10 Batsmen who played over 100 Test matches and averaged over 50

Test Cricket requires a lot of stamina, concentration and determination. Batsmen have to display these qualities in abundance to survive the fierce bowling attack from the opposition. Those who do, go on to play for a long period and achieve success. There have been many batsmen who have played over 100 matches and some whose career average has crossed 50.

Today I will discuss the batsmen, who averaged over 50, after playing over 100 Test matches.

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#10 Sunil Gavaskar

Known as the “Little Master,” Sunil Gavaskar is considered the greatest opening batsman of all time. He was gifted with technique, temperament, and immense power of concentration. He played 125 Test matches and scored 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12. This included 35 centuries and 45 half-centuries.

Sir Len Hutton wrote in his book, describing Gavaskar's innings of 221 at The Oval: "I have had the good fortune to have seen many memorable double centuries in Test matches, and Gavaskar's 221 at The Oval in 1979 should, at the very least, be bracketed with Stan McCabe's 232 at Trent Bridge and Wally Hammond's 240 at Lords, particularly bearing in mind the important fact that India started their second innings in the seemingly impossible position of needing 438 runs in 500 minutes to win. Gavaskar was by far the best batsman of either side in the series - and England had Boycott, Gooch and Gower - and at his peak undeniably the world's leading No. 1. If I were to recommend a schoolboy to copy a modern master, I would go for Gavaskar rather than Richards who, though a great player in every sense, depends enormously on his eagle eye."

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#9 Shivnarine Chanderpaul

West Indies' Chanderpaul was known for his unorthodox batting stance. He was a left-handed batsman who played for almost 21 years. He scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51.37 in 164 matches. Chanderpaul also had 30 centuries and 66 half-centuries to his credit.

#8 Ricky Ponting

Ponting was an attacking batsman who liked to dominate bowlers with the ‘hook’ and ‘pull’ shots. Alongside, Lara and Tendulkar, he was considered the greatest batsman of his era. He played 168 matches and scored 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85, which comprised 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries.

Anil Kumble paid tribute to Ponting: “During our tour (2008) and after the incident (Sydney) things were a bit different but I have interacted with him even before and after that. Whenever we have met, he has always been cordial. He is a great player and his record speaks for itself. The runs he has scored both in Tests and ODIs and the number of victories as captain all reflect that.”

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#7 Younis Khan

The only batsman to score a ton in all 11 countries, Younis is considered the greatest batsman from Pakistan. Khan played 118 matches and scored 10,099 runs at an average of 52.05. This included 34 centuries and 33 half-centuries.

#6 Rahul Dravid

Known as “The Wall,” Rahul was the backbone of the Indian batting. He was known for his solid technique and immense determination. He faced the maximum number of balls (31,258) in Test cricket history. Dravid scored 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31 in 164 matches. He had 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries to his name.

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#5 Javed Miandad

Javed Miandad was a clever Test player who played unorthodox cricket. He had a unique way of batting and had immense control over the way he built his innings. Miandad played 124 matches at an average of 52.57, scoring 8832 runs. He had 23 centuries and 43 half-centuries to his name.

Ian Chappell praised him by saying: “Javed Miandad was the archetypal champion if he's on your side, bastard if he's an opponent. With his skill, perseverance and street-urchin cunning, Javed won grudging respect as one of the finest batsmen in the game.”

#4 Brian Lara

3rd Test - New Zealand v West Indies: Day 1

Brian Lara is often considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He was known for his solid technique and affluent stroke play. His innings of 153 not out against Australia in 1999 was adjudged the second best batting performance in the history of Test cricket. Lara scored 11.953 runs at an average of 52.88 in 131 matches. He also had 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries to his name.

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#3 Sachin Tendulkar

Known as the “God of Cricket,” the cricketing realm considered him as the top batsman in the history of cricket. He broke every record in the game. Tendulkar scored 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries in 200 Test matches. He made 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78.

#2 Jacques Kallis

The best all-rounder to have played the game, Kallis had a very direct approach to batting. He could play shots all around the park. He played 166 matches and scored 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37, which included 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries.

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#1 Kumar Sangakkara

A wicket-keeper—batsman, Sangakkara changed the way Sri Lanka played their cricket. He was prolific and god-gifted in his batting approach. He scored 12,400 runs at an average of 57.4 in 134 matches. This also included 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries.

Virat Kolhi paid tribute by saying: "I know for a fact that a lot of left-handers really look up to him, his technique and the way he's scored runs all around the world. His numbers speak for themselves. He's a wonderful human being as well. I've had quite a few chats with him. He's such a lovely person. I'm actually glad he's playing his last few Tests against us because it's a special occasion for us to be part of. He's such a legend of the game. As a young side it'll be an honor for us to give him that respect."