5 highest ratings achieved by batsmen in Test cricket

Test cricket stands as the greatest form of cricket to have been played. Testing the true skill of a player for over five days, the format is the most challenging one for any cricketer. Superlative performances in Test format stand as the hallmark of great players and many illustrious names over the past century or so stand as shining testimonies to this very fact.

As if the records and stats weren't enough to exemplify a player's worth in the game, the introduction of rankings and ratings came as two other barometers of greatness. From Sir Don Bradman to Virat Kohli, numerous cricketers, thanks to their dominance in the game, have achieved glorious ratings in their careers and have etched their names in the history.

While the Test format is equally challenging to both bowlers and batters, it is generally the batsmen who are required to possess a tight technique to come out successful under trying conditions. Here, we take a look at five of the greatest ratings ever achieved by batsmen in Test cricket.

---

#5 Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting is one of the greatest Australian cricketers

Hailed as one of the greatest Australian batsmen to have played the game, Ricky Ponting played a crucial role in establishing Australia as a premier cricketing nation. The man was not only the team's major batsman for a long period but also composed an instrumental part with his brilliant captaincy.

A member of the ICC Hall of Fame, Ponting was at the peak of his batting prowess from 2002 to 2008 when scored runs all across the globe. The Tasmanian, who came as a daunting opponent for any bowler, also became the third Australian to go past 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Ranked alongside the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara in the list of the modern-day batting greats, Ponting also holds the record of being the fourth cricketer overall to surpass the 13,000 runs mark in Test cricket.

On 05/12/2006, the two-time World Cup winning captain achieved a rating of 942 points, which was the highest rating for a batsman in the last 50 years before it was surpassed by Steve Smith.

Test Record:

Mat-168

Runs-13378

Avg-51.85

100s-41

#4 Jack Hobbs

Jack Hobbs is considered to be one of the greatest English batsmen ever

Sir John Berry Hobbs, popularly known as Jack Hobbs, is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen to have played the game. Representing England in 61 matches from 1908 to 1930, the man was also often called "The Master" for his exemplary skill with the bat. In fact, Hobbs, with 61,760 runs (including a staggering 199 centuries) in 834 matches, remains as the leading run-scorer in first-class cricket.

Widely regarded for his trend-setting style of batting, that wasn't hesitant to shy away from orthodoxy, Hobbs stands tall in the history of English cricket. In 2009, the man was also named in the list England's All-Time Best Team that was compiled by cricket historians. Honoured with a knighthood in 1953, the Englishman is also the first professional cricketer to achieve the fame.

On 23/08/1912, Jack Hobbs achieved a rating of 942 against Australia, which is the joint 4th highest in the history of Test cricket.

Test Record:

Mat-61

Runs-5410

Avg-56.94

100s-15

#3 Len Hutton

Len Hutton was one of cricket's biggest superstars during the 1940s

Another legendary English cricketer on the list is Sir Leonard Hutton. Regarded as one of the most technically-sound batsmen of his era, Hutton rose quickly up the ranks in English cricket between 1937 and 1955. He built most of his game around a tight defence and has garnered statistical numbers that continue to remain as one of the best in Test batsmanship.

For most of his career, the Yorkshire born played a crucial role in England's batting department. The man was also described as the greatest batsman in the history of cricket by Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.

Knighted in 1956, Hutton holds the credit of achieving the third highest rating ever for a batsman in Test cricket. On 03/04/1954, the right-handed batsman achieved a rating of 945 that remained unsurpassed for as many as 52 years.

Test Record:

Mat-79

Runs-6971

Avg-56.67

100s-19

#2 Steve Smith

Australia's Steve Smith is rated as one among the top modern-day batsmen

Australia's Steve Smith has, undoubtedly, emerged as one of the finest modern-day batsmen in Test cricket. Possessing a technique that is considered to be maverick by many, Smith has been successful in amassing runs all across the world against different oppositions.

Starting his career as a leg-break bowler, the New South Welshman soon transformed into a major batting asset for his team down the order. As days passed by, Smith turned into a full-time batsman and established himself as Australia's best player in the longer format of the game. Over the past few years, Smith has played a pivotal role in helping Australia win many series and has consistently been on top of the ICC rankings for batsmen in Test cricket.

The former Aussie skipper was at his flourishing best when he awarded a rating of 947 against England on 30/12/2017. The rating stands as one of the highest scores ever achieved by a modern-day batsman.

Test Record*

Mat-64

Runs-6199

Avg-61.38

100s-23

(*as on 12/08/2018)

#1 Don Bradman

Don Bradman has become a part of the Australian cricketing folklore

Arguably the greatest batsman to have played the game, Sir Don Bradman holds the record of achieving the highest rating for a batsman in the history of the game. With an astounding average of 99.94 that is considered to be a major sporting achievement, the Australian continues to be one of the most celebrated legends of the game.

Unparalleled and undisputed on several fronts, Bradman was a batting revelation of his period. The man came as a fierce and an attacking competitor who seemed to possess an answer to every challenge posed to him. Bradman was a key member of the Australian squad of the 1940s and his game demanded respect from the opponents. In fact, he was also the captain of the indomitable Australian team that was known as "The Invincibles".

Of Bradman's many beaming records is also his achievement of the highest rating ever for a Test batsman. On 10/02/1948, the former Aussie great was honoured with a rating of 961 that continues to lure batsmen all over the world.

Test Record:

Mat-52

Runs-6996

Avg-99.94

100s-29