Top 5: Fastest Batters to 1000 Runs in Test Cricket

Test cricket is a format that is not famous for quick-run scoring. But there have been a lot of batters who mastered the format and managed to score runs quickly at the start of their career.

In this article, we will talk about the top 5 fastest batters to score 1000 runs in Test cricket.

5. Neil Harvey (Australia) | 14 Innings 

Neil Harvey, who scored 153 runs against India in his second Test match in 1948, went on to complete 1000 Test runs from 14 innings in 1950.

Harvey played 79 Tests for Australia in his career, scoring 6149 runs at an average of 48 with 2 double centuries, 21 centuries, and 24 half-centuries to his name.

Harvey was a left-handed batter who had a great technique, which helped him find success in cricket’s toughest format. Also, his stroke play was flawless and classy.

4. Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka) | 13 Innings

Sri Lanka’s new batting sensation, Kamindu Mendis, scripted history in Galle by reaching 1000 Test runs in 13 innings. He achieved the feat during the second Test match against New Zealand on September 27, 2024.

Mendis has displayed his talent early on in his career by hammering centuries and fifties consistently. When he crossed the 1000-run milestone, he became the fastest Asian batter to achieve the feat.

Also Read | Top 5: Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket

3. Don Bradman (Australia) | 13 Innings

Don Bradman, an Australian great and one of the greatest ever Test batters in the history of the game, took 13 innings to complete 1000 Test runs.

He scored his 1000th run against England in Leeds in 1930 when he played an innings of 334 runs in the third match of the series. This is also his highest score in Test cricket.

Bradman made his Test debut in 1928 and retired in 1948. In the span of 20 years, he played 52 Tests for Australia and scored 6996 runs at an average of 99.94, with 29 hundreds to his name.

2. Everton Weekes (West Indies) | 12 Innings

Everton Weekes, an attacking batter from the West Indies, took just 12 innings and 1 year 14 days to complete 1000 Test runs.

Weekes represented the West Indies in 48 Tests, where he scored 4455 runs at an average of 58 with 2 double hundreds, 15 hundreds, and 19 half-centuries to his name.

1. Herbert Sutcliffe (England) | 12 Innings

Herbert Sutcliffe, England’s former Test opener, took 12 innings and only 244 days to complete 1000 Test runs.

Herbert made his Test debut against South Africa at Edgbaston in June 1924, and in February 1925 he scored his 1000th Test run, achieving the feat against Australia in Melbourne when he played a knock of 143 runs.

Herbert was known for his patience, concentration, and great technique. He played 54 Tests for England, scoring 4555 runs at an average of 59.9 with 16 centuries and 23 half-centuries to his name.