5 Fastest Batters to Complete 13,000-run in Test Cricket

Crossing the 13,000-run milestone in Test cricket history is a credit to a batter’s skill, stamina, and longevity. Only a few luminaries have engraved their names onto this unique achievement. Joe Root just joined the ranks of legends on the current Zimbabwe tour.

This list honours the five fastest hitters to reach Mount 13,000 in Test cricket. From modern-day maestros like Joe Root to timeless technicians, here is a list of Whites hitters who have reached this milestone (in terms of innings).

5. Joe Root (279 Innings)

Joe Root, a bedrock of England’s test cricket and a modern-day hero, recently achieved his 13000 Test runs against Zimbabwe in the Only Test, which began May 22, 2025. It was Root’s 279th Test innings, and he struck 34 runs at Trent Bridge to break the 13,000-run mark. Root now averages 50.80 with 36 centuries in the Whites.

4. Rahul Dravid (277 Innings)

Rahul Dravid, also known as “The Wall,” scored 13,000 Test runs against the West Indies at Wankhede Stadium on November 22, 2011. Dravid made his debut on June 20, 1996, and attained the milestone in 160 matches and 277 innings, a total of 15 years and 155 days.

3. Ricky Ponting (275 Innings)

Ricky Ponting broke the 13,000-run milestone during the Test match against India in Adelaide on January 24, 2012. The former Australian captain debuted on December 8, 1995, and it took him 162 matches and 275 innings to attain this milestone. Ponting’s aggressive approach, strong pull strokes, and unparalleled intensity made him one of the most feared hitters of his day.

2. Jacques Kallis (269 Innings)

On January 2, 2013, Jacques Kallis scored his 13,000th Test run against New Zealand in Cape Town. He made his debut on December 14, 1995, and attained the milestone in 159 matches and 269 innings, which took 17 years and 19 days. Kallis was the best all-rounder of his time, combining superb technique with the ability to anchor innings under duress.

1.  Sachin Tendulkar (266 Innings)

Sachin Tendulkar, often known as the ‘Master Blaster’, became the first and fastest player in Test cricket history to amass 13,000 runs. He reached this milestone on January 17, 2010, against Bangladesh at Chattogram, over two decades after making his debut on November 15, 1989. Tendulkar required 163 matches and 266 innings to get there, demonstrating his consistency and domination over two decades.