Top 5 run scorers in Tests between 2000-2005

There are certain eras in the history of Test cricket which are remembered for a variety of reasons.

The period between 2000 and 2005 is significant for a number of reasons. First, it was the first half a decade after the turn of the century and the millennium, which is why the batsmen who performed during that period will always have a special place in the record book.

In addition to that, it was an era in which some of the best batsmen in the game's history played together. Some of the highest ever scorers in Test cricket played during that period and plundered runs all over the world.

Here is a look at 5 of the top scorers in the first half a decade of the new millennium.

5 Justin Langer

The former Australian batsman batted at number three for some time before graduating on to the opening position for one of the finest cricket teams to have ever played the game.

What was particularly remarkable about Langer's batting following his elevation to the opener's slot was the new found aggression that he brought to his game, and how he seemed to go after fast bowlers from the outset, irrespective of conditions.

That being said, Langer's technique was extremely tight and loose shots were rare, which is why from the 5-year period between 2000 and 2005, he amassed 5524 runs at an average of 50.21 in 67 Test matches.

Langer recorded a strike rate of 58.66 and hit as many as 17 centuries along with 20 half-centuries to emerge as one of the world's best batsmen during that era. Much of Australia's success at that time depended on the excellence of Langer.

4 Jacques Kallis

South African great Jacques Kallis finished his career as one of the greatest top order batsmen in Test cricket history, and between 2000 and 2005 he was in a rich vein of form, that saw him plunder 5603 runs in 63 Test matches.

It was during this particular period that Kallis established himself in the South African top order and his superb technique, coupled with the right temperament, saw him emerge as the 4th highest run-scorer during this period.

During this spell, Kallis recorded an average of 64.40 (highest among the top 5 run scorers) and struck 17 centuries, in addition to 27 half-centuries to become one of the top batsmen in the world.

What set Kallis apart from some of the batsmen of the era was his ability to grind the opposition to dust and then capitalise with big scores. It was a trait that served him well throughout his career but for those 5 years, he was one a different plane entirely.

3 Brian Lara

Brian Lara

For much of his career, Brian Lara was among the world's best batsmen and will go down in history as one of the world's all-time greats.

Lara's scintillating stroke play, ingenious technique and the ability to bat long made him an incomparably great batsman and from 2000-2005, he continued his reign as one of the world's top Test batsmen. In an uninspiring West Indies side, Lara was the team's primary run scorer and in only 56 Tests, he ran up a tally of 5631 runs at an average of 56.31.

It was during this span that Lara mastered the Sri Lankan spinners, including Muttiah Muralitharan, to score in excess of 650 runs in only 3 Test matches and in 2004, he brought up his world record score of 400 not out against England.

It was well and truly a purple patch like no other as Lara scored 18 centuries and 17 half-centuries to maintain his position as world's premier batsman.

2 Ricky Ponting

Australia v South Africa - Third Test: Day 4

Australia's dominance in Test cricket in this era saw them pummel opposition teams to submission with ridiculous ease, and it is not a surprise that this list is dominated by Australians. Among the many fine batsmen who dominated this period, Australia's Ricky Ponting was in a class of his own due to his sheer dominance over bowling attacks.

Ponting not only scored quickly (strike rate of an astonishing 63.04) but also scored heavily and an average of 62.08 is a true reflection of the sort of damage he caused.

He not only scored quickly but also heavily, and if a top order batsman is able to do that, then the opposition does not have much of a chance. Ponting scored 5898 runs in 66 Test matches and notched up 20 hundreds as well as 22 half-centuries to emerge as one of the greatest top order batsmen to have ever played the game.

1 Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden

The man who made a return to the Australian Test side after a hiatus of around 6 years and then went on to become one of the game's great opening batsmen was the most prolific batsman of the first half a decade of the new millennium.

Matthew Hayden returned to the Test side in 2000 but it was the tour of India the following year that saw him turn into a world-class batsman.

Hayden's run-scoring exploits in those five years were quite extraordinary as he piled up 6633 runs at an average of 57.67 and a strike rate of 61.73. He bullied the best bowlers in the world with his range of strokes and the ability to play long innings that were often decisive in turning Test matches in Australia's favour.

He scored 24 centuries and 23 half-centuries to become the highest scoring batsman in Test cricket during those years.