evolved, giving rise to numerous cricketing stars. While Test cricket is traditionally regarded as a game of patience, the modern era has seen the emergence of six-hitting as a crucial skill for batters in this format. The current English style of play, known as ‘Bazball,’ has become a notable talking point in the oldest format of cricket. Amidst the presence of cricketing legends, let’s explore the top 10 batters with the most sixes in test cricket.

10. Viv Richards (West Indies) – 84 Sixes

Renowned for his powerful hitting and cricketing swagger, West Indies legend Sir Viv Richards was a captivating presence in world cricket. During the 70s and 80s, spectators eagerly awaited his innings whenever West Indies played a test match. In an era where batting was considered challenging, Sir Viv Richards astoundingly struck 84 sixes in his 182 test innings. This gives him a spot of 10 in the list of cricketers with the most sixes in test cricket. Over the course of his illustrious test career, Richards accumulated 8540 runs at an impressive average of 50.23. His contribution to test cricket spanned 17 years, from 1974 to 1991.

9. Tim Southee (New Zealand) – 86 Sixes

Tim Southee left a lasting impact for the Kiwis when he entered the realm of test cricket. His influence extended beyond bowling, showcasing a magnificent performance with the bat. On his debut, Southee not only picked up a five-for in the first innings but also played a remarkable knock, smashing 77 off 40 deliveries in the fourth innings, which included nine sixes, against England in 2008.

In his test career, Southee has hit an impressive 86 sixes and remains in contention to become the fourth batter overall to achieve the milestone of 100 sixes in the format. Having batted in 137 test innings, he has accumulated a total of 2059 runs in his test career thus far.

8. Chris Cairns (New Zealand) – 87 Sixes

Chris Cairns, another prominent New Zealand all-rounder, holds the 8th position among batsmen with the most sixes in test cricket, having smashed a total of 87 sixes during his career.

Renowned for his aggressive batting style, Cairns achieved the notable feat of surpassing Viv Richards, breaking the long-standing record and claiming the top spot in this elite list. Over the course of his 62 test matches, Cairns scored 3320 runs at an impressive average of 33.53. Making his debut in 1989, he continued to play till 2004.

Also Read: Cricketers with the Most Runs in Test Cricket

7. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 88 Sixes

The former West Indies captain, Brian Lara, concluded his illustrious career, achieving a status akin to cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Kumar Sangakkara. Renowned for his dominant left-hand batting, Brian Charles Lara left an indelible mark on world cricket. Over the course of his 131 test matches, Lara displayed his prowess by hitting 88 sixes in 232 innings.

His remarkable achievements included scoring 11,953 runs at an impressive average of 52.88 and a strike rate of 60.51, facing formidable bowlers like Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Anil Kumble, Muttiah Muralitharan, and others.

6. Virender Sehwag (India) – 91 Sixes

Virender Sehwag, the former Indian opener, stands as one of the game’s finest batters. His distinctive ability to score runs without relying heavily on footwork earned him widespread acclaim worldwide. Recognized for establishing rapid opening partnerships that set the tone for the game, Sehwag occupies the 6th position in the table of batsmen with 91 sixes in 180 test innings.

He holds a place among the exclusive few who have achieved the remarkable feat of scoring two triple centuries twice, sharing this rare distinction with Bradman, Lara, and Gayle.

5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 97 Sixes

Jacques Kallis, the former South African all-rounder, wasn’t known for hitting many sixes while batting in test cricket. Despite this, he concluded his illustrious test cricket career just three short of achieving a rare milestone. Over the course of his 166-match test career, Kallis managed to smash 97 sixes. The legendary all-rounder primarily relied on scoring through ground shots, amassing a total of 13,289 runs at an impressive average of 55.37, including 45 centuries.

Additionally, Kallis showcased his prowess with the ball, claiming 292 wickets in his glorious test career.

4. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 98 Sixes

In his illustrious career, the Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, participated in 103 test matches and launched an impressive 98 sixes. Gayle holds a distinguished place among batters who achieved the rare feat of scoring two triple centuries in an innings, joining the ranks of Virender Sehwag, Brian Lara, and Sir Don Bradman.

Remarkably, Gayle concluded his career just two sixes short of reaching the milestone of 100 test sixes. Accumulating 7,214 runs in 182 innings at an average of 42.18 and a notable strike rate of 60.26, he also recorded 15 test centuries in his remarkable career. This earns him the fourth spot on our list of cricketers with the most sixes in test cricket.

3. Adam Gilchrist (Australia) – 100 Sixes

The former Australian wicket-keeper became the inaugural batter worldwide to achieve the remarkable milestone of hitting 100 sixes in test cricket. Adam Gilchrist, known for being one of the finest wicket-keepers in the game, crafted a distinctive style of play that resulted in record-breaking numbers throughout his career. He is also one of the three batsmen with the most sixes in test cricket that is 100 and above.

He clinched the record-breaking 100th six against Sri Lanka in Hobart, exemplifying his aggressive approach. Gilchrist accumulated a total of 5,570 runs in 96 test matches for Australia while predominantly batting at number 7.

2. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 107 Sixes

Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum overtook Adam Gilchrist to become the leading batter with the most sixes in test cricket but only for a few years. McCullum shifted his gear not once but twice in the later part of his career and went on to finish with 107 sixes in test cricket – the second highest and only one of three with the most sixes in test cricket that crosses 100+ sixes. He ended up scoring 6453 runs in 101 test matches in his career with 12 centuries.

1. Ben Stokes (England) – 124 Sixes

The English all-rounder Ben Stokes is at the forefront of the chart with an impressive 124 test sixes, achieved in 175 test innings, making him the cricketer with the most sixes in test cricket. Stokes has surpassed the former English coach Brendon McCullum since the advent of the term ‘Bazball’ in English cricket. Renowned as one of the greatest all-rounders in the game, Ben Stokes has amassed a total of 6,117 runs in 91 test matches. His remarkable career includes 13 test centuries and 30 half-centuries, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball.

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