Have you ever wondered what it takes to be consistently brilliant in Test cricket? It’s the batting average for batters. It’s the ultimate measure of a batsman’s dominance, reflecting their ability to convert opportunities into significant runs over time.
From Don Bradman’s legendary feats to the emerging brilliance of Harry Brook, this article takes you through the top 10 players with the best averages in Test cricket.
Let’s explore how these players achieved greatness on the cricketing stage when they set these records and why their performances remain unmatched.
Top 10 Best Batting Averages in Test Cricket
Here’s a look at the players with the best averages in Test cricket history:
| Player | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Bradman (AUS) | 52 | 6996 | 334 | 99.94 |
| Adam Voges (AUS) | 20 | 1485 | 269* | 61.87 |
| Harry Brook (ENG) | 23* | 2225 | 317 | 61.81 |
| Graeme Pollock (SA) | 23 | 2256 | 274 | 60.97 |
| George Headley (WI) | 22 | 2190 | 270* | 60.83 |
| Herbert Sutcliffe (ENG) | 54 | 4555 | 194 | 60.73 |
| Eddie Paynter (ENG) | 20 | 1540 | 243 | 59.23 |
| Ken Barrington (ENG) | 82 | 6806 | 256 | 58.67 |
| Everton Weekes (WI) | 48 | 4455 | 207 | 58.61 |
| Wally Hammond (ENG) | 85 | 7249 | 336* | 58.45 |
Note: A player’s batting average is calculated by dividing the total number of runs scored by the number of times they have been dismissed. Only players with a minimum of 20 innings are considered for the official list to ensure consistency and reflect sustained performance over time.
Now have a look at the above players in detail. You’ll know exactly how well they performed to achieve some of the best averages.
1. Don Bradman (Australia) – 99.94 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 1928-1948 |
| Matches | 52 |
| Innings | 80 |
| Runs | 6996 |
| Average | 99.94 |
| 100s | 29 |
| 50s | 13 |
| High Score | 334 |
Don Bradman’s batting average of 99.94 remains a remarkable feat that no modern player has come close to achieving. Bradman’s record is built on incredible consistency across a relatively short Test career of 52 matches, where he also holds the record for some of the most runs in Test series history.
With 29 centuries and a highest score of 334, his dominance in the 1920s and 1930s was unparalleled. Known for his impeccable technique and uncanny ability to convert starts into big innings, His average is exceptionally high.
2. Adam Voges (Australia) – 61.87 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 2015-2016 |
| Matches | 20 |
| Innings | 31 |
| Runs | 1485 |
| Average | 61.87 |
| 100s | 5 |
| 50s | 4 |
| High Score | 269* |
Adam Voges enjoyed a short but highly successful career, with an outstanding batting average of 61.87. His ability to build large innings quickly was evident in his highest score of 269* against the West Indies.
Voges had a remarkable knack for scoring runs consistently at the top level, which was reflected in his career strike rate and century tally. Although his Test career was short, he left an indelible mark on Australian cricket with his performances.
3. Harry Brook (England) – 61.81 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 2022-2024 |
| Matches | 23* |
| Innings | 37 |
| Runs | 2225 |
| Average | 61.81 |
| 100s | 8 |
| 50s | 9 |
| High Score | 317 |
Harry Brook has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Test cricket. His average of 61.81 from just 23 matches (as of 2024) is exceptional, considering the challenges of modern Test cricket.
Brook’s aggressive approach, combined with his ability to score massive runs, as demonstrated by his highest score of 317, makes him one of the most exciting prospects in international cricket.
4. Graeme Pollock (South Africa) – 60.97 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 1963-1970 |
| Matches | 23 |
| Innings | 41 |
| Runs | 2256 |
| Average | 60.97 |
| 100s | 7 |
| 50s | 11 |
| High Score | 274 |
Graeme Pollock, one of South Africa’s finest batsmen, was a force to be reckoned with in the 1960s. His average of 60.97 in Test cricket, built over 23 matches, is a testament to his brilliance.
Pollock was known for his elegant stroke play and his ability to score big centuries in critical situations. His highest score of 274 against Australia is a highlight of his career and one of the most memorable performances in South African cricket.
5. George Headley (West Indies) – 60.83 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 1930-1945 |
| Matches | 22 |
| Innings | 40 |
| Runs | 2190 |
| Average | 60.83 |
| 100s | 10 |
| 50s | 5 |
| High Score | 270* |
Known as the “Black Bradman,” George Headley was a key figure in West Indies cricket in the 1930s and 1940s. His batting average of 60.83 across 22 matches demonstrates his superb technique and ability to play in difficult conditions.
Headley’s highest score of 270* came against England, and his 10 centuries made him one of the leading run-scorers of his era. He was instrumental in shaping the West Indies’ rise as a cricketing powerhouse.
6. Herbert Sutcliffe (England) – 60.73 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 1924-1935 |
| Matches | 54 |
| Innings | 40 |
| Runs | 4555 |
| Average | 60.73 |
| 100s | 16 |
| 50s | 23 |
| High Score | 194 |
Herbert Sutcliffe was one of the most dependable opening batsmen for England in the 1920s and 1930s. His batting average of 60.73 is a testament to his skill and consistency.
His highest score of 194 was a key moment in his career, and he played a major role in England’s victories during his era.
7. Eddie Paynter (England) – 59.23 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 1931-1939 |
| Matches | 20 |
| Innings | 31 |
| Runs | 1540 |
| Average | 59.23 |
| 100s | 4 |
| 50s | 7 |
| High Score | 243 |
Eddie Paynter, who played during the 1930s, was known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to score runs under pressure. His batting average of 59.23 in 20 Test matches highlights his consistency.
Paynter’s best innings came against South Africa, where he scored 243, a match-winning contribution that remains one of his finest performances.
8. Ken Barrington (England) – 58.67 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 1955-1968 |
| Matches | 82 |
| Innings | 131 |
| Runs | 6806 |
| Average | 58.67 |
| 100s | 20 |
| 50s | 35 |
| High Score | 256 |
Ken Barrington was a stalwart for England in the 1950s and 1960s. His average of 58.67 over 82 Test matches underscores his importance in the team. Known for his technical proficiency, Barrington’s contributions were vital.
His highest score of 256 came against Australia, one of the many memorable innings of his career.
9. Everton Weekes (West Indies) – 58.61 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 1948-1958 |
| Matches | 48 |
| Innings | 81 |
| Runs | 4455 |
| Average | 58.61 |
| 100s | 15 |
| 50s | 19 |
| High Score | 207 |
Everton Weekes, part of the famous “Three Ws” (Weekes, Walcott, and Worrell) of West Indies cricket, was a prolific run-scorer in the 1950s. His average of 58.61 across 48 matches highlights his consistency at the international level.
Weekes was renowned for his elegant stroke play and ability to score heavily against top opponents. His career was marked by a series of defining innings, with his best score of 207 being a testament to his ability to play long, patient innings.
10. Wally Hammond (England) – 58.45 Test Cricket Average
| Span | 1927-1947 |
| Matches | 85 |
| Innings | 140 |
| Runs | 7249 |
| Average | 58.45 |
| 100s | 22 |
| 50s | 24 |
| High Score | 336* |
Wally Hammond was one of England’s greatest batsmen, with a Test career that spanned from the late 1920s to the late 1940s. His batting average of 58.45 shows his consistency in an era where batting conditions were far tougher than the present.
Hammond’s highest score of 336* came against New Zealand in 1933, and he was known for his ability to play across all conditions with great skill. His 22 centuries stand testament to his batting prowess during his illustrious career.
Who Has The Best Average In ODI and T20?
In ODIs, Ryan ten Doeschate (Netherlands) holds the highest batting average of 67.00, while in T20Is, Sami Sohail (Malawi) boasts the best average of 56.12.
Ryan ten Doeschate (ODI):
- Span: 2006-2011
- Matches: 33
- Runs: 1541
- Average: 67.00
- 100s: 5
- High Score: 119
Sami Sohail (T20I):
- Span: 2019-2024
- Matches: 46
- Runs: 1347
- Average: 56.12
- 100s: 0
- High Score: 94*
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Conclusion: Don Bradman Has The Best Average in Test
Don Bradman’s average of 99.94 continues to stand as the gold standard in cricket. While other players have achieved incredible averages, Bradman’s dominance remains unmatched.
From legends like Pollock and Headley to modern players like Brook, each batsman has brought unique brilliance to the sport.
These top players have left an indelible mark on the game, and their batting performances continue to inspire future generations.
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