Top 5 run-scorers in Test cricket during the previous decade (2000-2009) 

During the decade before the current one, we saw some of the all-time great batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara and Jaques Kallis in action as they enthralled the whole cricketing universe with their admirable performances.

It would come as a surprise, then, to see that some of these legendary names don't find a mention in the top 5 list. The most notable names that missed out are Brian Lara (stands at 11th position) and Virender Sehwag (13th position).

Without further ado then, here is a look at the batsmen who scored the most number of runs during the previous decade (in the period between 2000-2009).

#10 Shivnarine Chanderpaul - Matches - 86 | Runs - 6,435 | Average - 53.21 | 100's - 19 | Highest score - 203*

#9 Mohammed Yousuf - Matches - 71 | Runs - 6,439 | Average - 58.53 | 100's - 23 | Highest score - 223

#8 Graeme Smith - Matches - 79 | Runs - 6,451 | Average - 49.62 | 100's - 18 | Highest score - 277

#7 Sachin Tendulkar - Matches - 89 | Runs - 7,129 | Average - 53.20 | 100's - 21 | Highest score - 248*

#6 Kumar Sangakkara - Matches - 88 | Runs - 7,549 | Average - 55.10 | 100's - 21 | Highest score - 287

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#5 Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) - 8,187 runs

Mahela Jayawardene

The former skipper of the Sri Lankan cricket team, Mahela Jayawardene was a very consistent performer for his side during the previous decade. He formed a lethal alliance with fellow middle order batsman Kumar Sangakkara and scored runs heavily all around the world.

Jayawardene, along with Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan, turned the fortunes of the Sri Lankan cricket team in Test cricket around as they transformed into a formidable line-up, especially in home conditions.

He played in 160 innings (95 Tests) in the decade and hit 25 centuries and 30 fifties.

Matches - 95 | Runs - 8187 | Average - 55.31 | 100's - 25 | Highest score - 374

#4 Mathew Hayden (Australia) - 8,364 runs

Mathew Hayden

Former Australia opener Mathew Hayden was highly consistent and churned out match-winning performances on a regular basis.

Hayden was a vital cog in the invincible Australian team of the previous decade. He formed a successful association with Justin Langer at the top and more often than not provided the middle order with a great platform to capitalize on.

He played in 172 innings (96 Tests) in the decade and hit 29 centuries and 29 fifties.

Matches - 96 | Runs - 8,364 | Average - 52.93 | 100's - 29 | Highest score - 380

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#3 Rahul Dravid (India) - 8,558 runs

Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid - often called 'The Wall' - is widely regarded as one of the greatest Test batsmen of all time.

On numerous occasions, Dravid bailed India out of trouble by gritting it out and playing superlative innings at the No. 3 position. During the previous decade, he manufactured fruitful partnerships with stalwarts like Sehwag, Tendulkar and Laxman, and helped India to win on innumerable occasions.

He played in 179 innings (103 Tests) in the decade and hit 22 centuries and 42 fifties.

Matches - 103 | Runs - 8,558 | Average - 54.85 | 100's - 22 | Highest score - 270

#2 Jacques Kallis (South Africa) - 8,630 runs

Jacques Kallis

Arguably the best all-rounder the game of cricket has ever seen, Jacques Kallis was a calming influence in the South African middle order throughout his career. He played the roles of savior, destroyer and accumulator perfectly, depending on the game situation, and always put his team's interests ahead of personal accomplishments.

He played in 174 innings (101 Tests) in the decade and hit 27 centuries and 42 fifties.

Matches - 101 | Runs - 8,630 | Average - 58.70 | 100's - 27 | Highest score - 189*

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#1 Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 9,458 runs

Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen of all time. He was the skipper of the mighty Australian team in the previous decade that conquered the cricketing world, and he often led them by example.

Ponting finished his Test career with 13,378 runs and is the second highest run scorer in Tests - just behind Indian great Sachin Tendulkar.

He played in 184 innings (95 Tests) in the decade and hit 32 centuries and 40 fifties, to emerge as the most prolific run-scorer in Test cricket during the decade.

Matches - 107 | Runs - 9,458 | Average - 58.38 | 100's - 32 | Highest score - 257