Top 5 run scorers in Tests between 2000-2005

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.