Top 5 run-scorers in Tests in 2019

#2 Steve Smith (AUS) - 965 runs

Steve Smith

After missing international cricket for a year, Steve Smith made an emphatic return to the Test cricket arena earlier this year. His astonishing performances in Ashes series reinstated his stature as the premier Test batsman of this generation.

He displayed immaculate levels of consistency and almost single-handedly led the Aussies batting lineup in all the matches he played in that series. He accumulated more than 700 runs in that series and cemented his legacy as a modern-day great.

Steve Smith has been quiet during the home Test series against Pakistan and New Zealand teams. Top-order batsmen like Warner and Labuschagne have scored the bulk of runs so Smith didn't have much left to do.

Smith played 8 Test matches this year and scored 965 runs at an average of 74.23 including 3 centuries and 4 fifties. He finished the year as the second-highest scorer in the world just behind his teammate.

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#1 Marnus Labuschagne (AUS) - 1104 runs

Marnus Labuschagne

Australia's batting unit struggled during the last season because of the absence of David Warner and Steve Smith which resulted in some disappointing Test defeats. The batting department looked like it was heavily reliant on the experienced duo but the rise in stocks of Marnus Labuschagne in 2019 helped in settling this issue.

Labuschagne had a break out year in Test matches this year and reduced the run-scoring burden on his senior teammate Steve Smith. He scored consistently this year and cemented the crucial number 3 spot in the Aussies Test XI.

Labuschagne has played 11 Test matches this year and scored 1104 runs at an impressive average of 64.94 including 3 centuries and 7 fifties with the highest score of 185 against the Pakistan team.