Highest Batting Average In Test (Min 50 Tests)

Every proper technical batsman wishes to play test cricket once in their lifetime. Surviving in test cricket is not easy as it brings your composure and deftness into the picture. A batter plays tests for his nation in both home and away conditions. Batting at home is simple as players grow up playing there but overseas pitches throw different challenges, hence performing equally well becomes vital to prove their greatness. The batting average signals the consistency of the batsmen, let’s have a look at the players with the highest batting average in test. 

Don Bradman 

Regarded as the best-ever batsman of the 20th century, Sir Don Bradman sits in the top spot in terms of having the highest batting average in the test. The once-in-a-generation batsman from Australia amassed 6996 runs at an astonishing average of 99.94. It’s just tremendous that Bradman used to make almost 100 runs in every match throughout his career. If he had scored only 4 runs in his last test match against England in 1948, his test average would touch 100. In his career of 20 years, Sir Bradman hit 29 centuries and 13 fifties. 

Herbert Sutcliffe

One of the greatest batters to play for England in the early 90s, Herbert Sutcliffe mustered 4555 runs at an impressive average of 60.73, the 2nd highest batting average in tests (Min 50 tests). The Yorkshire man piled up runs on all types of wickets, bowlers had to work really hard to get his prize wicket. From 1924 to 1935, the legendary batter smashed 16 tons and 23 fifties, including the best score of 194. 

Steve Smith 

The finest test batsman of the 2010s, the backbone of the Australian batting unit, Steve Smith finds himself in 3rd position on the honorable tally of highest batting average in test. Smith started his career as a leg spinner, however, he developed an unorthodox robust shuffling batting technique to conquer the longest format of the game. Featuring 102 tests, the New South Wales batting stalwart has aggregated 9266 runs at a stunning average of 58.64. He has smashed 32 centuries so far in his career but his best century, 121 off 268 balls came against India in the 2023 World Test Championship final at the Oval. Smith’s batting may look vulnerable but only bowlers know that he only gets out after making them cry. 

Ken Barrington 

The 4th place on the list of the highest batting average in tests is occupied by England’s Ken Barrington. In the beginning, Ken would bat aggressively but later he turned his game into defensive. His solid batting in the English top order aided the team to win many matches. Barrington possessed an average of fascinating 58.67 and got 20 centuries and 35 fifties in his whole journey. 

Wally Hammond 

Wally Hammond is one of the top 3 players to play cricket in the 90s. The South African-born English player had sensational footwork, assisting him to score 7249 runs in 85 tests while averaging 58.45. From his debut in 1927 to his last match in 1947, Hammond never seemed to be out of form. His display of masterly batting saw him get 22 hundred and 24 half-centuries. 

List of Highest Batting Average in Test (Min 50 Innings)

Player	Matches	Innings	Runs	AVG
Don Bradman (AUS)	52	80	6996	99.94
Herbert Sutcliffe (ENG)	54	84	4555	60.73
Steve Smith (AUS)	102	180	9266	58.64
Ken Barrington (ENG)	82	131	6806	58.67
Wally Hammond (ENG)	85	140	7249	58.45
Garfield Sobers (WI)	93	160	8032	57.78
Kumar Sangakkara (SL)	134	233	12400	57.40
Jack Hobbs (ENG)	61	102	5410	56.94
Leonard Hutton (ENG)	79	138	6971	56.67
Jack Kallis (SA)	166	280	13289	55.37
Kane Williamson (NZ)	94	164	8124	54.89