Here is a summary of the highest run-scorers in the current cycle of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23: The second edition of the ICC World Test Championship has been filled with exciting matches, outstanding performances by bowlers, and batsmen scoring a significant number of runs. In this cycle, nine batters have surpassed 1000 runs, with only the final match between Australia and India yet to be played at the Oval starting from 7th June. Check the Top 10 Ranked Players in ICC WTC based on Runs?
In comparison, the first edition had only six batters who reached this milestone. The leading run-scorers in the previous cycle from 2019-21, namely Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Root, and Steve Smith, have continued their impressive form in this edition as well. Alongside them, a prolific Pakistan star and two resurgent rivals have also joined the top ranks of run-scorers.
Top 10 Ranked Players in ICC WTC based on Runs?
The second edition of the ICC World Test Championship has been thrilling, featuring memorable matches, outstanding performances by bowlers, and batsmen accumulating a significant number of runs throughout the cycle. During the WTC cycle from 2021-23, nine batters have amassed more than 1000 runs, showcasing their exceptional batting skills and consistency.
1. Joe Root (England) – 1915 runs
In the second consecutive World Test Championship cycle, Joe Root has established himself among the top five highest run-scorers. With an impressive tally of 1915 runs from 22 Tests, it is highly likely that Root will maintain his position at the top of the charts unless the Australian opener ranked just below him manages to deliver extraordinary innings (or even two) during the WTC final.
Having carried his excellent form from the previous cycle, the former England captain started the current cycle on a high note. He scored three centuries and a fifty in the initial three matches against India. Unfortunately, Root received little support from his teammates, resulting in England trailing 2-1 in the series before the final match was postponed.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joe Root |
| Nickname | Rooty |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 30th December 1990 |
| Age | 32 |
| Birth Place | Sheffield, England |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off break |
| Height | 6’0″ |
| Role | Batsman |
2. Usman Khawaja (Australia) – 1608 runs
Usman Khawaja’s comeback to Test cricket has been truly inspirational, making it one of the most remarkable stories in recent history. Despite an unexpected recall during The Ashes, Khawaja seized the opportunity and became a vital pillar for the Australian team, contributing significantly to their table-topping performance in the 16 matches of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Khawaja’s return was nothing short of a dream as he showcased his prowess as an opening batsman. In the match against England in Sydney, he displayed exceptional batting skills by scoring twin centuries, with scores of 137 and an unbeaten 101*.
| Category | Usman Khawaja |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Usman Khawaja |
| Nickname | Uzzie |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 18th December 1986 |
| Age | 36 |
| Birth Place | Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Height | 5’8″ |
| Role | Batsman |
3. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 1527 runs
While Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign may not have been the most memorable, their captain, Babar Azam, stood out as a shining star, reaffirming his status as one of the best in the business throughout the 14 Tests of the cycle. Initially, Babar had a relatively subdued start, with only three half-centuries in the first five Tests of Pakistan’s WTC journey. However, when his team needed him the most, Babar rose to the occasion and played the finest innings of his Test career thus far.
Chasing a challenging target of 506 runs in the final innings on a difficult Karachi pitch, Babar single-handedly transformed what seemed like an impending defeat into a potential miraculous victory. Babar Azam’s remarkable performance showcased his immense talent and resilience, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier batsmen in the world of cricket.
| Category | Babar Azam |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Babar Azam |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 15th October 1994 |
| Age | 28 |
| Birth Place | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off break |
| Height | 5’11” |
| Role | Batsman |
4. Marnus Labuschagne (Australia) – 1509 runs
Marnus Labuschagne, alongside Joe Root, has retained his position among the top five run-scorers from the previous edition of the World Test Championship. Labuschagne has accumulated plentiful runs in 19 Tests during the current cycle, showcasing his consistent batting performances. Labuschagne began the WTC cycle impressively against familiar rivals England, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the Ashes series. He amassed 335 runs, which included a century in Adelaide and two half-centuries.
Although Labuschagne had a relatively quieter tour of Pakistan, he embarked on a dream run against Sri Lanka and the West Indies. During this period, he achieved remarkable feats, including scoring a double hundred and three centuries in just three matches. This remarkable achievement further solidified his status as a highly talented batsman in the game.
| Category | Marnus Labuschagne |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marnus Labuschagne |
| Nickname | Marnie |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 22nd June 1994 |
| Age | 28 |
| Birth Place | Klerksdorp, South Africa |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg break |
| Height | 5’9″ |
| Role | Batsman |
5. Jonny Bairstow (England) – 1285 run
Jonny Bairstow experienced a bittersweet campaign in the World Test Championship, spanning 15 matches. He encountered a troubled start to the WTC cycle, leading to his exclusion from the Test side. However, Bairstow made a remarkable comeback, only to have his impressive run abruptly halted by a freak injury.
Initially, Bairstow struggled to make a significant impact against India, managing just one score of 50 or more. Subsequently, he was dropped from the playing XI for the first three matches of the Ashes series. However, upon his return, Bairstow made a resounding statement with a brilliant innings of 113 runs in the final Test held in Sydney.
| Category | Jonny Bairstow |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonny Bairstow |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 26th September 1989 |
| Age | 33 |
| Birth Place | Bradford, England |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Height | 6’0″ |
| Role | Batsman |
6. Steven Smith (Australia) – 1252 runs
Steven Smith had a notable record in the 2021-2023 World Test Championship, featuring in 19 matches. While his overall tally of runs amounted to 252, it was his highest score of an unbeaten 200 that stood out. Smith maintained a respectable batting average of 50.08 throughout the championship, showcasing his consistency and contribution to the team. Although his run total may not have been as prolific as in previous campaigns, Smith’s ability to convert his innings into significant scores was exemplified by his double century, demonstrating his importance as a key batsman in the Australian lineup during the WTC.
| Category | Steven Smith |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Smith |
| Nickname | Smith |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 2nd June 1989 |
| Age | 34 |
| Birth Place | Sydney, Australia |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg break |
| Height | 6’0″ |
| Role | Batsman |
7. TM Head (Australia) – 1208 runs
During the period spanning from 2021 to 2023, the TM Head proved to be an integral player in the World Test Championship (WTC). Participating in a total of 17 matches, TM Head showcased exceptional batting skills and contributed significantly to the team’s success. Accumulating an impressive total of 1208 runs, with the highest individual score of 175, TM Head consistently demonstrated his ability to score big runs when it mattered the most. His average of 52.52 further highlights his consistency and reliability as a batsman. TM Head’s exceptional performances were crucial in driving the team forward and securing valuable victories throughout the WTC.
| Category | TM Head |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Travis Head |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 29th December 1993 |
| Age | 29 |
| Birth Place | Adelaide, Australia |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off break |
| Height | 6’0″ |
| Role | Batsman |
8. FDM Karunaratne (Sri Lanka) – 1054 runs
During the period from 2021 to 2023, FDM Karunaratne made significant contributions to the World Test Championship (WTC) as a player. Participating in a total of 12 matches, Karunaratne showcased his skills as a batsman and played a vital role in his team’s performances. With a total of 1054 runs, including the highest individual score of 147, Karunaratne consistently displayed his ability to score big runs and lead the team from the front. His average of 47.90 further emphasizes his consistency and ability to contribute valuable runs to the team’s tally. Karunaratne’s performances during the WTC were instrumental in driving the team’s success and securing important victories.
| Category | FDM Karunaratne |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dimuth Karunaratne |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 21st April 1988 |
| Age | 35 |
| Birth Place | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Height | 5’10” |
| Role | Batsman |
9. Litton Das (Bangladesh) – 1024 runs
Litton Das had an impressive record in the 2021-2023 World Test Championship, participating in 12 matches. During this span, Das accumulated a noteworthy total of 1024 runs. His highest score in the championship was 141, demonstrating his ability to excel and convert his starts into substantial innings. With an average of 46.54, Das showcased his consistency as a reliable run-scorer for his team. His contributions played a vital role in Bangladesh’s Test performances, and his impressive run tally further established him as a key player in their lineup during the WTC.
| Category | Litton Das |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Litton Das |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 13th October 1994 |
| Age | 28 |
| Birth Place | Dinajpur, Bangladesh |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off break |
| Height | 5’6″ |
| Role | Batsman |
10. KC Brathwaite (West Indies) – 994 runs
KC Brathwaite had a commendable record in the 2021-2023 World Test Championship, participating in 13 matches. Throughout the championship, Brathwaite accumulated an impressive total of 994 runs. His highest score during this period was 160, showcasing his ability to play significant innings and lead the West Indies batting line-up. With an average of 43.21, Brathwaite displayed consistency in his performances, contributing consistently to his team’s success. His contributions with the bat were crucial for the West Indies Test campaign, and his solid run tally further solidified his importance as a key batsman in the team during the WTC.
| Category | KC Brathwaite |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kraigg Brathwaite |
| Nickname | Brath |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 1st December 1992 |
| Age | 30 |
| Birth Place | Black Rock, Barbados |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off break |
| Height | 6’0″ |
| Role | Batsman |
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